We reported a few weeks ago that Lamborghini were possibly preparing a LP550 version of their Gallardo supercar. Well it appears our hunch was right. Before you are the first spy pictures of Lamborghini’s forthcoming midlife refreshed Gallardo.
Our spy photographers spotted this matt black test mule in Portugal testing alongside a Maserati Gran Turismo and a Porsche 911. It is hard to spot any visual updates with all the matt black tape covering the orange paint but the keen eye will focus on a few differences from the current car. Firstly, the headlights appear to be smaller. The current cars headlights run quite high up towards the A pillars whereas this vehicles headlights stop short. The front splitter also appears modified.
Moving to the rear of the car, the first thing the avid Lamborghini fan will notice is the quad exhaust outlets. These appear close to production ready and will replace the old two pipe outlet system. The engineers look like they have replaced the 3 piece ventilation grill below the rear light cluster with a one piece unit.
The best changes will be saved for the oily bits though as we suspect this car to be running a lighter AWD system, retuned suspension and bigger brakes. A new 550hp 5.2L FSI V10 will also make an appearance. Our eagle eyed spy photographer also has a keen sense of hearing and he reports that the new engine is quite muted when not on full song, so expect this new Gallardo to run a trick exhaust system.
Lamborghini LP 550 Spied in Portugal
Tweaked Gallardo caught testing
copyright AUTOMEDIA / Lamborghini LP 550 on test
Comments
VegasBimmer
February 25, 2008 8:48 PM
Don't forget to mention the much smaller brake lights. Love the Gallardo even more with the changes. The tweaks look fantastic and brings the front end into what appears to be a baby Murcielago design. Also, with only about 100hp difference between LP550 and LP640 it begs the question: What will Lambo do to the Murcie next to make it worth the extra several hundred thousand in cost?
radmeister
February 26, 2008 1:44 AM
The Gallardo is like the old Jalpa or the Silhouette, and the Murcielago is the Countach, the countach didn't have to be faster than it's smaller siblings it was just more car and offered the highest class in exotics, V12 and unique doors. Of course things have changed since then, but if i am not mistaken they are coming out with a Supperleggera Murcielago.
dmanero
February 25, 2008 8:59 PM
This version looks SWEET, The smaller headlights look far better than the production model. Can not wait to see the end result.
Audi_fan
February 25, 2008 9:18 PM
it's gonna be a great car...can't wait to see the production vehicle...and hear as well
NitrousOxide
February 25, 2008 10:51 PM
The rear lights looks R8-ish, while the front looks pretty much like the LP640; I dont think that there will be alot of change in speed and acceleraion as the change will be around 40hps, but I do think that it'll handle alot better, especially for the sake of knocking the coming RS8 out.. Beautiful car anyway..
dmanero
February 26, 2008 1:11 AM
NitrousOxide - The front looks nothing like the LP640, If you look at the image you'll see that the lower bumper doesn't rise up in the center and as for the taillights, again I can not see how you see the similarities the two cars. Either way this will be a beast of a machine.
NitrousOxide
February 26, 2008 1:56 AM
Well, it looks like the LP640.. I didnt say it is an LP640.. The front splitter is EXACTLY the same, while the front-side grill are having the same angular shape as its big brother.. And thats what I meant.
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