Lamborghini Gallardo went through a diet, lost some weight, and became a much more driver-oriented machine with the 2007 Superleggera version.
In 2007, just before the world financial crisis started to bite the automakers, Lamborghini produced a more expensive Gallardo. It was made for those who enjoyed time on the track more than on the streets with their Raging-Bull-badged supercars. The Superleggera (super-light) version was not exactly a daily driver, even though it could cope well with everyday driving situations.
From the outside, there were basically no differences between the standard Gallardo and its lighter cousin. There was a matte black design on the doors that emerged into the side air intakes and, depending on the options, a carbon-fiber wing in the back. In addition, the car sported different light-alloy wheels, which let the bystanders see the carbon-ceramic brake discs that the car featured.
Inside, all the luxury amenities from a standard Gallardo were gone. There were no soft high-bolstered seats and no fine leather covering the interior. Instead, the Superleggera version featured sports seats with racing seat belts. Instead of leather, Lamborghini had used Alcantara on the dashboard, door cards, and seats. In addition, the center stack, center console, and parts of the dashboard sported carbon-fiber trims.
But the real magic was on the tech side. The car was lighter by 204 kg (450 lbs) than its regular sibling. In addition, the engine and gearbox were tuned for more performance, and the suspension was stiffened. Thus, the Superleggera version became the track version of the Gallardo. Still, thanks to the intelligent gearbox with various settings, it could be used on regular roads.