Audi 2009 Annual Report Download - page 118

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example, the two-seater features ten-spoke forged magne-
sium wheels, which reduce weight by 13 kilograms. Carbon-
fiber ceramic brake disks and carbon fiber-coated tailpipes
also play their part; there are now four straight tailpipes,
arranged in pairs in a stepped configuration. The side mir-
rors and door sill trims are also made of carbon fiber, as is
the rear spoiler. The car once again has a relatively large,
fixed spoiler, which puts even more pressure on the rear
wheels. Another typical Superleggera feature is the dark line
down the sides; on the LP 570-4 this line has a flatter trajec-
tory and bears the colors of the Italian flag.
A further, particularly striking touch is the composite front
spoiler. It is painted matt black and has rounded contours
that provide a fascinating contrast to the angular front end.
On the LP 570-4, the nose extends two centimeters further
forward and also reaches somewhat further down. In con-
junction with the carbon-fiber rear diffuser, which has also
been revised, and the fully enclosed underbody that has
been modified at both front and rear, downforce was in-
creased once again and aerodynamic drag reduced further.
This had the effect of generating more grip – especially when
cornering fast – and an even higher maximum speed. With a
possible top speed of 325 km/h, this car, just like previous
versions, is one of the quickest and also most uncompro-
mising supercars.
The interior, too, is all about purism. This is the area which
has slimmed down the most – 43 kilograms, to be precise.
The door panels, bucket seats and other parts are made of
carbon fiber, and the dashboard is upholstered in Alcantara.
Just like on the first Gallardo Superleggera, part of the
greenhouse is made of polycarbonate. The transparent hood
provides a great view of the beautiful 5.2-liter engine,
which now has an output of 570 hp (419 kW) – an increase
of 10 hp. This results in an outstanding power-to-weight
ratio of just 2.35 kg/hp. Bearing in mind that many vehicles
which themselves are not short on power have a ratio of over
10 kg/hp, these figures give you a rough idea of what
happens when you accelerate – no matter what speed you’re
traveling at. What’s more, the Superleggera features an
e-gear transmission as standard, with gear shifts performed
via shift paddles on the steering wheel, so you can flick
through the gears in milliseconds. And perhaps the best
thing of all is the throaty, muffled – not to mention eager –
roar of the engine, which blips the throttle precisely every
time you shift down a gear. The new Superleggera delivers a
spectacle of sound that will bring tears to the eyes even
of die-hard sports car fans – bella macchina, as the Italians
would say!
Matthias Pfannmüller is an editor for the Swiss motoring journal
Automobil Revue. He is currently also working on a chronicle of
Lamborghini.
High-performance unit: A
5.2-liter mid-engine goes
about its work under the
transparent hood.