Lamborghini Announces 562-hp, Race-Derived Gallardo Squadra Corse

The Lamborghini Gallardo has been around for more than 10 years—really—but it remains one of the most exciting and fascinating cars on the planet. The next generation entry-level Lambo is just around the corner, but the VW Group's most ostentatious subsidiary is nevertheless keeping its current baby in the spotlight as long as possible, having just announced the LP570-4 Squadra Corse. This new spin-off is derived from the Gallardo Super Trofeo race car that competes in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo cup. Like the race version, the Squadra Corse is distinguished from more pedestrian versions of the Gallardo by its quick-release carbon-fiber engine cover; its tall, matte-black carbon rear wing (which is said to provide three times the downforce of the base car); and the uprated 562-hp V-10 engine. Lambo claims 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 199 mph. Again following the racer's lead, all-wheel drive is standard, as is the automated manual gearbox. The center console, which we would prefer housed a beautiful open-gate shifter, instead serves as home to the pushbuttons needed to operate the clunky single-clutch automatic. The Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse—isn't that name a testament to the beauty of the Italian language?—is smeared with a red, white, and green Italian flag stripe that sweeps along the bottom of the door and up to parallel the intake ahead of the rear wheel. The paint choices are yellow, white, gray, or red, while the brake calipers can be optioned in red, black, or yellow. Black 19-inch forged wheels, racing seats (which can be swapped for less-aggressive thrones), and an interior stuffed with faux suede and carbon-fiber trim are part of the package, too. Instrumented Test: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Official Photos and Info: 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 First Test: 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo As an all-wheel drive Gallardo, the LP570-4 Squadra Corse wears the most recent styling update, which has not trickled down to the purist rear-wheel drive version. Characterized by a triangle motif front and aft, we think it does little to improve the Gallardo's appeal, but at least it's something different as the car moves into its second decade. The newest—and potentially last—iteration of the Gallardo will bow next month at the Frankfurt auto show. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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