Carz Arena

The new Seat Exeo, the car with which Seat is making its way into the mid-size saloon segment, made its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Exclusive, elegant and sporty, the Seat Exeo represents a giant leap in quality for Seat, whose aim is to explore new markets and widen its already attractive model range.

Quality and precision manufacturing processes and materials were the underlying requirements when designing and producing the Seat Exeo, resulting in an extremely dynamic, safe and lively car.

Distinctive personality



Distinctive elegant styling abounds on the new Seat Exeo. On the exterior, both the front and rear ends are clearly indicative of the Spanish brand's image - it is sporty, with fluid forms, soft curves and prominent wings that heighten the car's athletic looks. Finally, the unmistakable grille, larger on this model, and the proportion of glass to vehicle body lend an even greater sporty look to the car.

The new Exeo's assertive personality is enhanced with spectacular 19-inch alloy rims that are hard to miss, as well as the twin tailpipe at either end of the bumper.

The extraordinarily ergonomic interior is particularly comfortable. At the front of the passenger compartment the dashboard lines flow towards the door panels and the driver-facing central console, creating a visible wrap-around effect. The two-tone instrument panel's great looks are completed with dark brown wood inserts.



The colour scheme used on the interior is particularly interesting. Called "magnolia", it creates a feeling of spaciousness with light tones. The comfortable leather seats and Alcantara lining on pillars and ceiling also combine to create a harmonic feeling of fluidity, style and roominess.

The Seat Exeo also provides an extremely comfortable driving experience. The front seats have four automatic positioning memories, and the seat length offers exceptional leg support. The rear sunshade can be controlled electrically to reduce incoming glare.

On hot sunny days the contents of the Seat Exeo's glove compartment can be cooled using the automatic climatiser. Temperature remains constant for a certain time even after the engine has been turned off after parking.



The bodywork construction includes a steel monocoque structure with integrated aluminium components. The further use of high strength steel helps reduce weight on the new car, guaranteeing excellent results in both occupant and pedestrian protection. These special elements are used on both the front-end structure and the passenger compartment of the Seat Exeo.

Seat's saloon also features ample boot space, with a volume of 460 litres, while the especially generous 1,000 mm loading width between the interior extrusions allows bulky objects to be loaded with ease.

Agile, dynamic and sporty



With the arrival of the Exeo, Seat is demonstrating its efforts to create and manufacture made-to-measure vehicles. Its compact size and greater manoeuvrability provides more comfortable performance in city driving and parking. This all contributes to making Seat's new saloon car complete, with the combination of effective city driving and exceptional long distance performance.

The design of the drivetrain on the new Seat Exeo is greatly responsible for the car's extreme driving comfort. Its excellent dynamic performance is the result of the definition of the coil ratings and the shock absorbers, as well as the analysis of the suspension's elasticity and geometric behaviour.

The front suspension setup is independent multilink with a trapezoidal link at the rear. There are several light alloy elements on both shafts that also considerably reduce the unsuspended mass.

On board the Seat Exeo, the driver immediately feels the vehicle's controlled behaviour when driving to the limit, with the car's body responding succinctly to the steering wheel and minimal roll. This ride comfort stems in part from the speed-dependent Servotronic power steering, where the degree of assistance depends on the car's speed, providing the driver with greater comfort and driving quality.

Technologically advanced



Driving enjoyment is at the very heart of the Seat Exeo and, as such, several solutions have been specifically added for both driver and passengers to experience the greatest comfort while motoring.

Besides all of the elements expected on a saloon of this category, the Seat Exeo also features double-thickness door windows, which significantly reduce noise inside the car and are also a theft deterrent. It is also equipped with a tilt sensor alarm and a solar roof, which provides enough electrical power to activate the car's ventilation system (which continues to work when the engine is turned off).



Seat's new car also features sweeping Xenon Plus headlights, including daylight driving lights, providing an intensely even beam in front of the car. The dynamic turning lighting system is made up of swivelling lights that illuminate the inside of a curve when the car is travelling at a speed of at least 12 km/h.

The twin-zone automatic climate control system is equipped with an air quality sensor, which not only provides independent climate control on the driver and front passenger sides, but also detects and avoids the entry of noxious gases, maintaining a constant atmospheric air quality for all the vehicle's occupants.

The new Seat Exeo also naturally features a sophisticated navigation system with two SD ports and MP3-type audio support player.

The best safety measures

The Seat Exeo is fully equipped with the most sophisticated occupant protection measures, including two front airbags, which deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the collision, two front side airbags, two curtain-type head airbags, driver knee airbag and rear side airbags.

The car also features active front seat headrests that protect driver and passenger from whiplash caused by rear-end collisions. The passenger and rear seats are also equipped with Isofix anchoring points for child seats.



Seat's new sedan is also equipped with essential active safety elements, including ABS, TCS and ESP +, EBA and low tyre pressure warning.

More horsepower than g/km of emissions



The Seat Exeo displayed in Paris was equipped with a powerful petrol engine, the turbo-charged direct injection 200 hp 2.0 TSI. It delivers a maximum torque of 280 Nm at only 1,800 rpm, providing excellent performance. This engine's combined fuel consumption figure is 7.7 litres, and its CO2 emissions fall beneath 185 g/km.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The company will also be displaying the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer sports sedan and Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback offers an "auto-folding function" which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors' new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

Since launch in 2006, the stylish Mazda BT-50 pickup has been very popular throughout the world. This tough but sophisticated-looking lifestyle vehicle can do it all - carry bricks to a construction site or a surfboard to the beach, and after a wash-up cut a good figure for a night on the town. Its appeal reaches across target groups like no other car in the Mazda portfolio: from commercial users in rural areas of Europe and Asia, to fire-fighters in Greece, to young urbanites with sporty or adventurous lifestyles. Since launch, Mazda has sold over 60,000 units globally (over 19,000 in Europe) while winning several awards along the way during the 30 months period. These include Ute of the Year in Australia and Off-road Competition's Car of the Year in Russia.

Mazda now introduces a facelift version of the Mazda BT-50 with updates that underscore its strengths without taking anything away from the original model's appeal. The Mazda BT-50 facelift now looks even tougher than before with design cues to emphasise that it can also sprint and run with the best in its segment. The sedan-like quality of the interior has been enhanced as well, and new equipment added to meet the lifestyle demands of even more people than before.

Exterior updates for higher quality look and more choice

The Mazda BT-50 facelift can handle whatever a commercial user or an off-road adventurous lifestyle demand of it. As with the outgoing model, three cab versions are available (depending on market) with room for two (Regular Cab), four (Freestyle Cab) or five passengers (Double Cab) and cargo box lengths of 2,280 mm, 1,753 mm or 1,530 mm respectively. It retains its high quality, single-fascia front bumper, but now with an all-new design. The facelift front end has a large 'oblique H' with upper arms that grow out of the bonnet's character lines, and lower arms at the base of the lower bumper. This visually integrates the individual parts of the front end into a strong, harmonious Mazda family face. The Mazda five-point grille, for instance, is more clearly defined here, and the trapezoidal shapes of lower openings hint at the pickup's high level of driving fun. Designers then added new front headlamps with bright silver mouldings that make the front end seem wider giving the facelift version a stylish and muscular look.

More variability - a larger list of exterior combinations now available

The Mazda BT-50 facelift adds exterior features that will allow customers to differentiate their own models to a greater degree than ever before. The choice of single colours is increased from 9 to 11, including 5 new colours, and all 3 two-tone colours are replaced - highlight silver metallic combined with either titanium grey metallic, lagoon blue mica or black mica. Body coloured overfenders are now standard for all mica/metallic exterior colours on Mid and High Grades, the vehicle's side sills are now in a new silver metallic colour and a new 16-inch alloy wheel design (for 4WD models) is introduced. Customers looking for even more style can now order dark tinted glass for the side and rear windows for High Grade models as well (depending on market).

Interior - new fabrics, colours and lighting

The original Mazda BT-50 delivered interior stylishness and build quality befitting a sedan. The facelift model inherits its predecessor's interior it and finish with very small gaps between the dashboard and door trim, and adds higher quality fabrics, colours and lighting for even more sedan-like feel. For a fresher ambiance, lighting for the driver metres, climate and audio controls, and for the indirect lighting at the base of the centre console, is now amber. New fabrics are also introduced for the seats and door trim. High and Mid Grade seats now have a new chequered fabric for the seat centre, woven to give off a quality lustre, and Low Grade seats also have new patterned fabrics in the centre, replacing the plain grey of the outgoing model. The centre panel is also upgraded for the Mazda BT-50 facelift with an all-silver look that matches the new fabrics and lighting for more sedan-like sophistication.

High Grade models now come with leather shift boot, shift knobs, steering wheel, and centre console lid as standard. Black leather seats and trim are available for High Grade as an option.

Comfort like a passenger car

Sedan-like ambience is combined with sedan-like comfort, equipment, and interior functionality you would expect from a pickup. All versions of the Mazda BT-50 facelift have front seats that offer full sedan-like comfort, and the Double Cab features a large centre armrest between its bench-type rear seats, providing four adults with superior comfort. The pickup's high seating position is optimised by a front bonnet and a cargo box wall designed to support front and rear visibility, which is important for a vehicle with as many uses as this. The facelift version adds new heated side mirrors (depending on grade), which defog/defrost quickly. Inherited from the original Mazda BT-50 is a climate system that includes a two-intake duct blower for superior heating/cooling. Mazda BT-50 facelift also inherits its quiet interior - with large amounts of insulation, a low-noise air cleaner and radiator fan, and a smooth-running common-rail diesel with dual-mass flywheel.

Superior functionality inside and out

Loading and using the Mazda BT-50 facelift on a daily basis is easy, making it the ideal companion for work or play. The Freestyle Cab features Mazda's unique centre-opening doors that provide a wide opening for getting into and out of the rear seats, or for loading something behind the front seats. It still has a single-action lever in the tailgate for easy opening and closing, there are rope hooks on the outer edge or the insides of the cargo-box walls, and there are load rest stoppers (depending on grade and market) at the rear of the cabin that can be raised to secure items too long for the cargo bed. There are even guiding grooves on the cargo-box walls for sliding in dividers, which create two load areas in the back.

The front seats are slide adjustable and can be tilted forward. The steering wheel is tilt adjustable, allowing just about anyone to find the right driving position. Interior storage is at a level not usually seen in a pickup interior. There is a slide-out tray above the glovebox strong enough to hold up to 10 kg, a large floor console storage box and even a handy tool box under the rear cushion of the left rear seat (Freestyle Cab). There are pockets in the front and rear doors for bottles, power adjustable side mirrors, and a remote fuel cap cover release. Power windows with safety power cut-off all around and a one-touch up and down function for the driver, power door lock/unlock from the driver's seat, as well as a retractable key with keyless entry system (on Mid and High Grades) provide additional convenience.

The floor console is large and flexible. It combines two storage boxes (with a 1.7-litre upper and a 5.1-litre lower box), a removable ashtray (accessory item), three cupholders in front, two cupholders in back, and an armrest (when closed) all in a single unit.

New equipment - AUX jack for connecting an MP3 player

To take full advantage of the Mazda BT-50 facelift's quiet interior is an audio system (depending on grade and market) that employs a high-performance amplifier and audio level control (ALC), which automatically adjusts the tone characteristics between three levels to match the speed of the pickup at any given moment for just the right volume level. The audio system includes a radio, a CD player and up to four speakers (Regular Cab has two speakers). High Grade versions are equipped with a six speaker system with a 6-CD changer. The facelift adds an auxiliary (AUX) jack to the audio system, which allows you to play music from your MP3 player directly using the audio system of the vehicle.

Strong and fun to drive

The Mazda BT-50 facelift retains the MZR-CD 2.5-litre common-rail from its predecessor, known for being strong, reined and fuel- efficient. It is a DOHC 16-valve diesel engine that employs a variable- geometry turbo charger and a large intercooler to produce maximum power of 105 kW/143 PS at 3,500 rpm, and maximum torque of 330 Nm as low as 1,800 rpm. This gives lively engine response to pedal input for Zoom-Zoom driving fun when unloaded, and takes care of business towing up to 3,000 kg with a braked trailer (4x4 models). A variable swirl control valve (VSCV) is also employed and is combined with an optimised exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a high-efficiency EGR cooler to ensure Euro Stage IV compliance and low tax costs in most countries.

The facelift version of the Mazda BT-50 inherits the acclaimed rear-wheel drive transmission of the outgoing model that meets the demands of commercial customers, lifestyle customers, or both at the same time. It has Mazda's precise, easy-to-shift five-speed manual transmission in either a 2WD only version or a 2WD/4WD version. The latter transmission not only has a large and robust transfer case that converts the engine's high torque into great traction in any on-road or off-road situation, it is also easy and convenient to use. It includes an electric Remote Free Wheel (RFW) hub system that allows shifting between 2WD and 4WD while driving up to 100 km/h. Back on solid roads and in 2WD mode, pushing the 'RFW' button automatically disconnects the front differential and prop shaft from the front wheels. This function enables you to drive at motorway speed right after driving offroad, without stopping in between. It contributes to better fuel economy, lower noise and optimal durability of the transmission. All models (except some 2WD Low Grade versions) are equipped with a rear limited- slip differential (LSD) with an enhanced torque ratio in line with the engine's higher torque, which automatically adjusts drive power between the two rear wheels to maintain traction on just about all kinds of surfaces.

Enhanced ride comfort

The Mazda BT-50 uses the same durable and dependable chassis as its predecessor. Its double wishbone front suspension has large diameter dampers for good ride comfort. The rear leaf springs supporting its rigid rear axle with 'Berlin Eye' mounts are extra long and larger dampers are used here as well. This improves rear damping response during unloaded driving, and delivers the strength needed to handle a load of up to 1,181 kg in the cargo deck of the 4WD versions. The Mazda BT-50 facelift has the same steering system as the outgoing model that provides predictable control under all load conditions. And because it has hydraulic power assist, it is easy to back up and park, with good road feedback at higher speeds.

Active and Passive Safety

A high hip point gives the Mazda BT-50 facelift good overall visibility from behind the wheel. Its large ventilated front disc brakes have two-piston callipers (4WD versions) for predictable braking under load and its rear brake drums have a load sensing proportioning valve(LSPV) that optimizes brake pressure for excellent deceleration effectiveness. Low pedal play and a solid feel when braking are supplied by high-efficiency wheel cylinder caps, a low lever ratio, and an LSPV design that needs a rather small amount of brake fluid. Four-wheel ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) are standard (Mid and High Grade) or optional (Low Grade) in most markets. A host of passive safety features are onboard including a strong cabin structure that resists deformation in a crash, front and side airbags (depending on grade), height-adjustable seatbelts for the front seats (Double Cab), child-proof door locks and power windows with safety power cut-off, and a collapsible steering column that helps reduce potential chest injuries to the driver during a serious front impact.

The Porsche Cayenne GTS provides the basis for the edo Porsche Cayenne GTS. The figures send a clear message: The engine generates 450 horsepower (331 kW) and a maximum torque of 530 Nm (391 ft-lb) at 3,800 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a scant 6.4 seconds and the top speed is an unbelievable 270 km/h (168 mph). This impressive performance is achieved thanks to new high-flow catalytic converters, performance air filter inserts and a new ECU calibration optimized on the dyno.

The edo Porsche Cayenne GTS is also equipped with a new brake system. Huge six-piston fixed mono-block calipers clamp down on thicker and larger diameter brake rotors as well as upsized pads in the front. Rotor dimensions: 380 x 38 mm (15 x 1.5 inches).

For a matching appearance edo competition offers a sport suspension system adjustable in height, compression and rebound damping. The height adjustment range is TÜV approved. There are 14 settings for compression damping while the rebound damping is continuously variable. The front and rear body height is set individually according to the customer's wishes. Finishing off the look is a new hood featuring power domes and a new lower front skirt with 4 fog lights and mesh inserts.

Ideal road contact of the edo Porsche Cayenne GTS is provided by new 22 inch forged wheels with stainless steel outer rims: 10 x 22 inch with 295/30 ZR22 tires up front and 11 x 22 inch with 295/30 ZR22 in the rear. Custom-painted wheel centers are an option.

As with all edo competition models, we set no limit to our customers' imaginations when it comes to the interior. Color-coded instrument dials, aluminium pedal sets or lavish leather upholstery, individual requests are accommodated and executed with quality.

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting a special model of the Touareg whose design was customized for yachting enthusiasts: the Volkswagen Touareg North Sails. The special edition designed in cooperation with renowned sailing outfitter North Sails impresses with numerous exterior and interior elements that reflect the style of high-end yachts. The new special model is already being launched this fall of 2008 and will be available with all six, eight and ten cylinder engines (176 kW / 240 PS to 257 kW / 350 PS).

Interior design: high-end and nautical in style






The most remarkable features of the new Volkswagen Touareg North Sails are to be found in the passenger compartment. Stylistically, the interior is a rather perfect match to the standard exterior car color "Campanella white" or the optional "Shadow blue metallic". In addition, the following car colors also provide a harmonious match: "Arctic blue silver metallic", "Atacama gray metallic", Galapagos anthracite metallic", "Reflex silver metallic" and "Black magic pearl effect". Basic interior features include "Cricket" leather upholstery in "Anthracite" or "Latte Macchiato" color. When the customer chooses the optional comfort seats (standard starting with the V8 FSI), they may also be ordered in Nappa leather with the special "St. Tropez" pattern and its white hue.

In conjunction with the "Latte Macchiato" and "St. Tropez" color schemes, the seats and interior door trim also sport seams in Aquamarine blue. Providing an exciting contrast are the "Aluminium engine spin, dark" decorative inserts of the instrument panel, door trim panels and center console. As an alternative, the Volkswagen Touareg North Sails may also be ordered with "Piano paint, white" treatments in these areas, which also evokes the elegance of luxury yachts. Standard features on board include stainless steel door tread plates (with "North Sails" signature in front) and the "North Sails" logo embossed on the center panels of the front seats.

Body design: luxurious chrome accents dominate



The design of the Volkswagen Touareg North Sails fits in ideally at any marina. For one, this is attributable to the already mentioned car paint in nautical "Campanella white" and the 19-inch "Zaragoza" alloy wheels with their chrome accents (with size 275/45 tires). For another, the special model is also pleasing with the factory-installed "Chrome & Style" design package. Two oval tailpipes of the exhaust system, a roof railing in silver, bi-xenon headlights including dynamic curve lighting, a vent glass sunroof and 65 percent light absorbing tinted windows in the rear (from the B-pillars) round out the equipment package. "North Sails" decals on the B-pillars complete the modifications.

Perfect at the pier and on the way there

The Volkswagen Touareg is the first choice for every skipper, not only at marinas, but as a towing vehicle for a boat trailer. The reason: all versions of the successful luxury SUV can tow braked trailers weighting up to 3.5 metric tonnes. The allowable hitch load is up to 140 kilograms. A removable trailer hitch is therefore part of the standard equipment package.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Super Trofeo will be the star of the all-new race series launched in 2009 by Automobili Lamborghini - the world's fastest one-make series. In May 2009, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo takes to the track with its first race. By the end of October, it will have completed 18 races on famous European circuits, supporting popular series like the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft (DTM), the FIA GT Series and the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). To participate, the factory is offering its customers an exclusive sports machine - the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Super Trofeo with 419 kW (570 hp), a reworked chassis and significantly reduced weight.

The Super Trofeo is the only one-make series in the motorsport world to feature cars with all-wheel drive. And it is Lamborghini's clear objective to ensure that it will be the fastest single-brand series in the world - partly due to the technical superiority of the all-wheel drive principle. From May the Super Trofeo will make guest appearances at six race events - at Silverstone (UK), on the Adria Raceway (Italy), on the Norisring (Germany), in Spa (Belgium), in Barcelona (Spain) and in Monza (Italy).

Lamborghini is building 30 cars for the Super Trofeo, which they are making available to individual enthusiasts, as well as to Lamborghini dealer teams. The factory will enter one car for itself, and plans to commission well-known guest drivers to take the wheel. And on the edge of the racing action, the Super Trofeo Village hospitality venue will be available.

The Super Trofeo race car is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, powered by the new 5.2 litre V10 with direct fuel injection (IDS), generating an increased output of 419 kW (570 hp). Its power flows through the e.gear six-speed robotized gear box to the permanent all-wheel drive with viscous traction - the kind of power transmission perfectly suited to motorsport.

The Super Trofeo is a top-class race car in every detail. Its chassis, featuring double wishbone suspension all round, has been reworked specifically for the purpose. The competition tyres are supplied by Pirelli and a specialist racing brake system provides brutal stopping power with racing ABS. Additional body components such as the large, fixed rear wing are made from carbon-fibre composite. The cockpit hosts an ultra-light race seat, a racing steering wheel and additional specialized racing instruments.

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series - Racing fascination from Lamborghini

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo will take to the track in May 2009 and is the only one-make series in the world to feature all-wheel drive cars. And it is also set to be the fastest single-brand race series anywhere in the world - that is the clearly stated objective.

This November sees Lamborghini begin work in Sant'Agata Bolognese on the construction of the 30 race cars that will constitute the starting grid. In spring and summer 2009, the Super Trofeo will run 18 races on well-known European circuits, starting on 3 May in Silverstone (UK), then on 17 May on the Adria Raceway (Italy), 5 July on the Norisring in Nuremberg (Germany), 2 August in Spa (Belgium), 20 September in Barcelona (Spain) and on 4 October in Monza (Italy).*Dates provisional

For all six race weekends, the new Lamborghini single-brand trophy will find itself in sterling company - in Nuremberg and Barcelona, it will enjoy the track with the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft (DTM), while the Monza race is in co-operation with the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). In Silverstone, Adria and Spa, the Super Trofeo will complement the FIA GT sports car championship.

The rules are straightforward. Either one or two drivers per car can register for the series. On Friday, there are two 30-minute sessions, of which one is a qualifying session. The first race takes place on Saturday, with two further races during the race weekend. Each race lasts approximately 40 minutes and the results are added together. No additional weight penalty will be imposed on the most successful vehicles. The cars may not be modified during the season - all relevant components - engine, transmission and chassis - are marked accordingly.

The title sponsor of the Super Trofeo is exclusive Swiss watch maker Blancpain.

The price tag - 200,000 Euro per car

Lamborghini is offering the competition vehicles and replacement parts via its dealerships, with each car costing 200,000 Euro plus tax. Both professional and 'gentleman' drivers with an International Competition Licence (A, B or C) are free to enter the Super Trofeo, as are teams from Lamborghini dealerships. The factory will also enter its own car, and is lining up celebrity drivers for guest appearances at the wheel. During the race weekends, Lamborghini provides support to all drivers with an outstanding technology and parts service. In the paddock, drivers, sponsors and guests can relax and enjoy themselves in the stylish hospitality area, the Super Trofeo Village.

The technology - Breathtaking power

The technical basis for the Super Trofeo is already a winner - no less than the Gallardo LP560-4, the brand's latest model. The constructors took the basic design of its engine, transmission and chassis. They then carried out extensive detailed rework and refinement of all components to prepare them for racetrack performance - with the target of making the Super Trofeo the fastest one-make series in the world.

As is the case for all Lamborghinis, the race car's engine is mounted longitudinally. Located amidships, the V10 was newly developed for the LP560-4 and has a displacement of 5,204 cm3. At 6,500 r/min, it generates 540 Nm of torque at the crankshaft and, at 8,000 r/min, a breathtaking 419 kW (570 hp). The increase of 7 kW (10 hp) against the series production model is the result of recalibrated engine management. The exhaust system was also specially developed for the task to be extremely lightweight. The V10 works with it to produce a technical symphony of powerful harmonics that builds up through the revs with a meaty crescendo to finish in a mighty fortissimo.

The naturally aspirated ten-cylinder is race engine perfection. Its number of cylinders forms the ideal synthesis of high performance, potent pulling power, light-footed high revving, low weight and compact dimensions. Its technical refinements include dry sump lubrication, which guarantees oil supply even under extreme lateral acceleration, while at the same time lowering the centre of gravity. The 90-degree cylinder angle on the crank case serves the same purpose. The block is cast in hypereutectic aluminium alloy, with the bore surfaces machined from solid. The connecting rods are made from forged steel and the pistons are aluminium.

The V10 features direct injection- "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" - which fires the fuel through laterally-positioned injectors into the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 100 bar. Direct injection reduces knock sensitivity and provides a degree of internal cooling - thus enabling a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, which results in a mighty power output and high levels of fuel efficiency. All four camshafts feature variable adjustment, facilitating a wide spectrum of valve control times and thus improving charge characteristics throughout the entire rev range.

Power-to-weight ratio - Only 2.28 kilograms per hp

The specific output of the short-stroke engine is 109.5 hp per litre of displacement - each hp has to move no more than 2.28 kilograms, because the race car weighs in at only 1,300 kg dry.

Like the LP560-4, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Super Trofeo also features all-wheel drive with "viscous traction" - an exclusive technology from Lamborghini. The viscous coupling in the driveline, which functions without electronic control, distributes the driving force under normal operating conditions at a ratio of 30:70. If necessary, it adjusts to specific requirements and driving conditions within just a few milliseconds. Grip is optimised at the rear axle via a mechanical differential providing up to 45 percent limited slip.

With a weight distribution of 43:57 between the front and rear axles, the Super Trofeo boasts the perfect balance for a race car. Lamborghini first introduced all-wheel drive in 1993 in the Lamborghini Diablo VT, because it is the best technology for the highest performance. Four driven wheels have more grip than two, enabling the driver to accelerate earlier when exiting a curve. And it is not only traction that benefits from permanent all-wheel drive, but also lateral dynamics and stability.

Lamborghini is equipping the Super Trofeo with its e.gear robotized transmission as standard. It changes gear at the speed of lightning, especially at higher loads and engine speeds. The electronic gear box management, controlled by the driver via shift paddles behind the steering wheel, is optimised for the shortest possible shift times and the highest engine speed. In the race car version, Lamborghini hands over full responsibility for manoeuvring at the limit to the driver.

The chassis - Optimised for the race track

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Super Trofeo also demonstrates its supreme potential when it comes to the chassis. Aluminium double wishbones guide all four wheels, with an additional track rod adding extra stability to the rear axle. The rack and pinion steering, with discrete fluid cooling, connects the driver directly to the track thanks to its high-precision operating characteristics and relatively low power assistance. While the axle guide bearings remain unchanged, the springs are harder and the dampers shorter. The Super Trofeo moves on 18 inch light alloy wheels, each weighing only around 10 kilograms. The rims are dressed in Pirelli racing tyres.

The braking system has also been developed specifically for the extreme demands of motorsport. Behind the front wheels are steel discs measuring 375 millimetres in diameter and 34 millimetres thick, while the dimensions at the rear are 365 x 32 mm. On the front axle, Lamborghini has mounted eight-piston callipers, in the rear six-piston callipers. The ABS anti-lock brake system is set-up specifically for racing.

The bodyshell - Radically lightweight

Only 1,300 kilograms (dry weight) - the Super Trofeo shows its race car character on the scales, too. Compared with the series production sports car, the weight has been reduced by 110 kg; this includes the ca. 35 kg added by the extra, high-strength safety cage essential for motorsport.

The bodyshell of the Super Trofeo is 4.34 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and only 1.16 metres high. It is built using the spaceframe method - cast nodes and extruded profiles create a frame into which aluminium panels are friction locked and form fitted. In typical Lamborghini fashion, the bodyshell is not only extremely light; it also is exceptionally safe and boasts tremendous torsional stiffness - forming the basis for its outstanding handling characteristics.

One glance is all it takes to see that the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Super Trofeo is a top-class race car. The front skirt and the splitter that directs the airflow beneath the specially smoothed aluminium underbody, the rear bonnet and front compartment cover, the side skirts, the diffuser, the rear skirt and the large wing are all made from carbon-fibre composite. Using screws, the rear wing can be repositioned to suit the requirements of the various demanding race tracks. The bonnet and front compartment panels are opened and closed using quick-release fasteners. All windscreens and windows are made from Makrolon lightweight hi-tech polycarbonate instead of glass.

The Interior - The beauty of functionality

The majority of the weight savings achieved by Lamborghini in the Super Trofeo took place in the vehicle's interior. Finished in black Alcantara, its panels are made from carbon-fibre composite. The roof and parts of the doors are presented uncovered - displaying the raw beauty of functional technology. The carpet and sound-absorbing acoustic materials have been removed, as have the dual-zone climate control and audio and multimedia systems. Regardless of weight removal, every one of the uncompromisingly high quality criteria characteristic to the Lamborghini brand still applies - even more so in the construction of the Super Trofeo.

Instead of the series production electrically adjustable sports seats, the Super Trofeo is equipped with one low-mounted racing bucket seat, which provides perfect ergonomic support to the driver. The seat is produced in extremely light and stiff Kevlar carbon-fibre composite, and upholstered in black fabric. Its underside is made from black anodized aluminium. Six-point racing harnesses secure the upper body. The racing bucket seat alone saves over 50 kilograms.

A data display system integrated into the race car's CAN bus retains all the key information relating to the function and status of the technology. The small racing steering wheel with its chunky rim can be removed for entering the vehicle via a quick-release fastener. Shift lights in the instrument panel indicate when a rev limit has been reached, while an additional display shows lap times. A main switch for the on-board electrical network and a fire extinguishing system - both of which can be activated from outside the vehicle - complete the specific equipment in the race car made for the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.