FRANKFURT 2011: LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP-570-4 SUPER TROFEO STRADALE

Lamborghini’s new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale has wowed the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show with its sharp, shocking design, carbon fibre bits, and its stated performance credentials.

Supercars are obviously Lambo’s forte, the main reason for the Volkswagen-owned brand’s existence. This being one of the last hurrah cars for the Gallardo range means it had to be that extra special. While the V10 engine has been kept, extra girth was shed to the tune of up to 70kg, leaving out a kerb weight of 1340kg. That's despite the name being such a mouthful.

Said engine whirls out a rather sweet 419kW at a howling 8000rpm, as well as 540Nm of torque at 6500rpm. High revs and high expectations go together. Owners would probably not be let down by the claimed 0 – 100km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds, as well as the 320km/h top end. All wheels geddup-n-go through Lambo’s 6-speed e-gear transmission, which also has launch control.

But this is more of a track car than one made for the freeway, so then we see equipment like a fire extinguisher, roll cage, a suede-covered steering wheel and monocoque bucket racing seats. Buyers who can afford to (uhm, duh) will be able to also order certain parts in carbon fibre, including bits like the handbrake frame and door handles.

With only 150 planned for production, if you didn’t know about this car then you obviously aren’t on the list.