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On the 2007 Geneva Auto show Automobili Lamborghini SpA unveiled a very special Gallardo evolution, they called it the Superleggera ... which loosely translates into lightweight, but it has a more important meaning for Lamborghini.

Superleggera is actually a special production method by Touring that involved pulling aluminum panels over a tube frame … just like the original 350GT from the Sixties was being built … and now the name surfaces again on another Raging Bull, the successful Gallardo V10 model, and once again the Superleggera addendum makes for one very impressive car.

At that time the Gallardo Superleggera was the ultimate V10 model in the line-up, adding 10 hp to the power output and dropping 100kgs of weight made this super car handle much more dynamic and offer acceleration figures of 3.8 seconds to reach 100Km/h … shaving 0.2 seconds from the time possible in the standard Gallardo … probably also a result of using the e-Gear gearbox instead of the manual version.

On the Gallardo Superleggera the entire engine cover is made from carbon fiber while the window is made from polycarbonate to avoid heavy glass and still be able to admire the beautiful V10 engine … but the carbon fiber treatment doesn't stop with the engine cover … the side sills, the undertray, the rear diffuser, the exterior rear view mirrors, the door panels on the inside and the central console … all finished in glossy carbon fiber … to decrease weight and create a visual impact unseen at that time.

The seats are upholstered in Alcantara which offers a better grip for the driver and passenger, the same material is used on the steering wheel while the e-Gear is standard issue and a sports package includes custom shock absorbers … initially only four shades were available on the Gallardo Superleggera : Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black, but later on the Bianco Monocerus was added.

Note that the Scorpius rims first mounted on this 2007 edition would later also be used on the LP550-2 Balboni special … they are very sporty looking and track inspired, so they surely don't look out of place on the Gallardo Superleggera.

This AutoArt 1/18 version of the Gallardo Superleggera in Grigio Telesto is actually the same shade as the official show car at Geneva and the one used for the press release on this new model … so I just had to add it to the collection to keep it complete … and even better as I managed to get hold of this model for only €49, new in the box.

Now I already owned a white and an orange shade on this AutoArt model, so I knew what to expect, this is a very nice model, all the details are there … some might argue the engine detail is a bit low for an AutoArt model, but still it isn't that bad.

Note that AutoArt went for the optional four-point seat belts on these but didn't mount the carbon ceramic disk brakes, which were also an option on the Superleggera by the way. I must admit the seats look like leather on this model, while they should be looking like Alcantara, but I guess that is nitpicking on my part.

The carbon fiber on the engine hood, rear wing and rear view mirrors does look very nice, perhaps not scaled down enough, but I guess making it real 1/18 would turn it to a solid looking dark grey anyway, so AutoArt did their best at this time.

I for one really love the white version of the Gallardo Superleggera, but this dark grey does look very impressive too, putting all three next to each other does make deciding which one looks best a rather difficult task, and as much as I needed this model to have the correct press release shade I still like the white one best … but that's my personal taste.

our RATING

Overall rating

8/10

Original price : € 49