Alongside the Gallardo LP560-4, which underwent a facelift at the end of 2012, other versions remain. These include the LP 570-4 Superleggera and its uncovered counterpart, the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. Both are now grouped under the name LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica. Again, nothing changes from a technical point of view. In this case, the V10 is increased to 570 bhp, which, combined with a reduction in weight, enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The Edizione Tecnica does not feature the new bumper. Instead, it makes do with new livery, such as the black and orange of the car shown in the official photos. The rear-wheel drive versions of the LP 550-2 remain unchanged in the catalogue.

With this Squadra Corse LP570-4, Lamborghini is repeating the trick of the Super Trofeo Stradale, but based on the Nuova Gallardo, i.e. with different front and rear fascias. The Squadra Corse name is taken from the brand-new racing department created at Lamborghini to oversee entries for the GT3 and SuperTrofeo championships, 2 racing versions which were also on display. The 570bhp 5.2-litre V10 engine and e-gearbox are identical to the racing version, as are the rear spoiler and the removable bonnet with carbon quick-release system. The Squadra Corse will be available in Midas Yellow, Monocerus White, Thalasso Grey and Mars Red, contrasting with the matt finish of the spoiler and the gloss black of the front and rear fascias, 19″ wheels and bonnet.

The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is the road-going version of the model competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo one-make series at the Blancpain Race Weekends. In fact, the Super Trofeo Stradale is a limited series of 150 units, distinguished from the Superleggera by its Racing interior (Alcantara, carbon, bucket seats and harness), its striking Rosso Mars colour scheme, its carbon rear wing that eats up 5km/h of top speed but provides extra downforce, and its louvered bonnet, also in carbon. In short, if you’ve been paying attention, this is a Super Superleggera and therefore the 2nd Edition of the Blancpain Edition.

The apple green colour, combined with the beautiful ultra-light matt black wheels and the new carbon fibre spoiler, rear-view mirrors and spoiler, suits it like a glove. To lighten its weight, the Incredible Hulk of the Road also adopts a front bonnet and engine bonnet made from the same precious material. In the cockpit, slippery leather has been replaced by alcantara with green stitching. According to Lamborghini, fuel consumption is down by 20%, with an average of 13.5 litres per 100 km with the E-Gear gearbox and 14.4 litres per 100 km with the six-speed manual gearbox. In a way, a 911 GT3 with a Bolognese twist!

This 1st Super Light version differs from the ‘ordinary’ Gallardo in that it features a series of carbon elements, including the imposing fixed spoiler (optional) fitted behind the Plexiglas window covering the engine. The use of carbon is not confined to the visible elements (rear-view mirrors, door panels, spoiler), but also extends to the rear diffuser and the car’s virtually flat floor. Carbon is also king in the cabin. Depending on the options, it can be found on the centre console or in the alcantara-covered monocoque bucket seats. The quest for weight savings goes even further, since in addition to the absence of a multimedia unit (available on request), the door handles have been replaced by simple little leather straps. The Superleggera is to Lamborghini what the GT3 is to Porsche.

Alongside the Gallardo LP560-4, which underwent a facelift at the end of 2012, other versions remain. These include the LP 570-4 Superleggera and its uncovered counterpart, the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. Both are now grouped under the name LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica. Again, nothing changes from a technical point of view. In this case, the V10 is increased to 570 bhp, which, combined with a reduction in weight, enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. The Edizione Tecnica does not feature the new bumper. Instead, it makes do with new livery, such as the black and orange of the car shown in the official photos. The rear-wheel drive versions of the LP 550-2 remain unchanged in the catalogue.

As a tribute to the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, Lamborghini is launching the Gallardo Tricolore. A white version of the LP 550-2 adorned with tricolour stripes, in the colours of the Italian flag of course. The rear-view mirror caps are made of carbon, the wheels are painted black and there are 4 chromed tailpipes. The sober black interior is embellished by the tricolour stripe running across the driver’s seat. Apart from that, there’s nothing really spectacular…

The history of Lamborghini is made up of great successes, but also of bitter failures that time has made us forget, or almost forget. The Lamborghini Islero falls into this category. And yet, despite its fatal early mistakes, the Islero has been criticised by many for being a mere evolution of the 350 GT, with even a clear resemblance to the very first project, the 350 GTV, in terms of the front end with retractable headlights. It is considered too classic. Unlike the Espada, the Islero was far from unanimously acclaimed in terms of styling, although Ferrucio preferred the Espada because it remained the most faithful to his vision of Gran Turismo.

By the summer of 1969, only 125 examples had been ordered and delivered. Lamborghini tried to put things right with the launch of the Islero S, revised in many respects and with an upgrade of the V12 to 350 bhp, as on the Espada, which further raised its remarkable level of performance. But the Islero’s catastrophic reputation and overly conservative design condemned it to a short career. In 1970, after selling 100 models of its Islero S, Lamborghini withdrew it from the catalogue and suffered heavy financial losses.

Following the consecutive failures of the Urraco and Silhouette, Lamborghini stopped producing V8 sports cars in 1978. In 1981, the company changed buyers once again. Patrick Mimram, the new boss, took his turn at trying out the V8, using the Silhouette’s P118 chassis. The P118/B, aka Jalpa, will have to face up to the curse that seems to strike the bull’s-eye V8s… The design was once again entrusted to Bertone, and the very similar lines did not betray the filiation. The Jalpa is also a 2-seater coupé with a central rear engine and removable roof, a formula that has made Ferrari’s 308 GTS and Porsche’s 911 Targa such commercial successes.