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วันจันทร์ที่ 31 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2554

Lamborghini Gallardo

Lamborghini Gallardo

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
Manufacturer Lamborghini
Production 2003–present
[1][2]
Assembly Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Predecessor Lamborghini Jalpa
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door coupé
2-door spyder
Layout Mid-engine, four-wheel drive
Mid-engine, rear wheel drive (Balboni Edition)
Engine 5.0 L V10
5.2 L V10
Transmission 6-speed manual
6-speed single clutch electrohydraulic manual transmission
Wheelbase 2,560 mm (100.8 in)
Length 4,345 mm (171.1 in)
Width 1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Height 1,165 mm (45.9 in)
Spyder: 46.6 in (1,183.6 mm)
Curb weight 1,520 kg (3,351 lb)
LP560-4: 1,500 kg (3,307 lb)
Related Audi R8
Lamborghini Concept S
Designer Luc Donckerwolke
The Lamborghini Gallardo (play /ɡˈjɑrd/; Italian: [ɡaʎˈʎardo]) is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production.[3] The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull.
The Gallardo offers two choices of transmissions, a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission, and an advanced six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic robotized manual, which Lamborghini abbreviates to "E-gear". The "E-gear" allows the driver to make shifts much faster than a manual transmission would. The driver shifts up and down via paddles behind the steering wheel, but can also use an automatic mode.[4]
For the MY2006 (launched in late 2005) Lamborghini introduced many changes to the car to counter some criticisms garnered from the press and owners. These were derived from the limited edition Gallardo SE. The exhaust system was changed to a more sporty one (including a flap to make it quieter around town), the suspension was revised and a new steering rack was fitted, the engine power was increased by 20 bhp to a maximum of 512 brake horsepower (382 kW), the biggest change was an overall lowering of the gearing especially in 1st to 5th. The result was a much improved car; it handled and turned better, sounded better under full throttle and the extra power and lower gearing turned an already fast car into a seriously quick one.
The Audi R8 sports car, launched in early 2007, is based on the Gallardo platform, and uses a 4.2 litre V8 in place of the Gallardo's V10 to avoid competing directly with the Gallardo. In December 2008, Audi unveiled a V10 Audi R8, with a detuned version of the Gallardo's engine, placed between the R8 V8 and the Gallardo.
For the 2008 model year, features added to the Gallardo included an onboard computer, iPod connectivity with USB, heated mirrors, Q-citura stitching that originally could only be found on the Nera model, and a beige soft-top on the Spyder.[5]

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[edit] Variants

[edit] Lamborghini Concept S (2005)

This is a concept vehicle based on the contemporary Gallardo, but without a roof. The car was designed by Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Lamborghini Design.
The car was unveiled in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show.[6]

[edit] SE (2005)


2006 Verde Ithaca Gallardo SE on Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles.
Gallardo SE (Special Edition) is a limited (250 unit) version introduced in late 2005. The SE is distinguished from the regular Gallardo externally by having a black-roofed two-tone color scheme as well as specially-designed "Callisto" rims shod with Pirelli tires. Note that the Gallardo SE could only be ordered in a very small selection of exterior colors: two grey shades as well as white (Balloon white), yellow (Giallo Midas), Orange (Arancio Borealis) and green (Verde Ithaca)

2006 Verde Ithaca Gallardo SE Interior.
The Gallardo SE comes with a two-tone interior. All piping and stitching on the ultra-quality leather are executed in the same color as the bodywork of the car. The mid sections of the seats are finished in color-coded upholstery and even the black floormats have a color coded borders.
A rear-view camera is also standard issue on the Gallardo SE, as is a multimedia system and a navigation system. The sport suspension and an exclusive cover also came with the car but there are still several other options available, like the E-gear, which featured a 'thrust' mode to offer even more impressive acceleration by improving the gearchange through the different gears.
This "thrust" mode automatically revs the car to 5,000 rpm, drops the clutch engaging all four wheels in a controlled burnout, and ensures the car performs maximum acceleration. This "launch" only requires the driver to engage the "thrust" mode and step on the gas pedal, similar to the launch technology in the BMW M3, Ferrari 360 F1 and F430, as well as pre-2008 Formula 1 cars.

[edit] Nera (2007)


Lamborghini Gallardo Nera
Gallardo Nera (Special Edition) is a limited (185 unit) version of contemporary Gallardo coupe introduced at the Paris Motor Show. The car was designed to showcase the customization options available to the customer in the Ad Personam program.
The Nera features special matte black body panels, and is only available in black—actually a combination of Nero Serapis and Nero Noctis. Brake calipers are painted a special silver, and the taillights are smoked to match the darker paint scheme. The interior is stitched from high-contrast black and white leather in the Q-Citura (lozenge shaped) fashion. Note that the glass engine cover remained an option, even on the Nera.
Among the produced Gallardo Nera, 60 were destined for the American market, 91 were sold in Europe.

[edit] Gallardo Spyder (2006-2008)


Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
The production spyder model of the Gallardo was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is considered by the company to be an entirely new model, with 520 PS (382 kW; 513 hp) and a lower-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The soft top is fully retractable.
Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer was the first person in North America to take delivery of the Gallardo Spyder.
Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson announced on 18 February 2007 that he had bought a Gallardo Spyder, replacing his Ford GT.

[edit] Racing (2007-)

In 2007, a Lamborghini Gallardo was entered in FIA GT3, as well as the Japanese 'SUPER GT' Championship in the GT300 class, the lower of the two classes in the series.
The FIA GT3 car was built with help from German motorsport specialists Reiter Engineering, who previously made the Murcielago GT1 and the Diablo GTR Super Trophy racers. All the extra aerodynamics were bolt-on parts, conforming with cost-effective regulations that meant the finished car had to closely resemble its road-going counterpart. Brembo racing brakes and OZ Racing wheels were also added. It remained All-Wheel-Drive.[7] It produced 512 brake horsepower (382 kW) @ 7800rpm and 376.2 lb.ft of Torque @ 4500 rpm, barely more than the road car, and only as a result of adding an unsilenced racing exhaust system and better cooling.
The SUPER GT car had to conform to rather different regulations. It could produce no more than 300PS (295 bhp/224 kW) and must be Rear-Wheel-Drive. The power is limited by air restrictors placed in the engine bay. The gearbox is a sequential 6-Speed twin-clutch setup. The rules regarding aerodynamics are far looser than those in FIA GT, meaning the SUPER GT car has more advanced aero, including a much bigger rear wing. It took a while to be competitive, only being consistently at the top this 2009 season.[8]
LP560-4 Super Trofeo (2009-)
Lamborghini introduced what it calls the 'Fastest one-make series in the world', featuring a 570 bhp, All-Wheel-Drive race-prepared version of the newer Gallardo LP560-4. The series supported European race series such as Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), FIA GT Series and the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), featuring 18 races overall and having a 30-car grid consisting of privateer teams as well as Lamborghini dealer teams and one factory team featuring guest drivers.[9]

[edit] Superleggera (2007-2008)


Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.
A version of the Gallardo, dubbed the Superleggera (super light), was launched at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show supposedly in preparation for the next Ferrari 430 Scuderia.[citation needed] The Superleggera paid tribute to the first Lamborghini production model, the famous 350GT, which was designed and built by the Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, a coachbuilding company that recently restarted its activities. The Lamborghini Gallardo doesn't have a Superleggera style constructed body, only the name.[10]
The engine's improved intake, exhaust and ECU added 10 PS (7 kW; 10 hp) for a total of 530 PS (390 kW; 523 hp). The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a US$ 10,000 option, now comes as a standard. A 6-speed manual gearbox was still offered as a no cost option.
The Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by 100 kg (220 lb) (70 kg (150 lb) in US model) from 1,430 kg (3,200 lb) via the use of carbon fibre panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, engine cover; titanium wheel nuts, carbon fibre sports seats with Alcantara.
Colour choices include Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black.[11]
The vehicle was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Auto Show.[12]
The full price for a Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $260,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007.[13]
In March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera.[14] During its production life, 172 were produced, with 10 in white, 34 in grey, 37 in black, 45 in yellow and 46 in orange.[15]

[edit] LP 560-4 (2008-)


Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder
It is powered by a new 5.2L V10 with direct injection, with improved power and torque. Unlike the precedent engine, this engine no longer has split crankpins, so it is not even firing, but Lamborghini says that due to the stiffer crankshaft it has less vibrations than the previous engine.[16]
Transmission choices include six-speed manual or a six-speed E-gear, with E-gear revised to change gears by a rotational selector instead of a fore/aft movement, which offers 40% quicker shifts. E-gear also added Corsa setting and Thrust Mode launch control system.
The car was also 20 kg (44 lb) lighter than 2008 base Gallardo. Other changes include a new front bumper influenced by the Murcielago and exterior lights influenced by the Lamborghini Reventón.
Gallardo LP 560-4 has base price of US$205,000, but can go over $220,000 with e-gear, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon interior package, navigation and other options.[17] Other factory options are available with Ad Personam program.[18] The British version has MSRP of £147,330.00 ($235,730 USD), including NavTrak vehicle tracking system and delivery package.[19]
The vehicle was unveiled at 2008 Geneva Auto Show.[20]
In an episode of Top Gear, the LP 560-4 managed a lap of 1:19.5, faster than the Ferrari F430 Scuderia.
The first production LP560-4 was built with help of an Automobile Magazine journalist.[21]
The first US car was sold in 16th Annual Race to Erase MS charity auction for $270,000 to former True Religion Jeans co-founder/co-creator Kymberly Gold and music producer Victor Newman.[22]

[edit] LP 560-4 Spyder (2008-)

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder was unveiled at 2008 LA Auto Show.[23][24][25] The LP560-4 Spyder has a slightly more limited top speed than the LP560-4 coupe. The drop-top limits this version's top speed to around 322 km/h. The convertible roof comes in 4 colors.

[edit] Super Trofeo (2009)


Lamborghini Super Trofeo
It is a limited (30 units) version designed for Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make racing series. The series began in May 2009.
The Super Trofeo race car is based on the Gallardo LP 560-4 sports car, but with a reworked chassis and a direct injection V10 engine rated 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp) with higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, variable valve timing. The car has dry weight of 1,300 kg (2,900 lb). E-gear transmission is standard.
The Super Trofeo car and parts package cost €200,000 (US$284,300) plus tax, available via Lamborghini dealerships, with support and parts sales trackside.
The car set the fastest lap time at the Vallelunga Circuit, with Giorgio Sanna as driver.[26]

[edit] LP 550-2 Balboni (2009)


Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni at the 2010 Montreal International Auto Show.
This is a limited (to 250 units) version named after Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni. The engine was rated at 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp). The vehicle has dry weight of 1,380 kg (3,000 lb). Unlike the contemporary line-up, this model is rear wheel drive (because the standard all-wheel drive system was removed). It is the first Gallardo ever to use 2 wheel drive.
The CORSA ESP setting allows greater drift angles over regular models.
Other features include re-calibrated optional e-gear transmission, redeveloped 45% limited slip differential, full leather black upholstery with white colour strips, Polar white centre console, a stripe down the centre of the car, and a badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.
The Lamborghini LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni can reach a top speed of 199 mph and reach 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.[27]
The vehicle has MSRP of €162,000 (Europe), £137,900 (UK), $219,800 (US).[28]
In 2009, the car was voted Top Gear's car of the year; Richard Hammond deadpanned: "We were impressed with its stripe, its V10 engine, its rear wheel drive, the savagery of its exhaust, and its stripe."

[edit] LP 570-4 Superleggera (2010)


LP 570-4 Superleggera.
In March 2010, Lamborghini announced the release of the LP 570-4 Superleggera - a lightweight and more powerful version of the Gallardo LP 560-4. Carbon fiber is used extensively inside and out to reduce weight to only 2,954 lb (1,340 kg) - enough to make the LP 570-4 the lightest road-going Lamborghini in the range.
The 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 570 horsepower, and can travel from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, up to a 202 mph (325 km/h) top speed.[29][30][31]

[edit] LP 570-4 Spyder Performante

In November 2010, Lamborghini announced the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante - a convertible version of the LP 570-4 Superleggera. As usual, the convertible parts make the Spyder Performante heavier than the Superleggera coupe (up to 3,275 lb (1,486 kg) from 2,954 lb (1,340 kg) in the Superleggera,) but Lamborghini has taken extra steps to ensure the Spyder is still 143 lb (65 kg) lighter than the standard Gallardo Spyder.
Using the same 562 horsepower 5.2-litre V10 from the LP 570-4 Superleggera, the Spyder goes from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 3.9 seconds.[32]

[edit] Bicolore edition

The latest version of the Gallardo, released in late 2010, is the Bicolore edition featuring a unique two-tone paint job. The car is available only in orange, yellow, silver, white or blue with a black roof with unique Skorplus alloy rims. The car is powered by the same V10 engine in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations.[33]

[edit] Replacement

With the launch of the Aventador to replace the Murcielago, rumours of replacing the Gallardo is high on the agenda. Lamborghini announced that the Gallardo would be replaced with a car named the Cabrera which may pack a V10 packing a possible 592 brake horsepower (441 kW; 600 PS). The Cabrera will also feature Carbon Fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts that will help to reduce the car’s total weight. Four-Wheel drive is also being considered. The clarified name would be 'Cabrera LP600-4'.

[edit] Specifications

[hide]Models Coupe 2003-2005 SE (2005) Spyder 2006-2008 Nera (2007), Coupe 2006-2008 Superleggera (2007–2008) LP 560-4 LP 560-4 Spyder LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni
rear wheel drive
LP 570-4 Superleggera
Engine
Type 4,961 cc (4.961 L; 302.7 cu in) V10 40 valves DOHC 5,204 cc (5.204 L; 317.6 cu in) V10 40 valves DOHC
Power@rpm 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)@7800 520 PS (382 kW; 513 hp)@8000 530 PS (390 kW; 523 hp)@8000 560 PS (412 kW; 552 hp)@8000 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp)@8000 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@8000
Torque@rpm 509.8 N·m (376.0 lb·ft)@4500 509.8 N·m (376.0 lb·ft)@4250 539 N·m (398 lb·ft)@6500
Performance
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) (sec) 4.2 4.0 4.3 4.0 3.8 3.7
3.2+ (R&T)[34]
4.0 3.9 3.4
0 to 200 km/h (120 mph) (sec) 14.0 13.6 14.3 13.6 12.4 11.8 13.1 ? 10.2
1/4 mile 12.4 s @ 118 mph (190 km/h) 12.1 s @ 120 mph (190 km/h) - 12.1 s @ 120 mph (190 km/h) 11.7 s @ 123 mph (198 km/h) 11.2 s @ 129.5 mph (208.4 km/h) (R&T)
11.9s @ 120.5 mph (193.9 km/h) (MT)[35]
- 11.5s @ 126.7 mph (203.9 km/h) (R&T)[36]
11.5s @ 125.6 mph (202.1 km/h)[37]
-
Top speed 309 km/h (192 mph) 314 km/h (195 mph) 314 km/h (195 mph) 314 km/h (195 mph) 315 km/h (196 mph) 325 km/h (202 mph) 324 km/h (201 mph) 320 km/h (200 mph) 325 km/h (202 mph)

[edit] Police cars

In December 2004, two L140 Gallardos were donated to the Italian police in honour of the force's 152nd anniversary, one came from Automobili Lamborghini SpA while a second was donated by an independent organization.
The Gallardo Police Cars are used by the traffic police (Polizia Stradale) during emergencies and alarm situations on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway, also under the powers of the special safety operative which is already being employed along that tract of highway and, above all, for the transport of body organs destined for transplantation.
In October 2008, a private ceremony was held at the Viminale Palace where Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated the newest Gallardo, the LP560-4, to the head of the Italian State Police, Prefect Antonio Manganelli. The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia will replace its predecessor to fulfill roles with the Lazio Highway Police Department.[38]
Yellow L140 Gallardos have been "temporary" police cars for the Metropolitan Police in London, England, one in 2005 and one in 2006, for specific publicity events. The 2006 vehicle was seen at the start of the 2006 Gumball Rally. Both vehicles were lent by Lamborghini London and were fitted with yellow and blue battenburg markings, police logos and a small blue lightbar.



[edit] Production


Two Gallardos together
Year Units Gallardo Gallardo Spyder
2003[39] 933 933 -
2004[39] 1294 1294 -
2005[40] 972 947 25
2006[40] 1651 626 1025
2007[41] 1951 936 1015
2008[41] 1787 1206 581
2009[42] 922 462 460
2010[42] 1064 817 247
Total 10,574 7,221 3,353

[edit] Racing

DP7 Racing has currently entered two Gallardos in the Speed World Challenge GT Series, driven by Dan Pastorini and Chip Herr.[43]
The Super Trofeo car was also used in the 18-race Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make racing series, with Swiss watch maker Blancpain as sponsor.
Reiter Engineering supported the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Strata of White Hot Motorsport who won the 2009-2010 Australian Tarmac Rally Championship, including the famous closed public road rally. Currently, Reiter races a version known as the Gallardo LP600 in FIA GT3.
Targa Tasmania, with driver Jason White and navigator John White. White Hot Motorsport have previously won Targa Tasmania with an N1 version of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II, before upgrading to various specifications of the Lamborghini Gallardo.
West Racing campaigned an LP560 GT in the GT class of the American Le Mans Series for certain races of the 2011 season. [44] However, as of July, 2011, the team announced that they were developing a new car and by implication would no longer race the LP560.[45]

[edit] Receptions

In a test drive of LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, the test driver bearing the name of the car said he was against E-gear because it takes some amount of vehicle control away from the driver, and all-wheel drive Lamborghinis from the beginning, and the company was divided over AWD cars. In that review, a LP550-2 with E-Gear was tested.[46]

[edit] Awards and recognition

  • 2006 Top Gear Dream Car of the Year
  • 2009 Top Gear Dream Car of the Year - Lamborghini LP 550-2 Balboni

วันเสาร์ที่ 8 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2554

Lamborghini Countach

Lamborghini Countach

Lamborghini Countach LP500S
Manufacturer Lamborghini
Production 1974–1990
(2,042 produced)
Assembly Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Predecessor Lamborghini Miura
Successor Lamborghini Diablo
Class Supercar
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine 4.0 L (3929 cc) V12
5.0 L (4754 cc) V12
5.2 L (5167 cc) V12
Designer Bertone
The Lamborghini Countach is a mid-engined supercar that was produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini from 1974 to 1990. Its design both pioneered and popularized the wedge-shaped, sharply angled look popular in many high performance sports cars. The "cabin-forward" design concept, which pushes the passenger compartment forward in order to accommodate a larger engine, was also popularized by the Countach.
In 2004, American car magazine Sports Car International named this car number three on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s, and it was listed as number ten on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.

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[edit] Name

The word countach (pronounced [kunˈtɑʃ] ( listen)) is an exclamation of astonishment in the local Piedmontese language — generally used by men on seeing an extremely beautiful woman.[1]
The Countach name stuck when Nuccio Bertone first saw "Project 112" in his studio.[citation needed] The prototype was introduced to the world at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. Most previous and subsequent Lamborghini car names were associated with bulls and bullfighting.

[edit] Styling

A Countach LP500 viewed from the top to show its Futuristic styling.
The LP400 was the original Countach design.
The Countach's scissor doors.
The Countach was styled by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, the same designer and studio that designed the Miura. Gandini was then a young, inexperienced designer—not very experienced in the practical, ergonomic aspects of automobile design, but at the same time unhindered by them. He produced a quite striking design. The Countach shape was wide and low (42.1 inches), but not very long (only 163 inches). Its angular and wedge-shaped body was made almost entirely of flat, trapezoidal panels.
The doors, a Countach trademark, were scissor doors: hinged at the front with horizontal hinges, so that the doors lifted up and tilted forwards. The main reason is the car's tubular spaceframe chassis results in very high and wide door sills. It was also partly for style, and partly because the width of the car made conventional doors impossible to use in an even slightly confined space. Care needed to be taken, though, in opening the doors with a low roof overhead. The car's poor rear visibility and wide sills led to drivers adopting a method of reversing the car for parking by opening the door, sitting on the sill, and reversing while looking over the back of the car from outside.
The pure style of the prototype was progressively enhanced or cluttered (depending on one's point of view) by the evolution of the car to improve its performance, handling, tractability, and ability to meet mandated requirements. This began with the first production model, which included several vents which were found to be necessary to cool the engine adequately. These included the iconic NACA duct on the door and rear fender of each side of the car. The car design changes ended with a large engine vent directly behind the driver, reducing the rear view. Later additions, including fender flares, spoilers, carburetor covers, and bumpers, progressively changed the aesthetic values of the car.
The Countach's styling and visual impression caused it to become an icon of great design to almost everyone except automotive engineers. The superior performance characteristics of later Lamborghini models (such as the Diablo, or the Murciélago) appealed to performance car drivers and engineers, but they never had the originality or outrageousness that gave the Countach its distinction. The different impressions left by the various Lamborghini models have generated numerous debates and disagreements over what constitutes 'classic' or 'great' automotive design (elegant looks and style, vs. technical and engineering superiority).

[edit] Engine

Engine
The rear wheels were driven by a traditional Lamborghini V12 engine mounted longitudinally with a mid-engined configuration. This contrasted with the Miura, on which the centrally mounted engine had been installed transversely. [2] For better weight distribution, the engine is pointed 'backwards'; the output shaft is at the front, and the gearbox is in front of the engine, the driveshaft running back through the engine's sump to a differential at the rear. Although originally planned as a 5 liter powerplant, the first production cars used the Lamborghini Miura's 4 liter engine. Later advances increased the displacement to 5 liters and then (in the "Quattrovalvole" model) 5.2 L with four valves per cylinder.
All Lamborghini Countaches were equipped with six Weber carburetors until the arrival of the 5000QV model, at which time the car became available in America, and used Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. The European models, however, continued to use the carburetors (producing more power than fuel injected cars) until the arrival of the Lamborghini Diablo, which replaced the legendary Countach.

[edit] Construction

The Countach used a skin of aircraft-grade aluminium over a tubular space frame, as in a racing car. This is expensive to build but is immensely strong and very light (in spite of its size, the car weighs approximately 1,400 kg (3,100 lb). The underbody tray was fiberglass.

[edit] Countach models

[edit] Prototype LP500

A single prototype was built, the LP500[citation needed] (the 500 standing for the 5 L displacement of the engine which was intended to be used). Painted bright sunflower yellow, the car was a stunner at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971. Sporting Gandini's original design concepts, the car's design needed extensive modification for production. In particular, the small air intake ducts on the car's rear shoulders proved insufficient to cool the engine, and large 'air box' scoops were added in that position. Large NACA ducts were added on the sides to give additional air. The experimental car was also constructed of aluminum honeycomb sheeting among other things, which was dropped for production.
The car did not survive; it was sacrificed in a crash test to gain European type approval, even though its construction method was utterly unlike production vehicles.

[edit] LP400

Front 3/4
Rear 3/4
Countach LP400
The Countach entered production as the LP400 with a 4.0-litre (3929 cc) 375 PS engine. The first production Countach was delivered to an Australian in 1974. Externally, little had altered from the final form of the prototype except at the rear, where conventional lights replaced the futuristic light clusters of the prototype. The styling had become rather more aggressive than Gandini's original conception, with the required large air scoops and vents to keep the car from overheating, but the overall shape was still very sleek. The original LP400 rode on the quite narrow tires of the time, but their narrowness and the slick styling meant that this version had the lowest drag coefficient of any Countach model and possibly the highest top speed. The emblems at the rear simply read "lamborghini" and "Countach", with no engine displacement or valve arrangement markings as is found on later cars. By the end of 1977 the company had produced 158 Countach LP400s. [2]

[edit] LP400S

In 1978, a new LP400S model was introduced. Though the engine was slightly downgraded from the LP400 model (355 PS), the most radical changes were in the exterior, where the tires were replaced with much wider Pirelli P7 units, and fiberglass wheel arch extensions were added, giving the car the fundamental look it kept until the end of its production run. An optional V-shaped spoiler was available over the rear deck, which, while improving high-speed stability, reduced the top speed by at least 10 MPH. Most owners ordered the wing. The handling of the LP400S was improved by the wider tires which made the car more stable in cornering. Aesthetically, some prefer the slick lines of the original while others prefer the more aggressive lines of the later models, beginning with the LP400S. The standard emblems ("Lamborghini" and "Countach") were kept at the rear, but an angular "S" emblem was added after the "Countach" on the right side.
There are three distinct Countach LP400S Series.
Series One — The first 50 cars delivered with Campagnolo "Bravo" wheels in 1978 & 79. The very early 1978 cars had the original LP400 steering wheel. Small Stewart Warner gauges, 45mm carburettors and a lowered suspension (lowbody) setting is a trademark feature of this celebrated first series. Halfway through 1979's production, bigger gauges were employed. 50 cars were built and the last one is noted to be 1121100*
Series Two — These cars are recognized by their smooth finish dished/concave wheels, and still retain the lowbody setting. 105 cars were built and the last one is noted to be 1121310*.
Series Three — It is claimed that from chassis number 1121312 onwards, the cockpit space available was raised by 3 cm. These cars are recognized by their raised suspension setting. 82 cars were built, and the last one is noted to be 1121468*

[edit] LP500S

Countach 500S
1982 saw another improvement, this time giving a bigger, more powerful 5 litre engine. The bodywork was unaltered. This version of the car is sometimes called the LP5000S, which may cause confusion with the later 5000QV (next section).

[edit] 5000QV

In 1985 the engine was improved again, bored and stroked to 5.2 litres (5,167 cc) and given four valves per cylinder (quattrovalvole in Italian). The carburettors were moved from the sides to the top of the engine for better breathing — unfortunately this created a hump on the engine deck, reducing the already poor rear visibility to almost nothing. Some body panels were also replaced by Kevlar. In later versions of the engine, the carburettors were replaced with fuel-injection.
US spec QV, showing the unsightly federal bumpers
For the first time, a US specification model was produced by the factory, with styling changes to allow bumpers to meet US federal standards (large, bulky bumpers were used that, to many people, ruined the smooth lines of the car). Although this change was the most notable on the exterior, the most prominent change under the hood was the use of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection providing 420 PS, rather than the six Weber carburettors providing 455bhp used in the Euro-spec model. The 1985 US model had a base price close to $100,000. Only two optional extras were available: a $5,500 aerodynamic spoiler and a $7,500 sound system.[citation needed] As for other markets, 1987 and 1988 model Quattrovalvoles received straked sideskirts.

[edit] 25th Anniversary Countach

25th Anniversary Countach
Lamborghini Countach silver 25 Years Edition hl TCE.jpg
Production 1988-1990
658 produced
Engine 5.2 L (5167 cc) V12
Wheelbase 2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length 4,140 mm (163.0 in)
Width 2,000 mm (78.7 in)
Height 1,070 mm (42.1 in)
Curb weight 1,490 kg (3,285 lb)
Named to honor the company's twenty-fifth anniversary, in 1988, the 25th Anniversary Countach was mechanically very similar to the 5000QV but sported much changed styling. The rear 'air boxes' were restyled and enlarged, while the vents behind them were changed so that they ran front to back instead of side to side. In addition, a new air dam and side skirting, both with air intakes, were fitted, and the taillights were restyled to be narrower, with body-colored panels replacing the upper and lower parts of the previous large taillights. The styling changes were unpopular with many, particularly since the intakes had strakes in them that appeared to mimic those on the Ferrari Testarossa, but they improved the engine's cooling, a problem the Countach had always struggled with. It also featured 345/35R15 tires; the widest tires available on a production car at the time. The Anniversary was produced through 1990 when it was replaced by the Lamborghini Diablo.

[edit] Walter Wolf Countach

In 1975, Walter Wolf, a wealthy Canadian businessman and owner of the Wolf F1 Racing team in the 1970s, purchased an LP400; however, he was not satisfied with the LP400's engine and asked Dallara, the chief engineer of Lamborghini at that time and the founder of the Italian F1 racing team Scuderia Italia in the mid 1980s, to create a special high-power version of the Countach. It was the "code NO 1120148" Walter Wolf special with the original "5" engine from the Countach prototype which produced 447 hp / 7900 rpm and reached a supposed maximum speed of 315 km/h (201.1 mph). This model also featured the upgraded wheels, Pirelli P7 tires, large fender flares, and front and rear spoilers of the LP400S model. It was painted in red, with black fender flares, and was designated "LP500S" like the standard Countach model from the 1980s, and was the stepping stone that led to this later production model. This first Walter Wolf car is currently located in Japan. Two other Wolf Countaches were produced, one painted blue, NO 1120202 (currently in Germany) and one navy blue, NO 1121210. (This machine was owned by Mr. Wolf for a long time, but was eventually sold.)

[edit] Production figures

A total of 2,042 cars were built during the Countach's sixteen year lifetime:
prototype LP400 LP400S LP500S LP5000QV 25 Anniversary
1 157 237 321 676 650
Substantially more than half were built in the final five years of production, as Lamborghini's new corporate owners increased production.

[edit] Engine data

Model Capacity Power Torque Compression ratio Fuel system
Study LP500 4971 cc 328 kW 446 PS 448 Nm @ 5750 rpm 10,5:1 Carburetor
LP400 3929 cc 276 kW (375 PS) 361 Nm @ 5000/min 10,5:1 Carburetor
LP400S 3929 cc 261 kW (355 PS) 356 Nm @ 5000/min 10,5:1 Carburetor
LP500S 4754 cc 276 kW (375 PS) 418 Nm @ 4500/min 9,2:1 Carburetor
LP5000S QV
25 Anniversary
5167 cc 335 kW (455 PS) 500 Nm @ 5200/min 9,5:1 Carburetor
Evoluzione 5167 cc 360 kW (490 PS)
9,5:1 Carburetor
LP500 Turbo S Prototyp 4754 cc 549 kW (748 PS) 876 Nm @ 4500/min
Carburetor with 2 turbochargers

[edit] Driving performance, fuel consumption, weight

Model Top speed Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h Empty weight
LP500 Prototype 300 km/h 5 s 1130 kg
LP400 309 km/h 5,4 s 1065 kg
LP400S 292 km/h 5,9 s 1200 kg
LP500S 300 km/h 5,4 s 1480 kg
LP5000S QV 295 km/h 4,9 s 1490 kg
25 Anniversary 295 km/h 4,9 s 1590 kg
Evoluzione 330 km/h 4,2 s 980 kg
LP500 Turbo S Prototyp 333 km/h 3,6 s --- kg

[edit] Countach replicas

In 1984, Rod Ladret of Ladret Design Studio located in Alberta, Canada began producing and marketing a replica of the Countach. The form for the kit was sculpted from plaster and then a fiberglass mold was made of the form. The kits and cars Ladret Design Studio built included a tube frame chassis with an American V8 power plant. Ladret Design Studio built 141 of these replicas and the industrial clients who purchased his fiberglass forms have built several thousand over the past two decades. As of 2007 there are still several companies building kits based on Ladret's forms built in 1984. In 1993, Ladret ceased manufacturing the Countach replica and moved on to other projects.
From around 1985 until the late 1990s, several companies replicated the Countach with varying degrees of success. In 1985, Gary Thompson and Pete Jackson rented a real Countach from an up-market Manchester car-rental company and made a glass-fiber mold of it. This mold resulted in a number of UK-based manufacturers producing their own Countach replicas. A few were able to produce remarkably good replicas, including Paul Lawrenson of Prova Cars, Alan Booth of Sienna Cars, Phil Cheetham of Mirage Replicas, and Ken Cook of Brightwheel/Classic Replicas. DC Supercars now has Phil Cheetham moulds and is producing Countach replicas.