Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine Some information about the Magazine you should know ... Editor & publisher Mark Smeyers Distribution Magazine.LamboCars.com Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine is written by enthusi- asts, their names are listed with the articles, together with the original photographer or source of the images that accompany the text. Note that the graphical layout, the articles and all pho- tographs in this publication are protected by Federal US and International copyright laws and may not be repro- duced in any form without written permission from the author. If you would like to use one or more of the photographs from this issue, or any other material found on these pages for non-commercial reasons, you can request a written permission by contacting Lamborghini Cars at [email protected] It is however NOT allowed to modify or to create a copy of the magazine on any other server or to publish it in any other form, written or electronic. The digital edition of Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine is available from the Lamborghini Cars Magazine web site as a free download, please post only the link to this page on your servers, posting of the original PDF docu- ment is not allowed, nor making any modifications to this electronic version. The electronic edition of Lamborghini Cars, the Maga- zine has a lot of interactive items added to the PDF docu- ment, so you can enjoy your reading experience even more, just a little word on how to navigate inside Lambo- rghini Cars, the Magazine is described below : In-line links : you can click on any section in our CON- TENTS page and you’ll go directly to that page inside the Magazine. Also when clicking on the page number or the ‘Lambo- rghini Cars, the Magazine’ footer on each page, you’ll come back to the contents page. Online connection : when you see the web cursor on an internet address or an add, you’ll be able to visit that site right from inside the Magazine ... if you have an active connection naturally. Several of the photographs you’ll find in this Magazine will be ‘hot-linked’ to the Magazine’s site were you can download this image in the most popular screen resolu- tions so you can use it as a background on your comput- er. Note that some detail shots or special images will not be linked to a wallpaper version for obvious reasons. For any further information or other questions you might have, feel free to contact me at : [email protected]. ONLINE : Magazine.LamboCars.com I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I NAVIGATION
index MAR/APR 2007 You can’t have a Magazine without an index ... EDITorial 4 A small word from the editor ... QUICK look 5 All about Lamborghini you just need to know ... PHOTO album 8 Our cover car seen from every angle ... Sneak PREVIEW 12 A look at what the future could bring ... LAMBO power 14 Once you have it, you love it ... SpotLIGHT 26 Some very interesting Lamborghini Cars ... TUNING corner 28 36 Taking the Bull one step further ... 50 the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... In DEPTH Creating the legend ... LIFEstyle 60 62 Lamborghini style ... AUTOmobilia From scale cars to books ... LAMBORGHINI online 64 65 the Magazine’s links to the internet. NEXT time
EDITORIAL issue 3 A small word from the author ... Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine has Naturally the other items are back in reached it’s third issue, again filled this third issue, like a really nice scale with amazing news, articles and pho- model, a new selection of lifestyle ma- tographs on some of the most impres- terial ... and much, much more, so let’s sive Raging Bulls. start reading all about these amazing cars and enjoy this new March-April Talking about an impressive Raging 2007 issue. Bull, I’ve been invited by Reiter Engi- neering to attend their test session on Happy reading the Salzburg Ring of their new 2007 Murciélago R-GT Le Mans edition. Mark Smeyers © 2007 Lamborghini Cars Also I was able to visit IMSA GmbH in Germany, the people that created the ONLINE : www.LamboCars.com awesome Gallardo GTV and recently an equally amazing Gallardo Spyder Neither this magazine nor the website Lamborghini version, read all about this experience Cars is associated with the Automobili Lamborghi- from page 28. ni Holding SpA. Lamborghini Cars is a non-commercial enthusiast Do you know Allan Fiedler ? Well I do, website, we do not sell cars or parts, the Lambo- and he actually owned some very nice rghini name, all model names and the Raging Bull Lamborghini’s in the past, most of logo are registered trademarks of Automobili Lam- them highly tuned, and today he owns borghini SpA a great looking Gallardo SE. I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I EDITORIAL issue 2
Quick LOOK All about Lamborghini you just need to know ... MURCIELAGO TUNING BY HAMANN Text Mark Smeyers - Photo’s : Hamann Motorsport It was only a matter of time before the well of power, not to mention the amazing sound known tuning specialist Hamann Motorsport this new exhaust emits ... GmbH would turn to the Lamborghini flag- ship, after taking the Gallardo one step fur- On the outside only a trained eye would note ther with their Ventus S1 Evo model featuring the additional front spoiler, it is so nicely in- ‘in house’ developed gullwing doors. tegrated into the overall design of this Lam- borghini one could be forgiven to think it Naturally the Murciélago didn’t need these was mounted at the factory, however that door modifications, why tamper with a typical impressive rear wing wouldn’t fool anyone, trademark like those upwards opening doors, we all know that Automobili Lamborghini SpA so Hamann worked their magic on the body- doesn’t offer a rear wing mainly because the work, the engine remained standard despite Murciélago doesn’t need it, the design of matching it to a new exhaust. Hamann made the bodywork creates enough down force at this exhaust from high end V2A stainless speed with that small adjustable spoiler at the steel with a dual tip measuring a whopping rear. 120 mm each, giving a massive impression Quick LOOK I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I
Quick LOOK All about Lamborghini you just need to know ... But you must admit it does look nice anyway, in the ‘Race edition’ wheels by Hamann, so adding a rear wing by Hamann isn’t such a 8.5x20 inch at the front axle and a wide 13 bad idea after all, looks are important too you x 20 inch at the back, wearing 235/30 ZR20 know, if only to impress your neighbor who and 325/25 ZR20 respectively. happens to be driving a ‘normal’ Murciélago. Add a few Carbon Fiber touches in the inte- To complete the outside looks of the Hamann rior, like the vents, shift gate cover and a little Motorsport GmbH Murciélago there are mas- trim around the instruments and you’ve got a sive 20-inch wheels mounted, black cross- personalized car, and it happens to be a Lam- spoke center with a high gloss polished outer borghini Murciélago Roadster in this case ... rim and titanium bolts are what is contained what more could you want ? I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I Quick LOOK
Quick LOOK All about Lamborghini you just need to know ... Perhaps the same tuning on the latest LP640 For more information and prices, please feel model ? That is also possible, Hamann will free to contact the friendly sales staff at Ha- treat this new car in the same way ... when mann Motorsport GmbH via their official web you take delivery of it that is, with a waiting list site you’ll also be also to find a local dealer reaching 12 months you could be in for a long which is authorized to distribute these mag- wait ... after that the possibilities are endless nificent parts for your Murciélago. ... albeit limited by your cash flow ... ONLINE : www.Hamann-MotorSport.com Quick LOOK I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I
PHOTO album Our cover car seen from every angle ... RED BLOODED The Lamborghini Murciélago Photo’s Mark - SP Engineering I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I PHOTO album
PHOTO album Our cover car seen from every angle ... PHOTO album I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I
PHOTO album Our cover car seen from every angle ... 10 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I PHOTO album
PHOTO album Our cover car seen from every angle ... PHOTO album I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 11
Sneak PREVIEW A look at what the future could bring ... SCIENCE FICTION ... OR NOT ? Text Mark Smeyers - Renderings : Various artists The world famous Geneva Auto Show opens the pipeline, only further development of the it’s doors in a few days, and it will surely be current models, while on the other hand they showing us the latest and bravest from Au- keep talking about an SUV using the mas- tomobili Lamborghini SpA, but let’s already sive Audi Q7 or Porsche Cayenne chassis ... dream about what could possibly be on the some rumors even state that a diesel pow- Raging Bull stand this year. ered SUV could be possible. It could very well be a prototype of the long awaited Espada successor we’ve been hear- ing about for several years, you could admire a rendering of such a new front engine GT in our previous issue, and the idea still remains, it would be a nice expansion of the line up at Sant’Agata to introduce a new 2+2 seater in style with the classic GT’s from the Sixties. However some contradicting rumors have been emitting from Italy, on one hand they in- sist that an expansion of the line up is not in 12 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I Sneak PREVIEW
Sneak PREVIEW A look at what the future could bring ... Whatever the management at Automobili Combine this with a ‘broad shoulder’ body- Lamborghini SpA decides, I’m sure we will work, a high waist line, a rather low roof and be pleasantly surprised when Geneva opens you end up with one very special looking car. it’s doors for the 77th Salon International de l’Auto et Accessoires on March 8th. Whatever it will be is still unknown at the time of publishing, but rest assured that we’ll bring My friend Gabesz made a few rendering you all the news from Geneva on the Lam- that could give us a look at the future, like borghini Cars website as soon as it becomes the wild yellow Murciélago with Carbon Fiber available. air intakes and wide bodywork at the bot- tom of page 14, or perhaps a mild re-style Many thanks to Gabesz and Jakusa of the Gallardo featuring a more aggressive front spoiler in line with the Murciélago LP640 ONLINE : www.htvm.hu. model. And if you really want to take a look at a possible Murciélago successor that could be introduced in a few years, why not go for the amazing rendering on the previous page, also done by Gabesz. The rendering at the bottom of this page was done by another artist, ‘Jakusa’ designed the next generation SUV in full Lamborghini style, named LM003, this massive off-roader sits on large wheels and shows a long wheelbase together with an impressive wide track. Sneak PREVIEW I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 13
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... LAMBO POWER And on the eighth day, Allan bought a Lamborghini ... Text Mark Smeyers • Photo’s Allan Fiedler Many people dream about it, Allan fulfilled his dream when he bought a Lamborghini Countach, which he later replaced with a Diablo, then a Diablo SV, a stunning Murciélago and recently a Gallardo ... all personalized by the way ... 14 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LAMBO power
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... Many people fell in love with the Lamborghini Countach back in the late Seventies or early Eighties, especially when the S-models ap- peared, Allan was no exception. A stunning white Lamborghini Countach was Allan’s first experience with a Bull ... He was only 13 years old when he saw his Allan later discovered that the sheer enthu- first article on this amazing exotic in the Car siasm among fellow Lamborghini owners and Driver magazine, and he couldn’t get this was something he never could imagine, most car out of his mind for many years to come. people he met that owned a Bull too were down to earth people, real car enthusiasts Allan Fiedler is a self made man, so he had that were generally self made like himself, to work to be able to afford his first Lambo- rghini, hence it took him several years before 1987 Countach QuattroValvole he could fulfil his childhood dream ... a 1987 Countach Quattrovalvole finished in flawless Removed black front and rear bumpers. white. Euro style Anniversary front bumper. Custom hand made exhaust and cat bypass Note that, even today, he still owns the very pipes Car and Driver issue that ignited his love for Bosch CIS fuel injection removed, replaced by the Raging Bull. The Countach was acquired Electromotive Tec II electronic fuel injection and with great trepidation actually, Allan had sev- ignition without distributor. eral friends owning Ferrari’s and other exotic All smog equipment removed. cars, and they all advised him not to buy a K+N air filters installed. Lamborghini. Keith Collins Custom floor mats They all judged the Lamborghini as being Custom Alpine stereo a money pit, and pure hell when it came to Momo shift knob maintenance, but Allan pursued his childhood dream and bought his very first Lamborghini anyway, and even today he calls it his “great- est achievement”. He actually owned some Ferrari’s before- hand, but was rather disappointed by the reliability and build quality of these Prancing Horses. Maintenance was a nightmare on them, and even after making sure the engine was tuned as it should be, performance was a let down for Allan, so he turned to the Bull instead ... and never looked back, “nothing compared to the moment of purchasing my first Lamborghini, the Countach”. LAMBO power I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 15
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... and very interested in the performance of the car instead of how it looked ‘on’ them. He just loved his Countach, but Allan wanted more, so he started looking around for ways to personalize ‘his’ Lamborghini, and one of the most popular ways to do this in the US was by removing the rather ugly black front and rear bumpers, so Allan installed a front bumper taken from a Euro specs 25th Anni- versary edition. But he didn’t stop there, get- ting rid of the original Bosch injection and re- placing it with an Electromotive TecII system improved fuel economy and cold start, but more importantly it also boost performance of this V12, Allan even claims this was the strongest running Countach he ever rode till this day. the yellow Diablo was fitted with an SV style engine cover and a custom exhaust The custom made exhaust and cat bypass pipes surely helped here too, and the total power increase was no less than 100 Hp on this QV engine. By now Allan was hooked to the brutal attrac- tion of the Raging Bull, and after owning the Countach for some time he found a nice yel- low Diablo for sale, so he upgraded his car to this more recent model. 1992 Diablo Cams advanced about 5 degrees Custom hand fabricated exhaust and test pipes In-dash switch installed to shut off power robbing a/c compressor K+N air filters Custom cinder dash carbon fiber panel Custom hand fabricated SV style engine cover Custom Alpine stereo Keith Collins floor mats Momo Shift knob Momo Steering wheel Momo foot pedals 16 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LAMBO power
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... Naturally he couldn’t resist putting his trade- ment and regular oil changes, which proves mark on this new Lamborghini, so he started that a Countach is not a unreliable as some modifying it again, similar custom exhaust, people state (driving other makes naturally), K&N Air filters, advanced cams and a very all it takes is the correct maintenance and impressive SV-style engine cover, really love driving the car regularly, they don’t get better those dual air intakes actually. by sitting in the garage. A rare white Diablo SV would But Allan wouldn’t be the man he is today if be heavily tuned by Allen who he didn’t always want more, so when the Dia- blo SV appeared he was hooked again, he even installed NOS in it ... went out and bought a white 1998 SV. Driving the Diablo was big fun for Allan, and he found that he liked this newer model more and more compared to his first Countach, so much that he actually stopped driving the Countach after a while, so he subsequently sold it to it’s next happy owner. Talking about maintenance, when Allan sold the Countach it had no less than 76,000 Miles on the clock, and the only maintenance ever performed on this exotic was a valve adjust- LAMBO power I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 17
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... Probably one of the last before the fixed headlights were installed on the 1999 model year cars. A white Diablo with massive black SV script- ing on the side and multi-piece chromed wheels can hardly be unnoticed on the open road, and that’s why Allan doesn’t drive his Bulls on a daily basis. Lamborghini’s just attract way too much at- tention, and people always ask the same questions over and over again ... How fast does it go ? How did you make that much money ? Are you a drug dealer ? a 150 shot of Nitrous ! That’s right, NOS in a Diablo, how’s that for pure power ? Allan got so tired of all these ignorant ques- tions he also bought a few other cars for his daily commutes, so he could drive along with- out having to answer the same questions ev- ery single day. But let’s get back to this amazing white Dia- blo SV, you wouldn’t think Allan could leave it alone now would you, one of the first things he installed on his new toy was a 150 shot of Nitrous ! 1998 Diablo SV Custom hand fabricated exhaust and test pipes Sp Engineering Custom headers Dry nitrous system K+N air filters O.S. Gilken Race Clutch 18+19 Inch Lowenhart Wheels Red brake calipers SP Engineering custom stainless brake lines Custom carbon fiber rear taillight surrounds 6.0 brake lights SVR style front lip Momo Shift Knob Keith Collins floor mats 18 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LAMBO power
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... That’s right, NOS in a Di- ablo, how’s that for pure power, talk about stock not being good enough ! This time Allan went all the way and installed custom wheels on his Diablo, amazing Lowen- hart wheels with a black centers. To complete the modifica- tions Allan mounted an SVR style front spoiler, red brake calipers with SP Engineering stainless steel brake lines, a race clutch and those nice looking Diablo 6.0 tail- lights complete with Car- bon Fiber surrounds. LAMBO power I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 19
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... After six years of owning this SV, maintenance This new Lamborghini was again a big leap comprised only of the regular oil changes and forward, the animal attraction of the Murciéla- necessary tire changes, the legendary V12 go made Allan almost forget about his amaz- engine didn’t hesitate once. After five years ing Diablo SV, he hardly ever drove it after of NOS this engine was taken apart just to taking delivery of his Murciélago. be sure, and the internals were still in perfect shape, even the clutch wasn’t worn out, so even an Affolter rear wing, the joy of owning a Diablo is feasible after all the only one in the United without having to re-mortgage the house. States mind you ! After owning the Diablo SV for six years Allan felt it was time to upgrade again, and by that Naturally this new Bull underwent similar time the brand new Murciélago was available, modifications as his previous cars, stunning so his choice fell on a bright red over light tan Maya wheels, custom parts, tinted taillights, leather model. lowered suspension and even an Affolter rear wing, the only one in the US mind you ! 20 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LAMBO power
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... LAMBO power I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 21
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... The Lamborghini Murciélago is real automo- 2002 Murciélago tive artwork, surely after Allan worked his magic in it, so why would he change it again Sp Engineering Carbon-Tec carbon fiber Head- after a short period of owning it ? light surrounds, exhaust shroud, and headlight Easy, Allan likes to enjoy life to the fullest, so washer surrounds. why deny yourself a toy now and again ? Custom painted brake vents When the Gallardo was unveiled this car 19-20inch Maya wheels was considered as the ‘small’ Bull, somehow Sp Engineering Custom brake rotors the Murciélago’s ‘little brother’, but what you Custom painted brake calipers have to remember is the fact that the 2006 Vehicle lowered by SP Engineering Gallardo and the SE model are among the All lights smoked by SP Engineering best built Lamborghini’s ever. Affolter rear wing ( only one in the U.S.) Keith Collins Floor mats These ‘small’ Bulls accelerate faster than the K+N air filters original Murciélago, offer better brakes and simply drive easier than the large V12 flag- That’s why Allan just had to buy a 2006 Galal- ship, but unfortunately they lack those dra- rdo SE model, these limited editions models matic upwards opening doors and the Gallar- are very rare and really amazing to drive. do will always be considered as the ‘smaller’ Lamborghini, no matter how mature it will become. 22 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LAMBO power
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... 2006 Gallardo SE Vehicle lowered by SP Engineering Calipers painted to match body color All Lights smoked Custom exhaust and cat bypass pipes Gruppe M Carbon Fiber intake Custom I Forged 18+19 Inch wheels Front and Rear remote Radar units Keith Collins custom floor mats LAMBO power I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 23
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... He only took delivery of this car very recently, Nothing compares to the but that hasn’t stopped him from adding his moment of buying my first personal touch all over the car again ... dark tinted side windows, lowered suspension, Lamborghini ... brake calipers color coded to the bright Aran- cio bodywork, custom exhaust and cat by- After owning several Lamborghini’s over the pass pipes, Gruppe M Carbon Fiber intake, years I thought Allan was well placed to judge custom forged 18 and 19 inch wheels, again which model was his all time favorite, which with black centers, front and back radar de- one brought the biggest smile on his face tectors and special Keith Collins floor mats. while driving it ? And that is only the start for this new ‘Lambo- rghini by Allan Fiedler’, prepare yourself for “Nothing compared to the moment of buying much more tuning on this latest Bull in Allan’s my first Lamborghini.” he responded, “For me garage. buying the Lamborghini Countach was the realization of a childhood dream, it was my www.LamboPower.com greatest achievement, even though I don’t consider it to be my favorite car, as each of Started by Allan and SP Engineering them I’ve considered to be my favorite at time about two years ago, this automotive of ownership, but then the replacement as al- forum quickly became the largest Lam- ways much better” borghini forum on the internet. 24 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LAMBO power
LAMBO power Once you have it, you love it ... So what’s next ? At the moment Allan is re- I’m never satisfied with stock, I always want luctant to buy the LP640 Murciélago, after more.” owning an earlier model already he feels the price increase on the new LP640 is just too Allan’s dream car ? high, and the Gallardo SE he owns is real fun The Bugatti Veyron ... to drive, it will not be for sale, not before Allan buys another Lamborghini that is. And we can rest assure Allan wants more, when asking about his dream car his response But he is waiting for the next move from Lam- was clear and simple : “The Bugatti Veyron” borghini, hoping for an aluminum frame for He had the pleasure of driving this amazing the flagship V12, like the Gallardo today, and exotic on the streets of LA and called it ‘love a diet for the Murciélago, it could easily shed at first drive’, the Veyron is just amazing, and some weight making it an even better per- I’m sure that one day Allan will put it into his forming car, perhaps an SV model for both garage, but will it still have ‘only’ 1001 hp ? the V12 and the V10, the latter is already so I don’t think so ! I’m sure that Alex Shen at SP well balanced that without any real changes it Engineering will again put a lot of hard work could handle another 200 hp with ease. into Allan’s new car, just like he did on most of Allan’s earlier Bulls Currently Allan is looking forward to buying an amazing McLaren SLR, which he’ll mod- Many thanks to Allan Fiedler, Alissa Fiedler, ify naturally as he so aptly stated himself : “I Jennifer Groh and Cara Chilson for the great always tune my cars, just to give them that photographs and the awesome interview. something that sets them apart from others, LAMBO power I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 25
SpotLIGHT Some very interesting Lamborghini Cars ... NARDO HIGHSPEED Text Mark Smeyers - Photo : Edo Competition GmbH Ever wondered just how fast your Lamborghi- Do note that the Porsche also took first place ni would go on an enclosed circuit with a pro- in the SUV class during the Tuner Grand Prix fessional driver behind the steering wheel ? 2006 while on the Nardo track a measured top speed of no less than 287 Km/h was So did the people at Edo Competition, who achieved, very impressive for such a large built some amazing Gallardo’s like the black car. Spyder we’ve covered in our Issue 1 last year. Probably one of the best locations to test the actual top speed of a car in Europe would be the Nardo circuit in Italy, even Lamborghini tests their cars on this circuit, so it was de- cided that Edo would take two of their mas- terpieces to Italy to settle this score once and for all. They took the stunning black Lamborghini Spyder and an amazing Porsche Cayenne Turbo to Nardo for some serious top speed driving, and the results were extremely posi- tive. 26 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I SpotLIGHT
SpotLIGHT Some very interesting Lamborghini Cars ... So let’s take a look at their Gallardo Spyder should theoretically be able to reach 325 Km/ now, with modified exhaust catalyst, Carbon h ... so what speed did it reach on Nardo ? Fiber Airbox and re-programmed engine man- agement the famous V10 engine was able to A top speed of 321 Km/h was measured on unleash 550 Bhp on the test bank. With a the famous Italian circuit, which not only met torque figure of 540 Nm this black Gallardo the expectations but even surpassed them. Do note that we are talking about a street car here, so fully drive able on the open road, not a race car or a modified car without exterior rear view mirrors, windscreen wipers, cus- tom wheel covers or smooth bodywork. No this was the basic Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder tuned by Edo Competition which can be driven just like any other automobile. Naturally the custom, lowered suspension improved road holding capabilities and the special exhaust emits a thundering sound, but other than that this black Gallardo Spyder sure looks like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, just the way I like them. ONLINE : www.Edo-Competition.de SpotLIGHT I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 27
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... GT VELOCE ! Lamborghini Gallardo by IMSA GmbH Text Mark Smeyers • Photo’s IMSA and Mark Smeyers Located in Germany, IMSA is quickly becoming one of the major tuning companies for Lamborghini, their amazing Gallardo GTV was warmly welcomed around the world and there is still much more to come from this amazing company ... 28 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I TUNING corner
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... The Lamborghini Gallardo is without a doubt one of the most successful models ever built at Sant’Agata, just look at the numbers, af- ter a little over two years of production the 5000th Gallardo left the factory doors, it took the Diablo over 10 years to reach a total pro- duction figure of only 2903 units, the Gallardo shattered that record a mere 24 months. So it was no surprise that several tuners started noticing this new V10 Bull, and many have presented their interpretation of the Baby Lamborghini over the past few years, but none as dramatic as the IMSA Gallardo GTV model. This stunning grey metallic wide body Gallar- do clearly showed what German based IMSA GmbH was able to do with this Lamborghini. But Mr Mohr didn’t just mount some body ap- pendages to the Bull to make it look more ag- gressive ... he went a lot further, first of all the 14 body parts in total that make up the GTV kit are all made in lightweight Carbon Fiber and Kevlar. TUNING corner I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 29
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... Gallardo, just a lot wider and more intimidat- ing, without making the mistake of completely ruining the already great looking design of this V10 Lamborghini. IMSA decided to have an exclusive exhaust system built for their Gallardo ... The entire GTV kit consist of a new front Do note that Mr Mohr initially bought the sil- spoiler including an extra Carbon Fiber ‘lip’, ver metallic Gallardo as his personal car and wide front fenders that connect to some very took two weeks of clay modeling on the ac- wide rear wheel arches by two new side sills tual car to create this awesome kit. and ending in a stunning rear bumper, again After numerous little modifications and fine with a Carbon Fiber lower insert. tuning he had molds made for all 14 parts and therefore he’s now able to offer this one But when you take a first glance at the IMSA of a kind package to customers worldwide, GTV you’ll be wondering what is so special in very limited, hence highly exclusive num- looking about this car, apart from the wheels bers since only one kit per week can be fab- perhaps, that is because Mr Mohr went that ricated from these unique molds, expect no extra mile and actually designed the entire more than about 40 IMSA GTV Gallardo’s to wide body conversion along the lines of the be built per year. original Gallardo, the GTV looks like a normal 30 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I TUNING corner
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... all of these body parts are made sytem built for his Gallardo tuning package, in lightweight Carbon Fiber Mamo was an obvious choice. Naturally a new rear wing hasn’t been forgot- Mamo was able to take the already very well ten and a stunning new exhaust system is designed exhaust system from the Gallardo also available with two extremely nice ‘tips’ in one step further, thus increasing power out- a totally innovative design. put by a healthy 30 hp in mid range torque, Talking about that amazing exhaust, it is built where it matters the most. by Mamo, a company that is already build- When designing a new exhaust system, func- ing exhausts for the most prestigious tuning tion is mostly more important than looks, but companies around the globe, so when Mr Mamo created a stunning, highly polished Mohr decided to have an exclusive exhaust system that looked like no other system on the market today, and it is an IMSA exclusive, so don’t expect to see a similar exhaust any- where else. TUNING corner I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 31
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... But the bodywork and exhaust are only part When taking a look through these wheels of the visual package, an impressive car like you’ll be able to see the completely new the Gallardo GTV needed some very special brakes IMSA can install, massive 380x36mm wheels, so IMSA created their own rim with up front with 8 pistons and 360x32mm at the equally high specifications as the rest of their back with 6 piston calipers that will make sure tuning package. you are able to really decelerate when need- ed, also note that IMSA uses steel braided The IMSA Challenge, central locking, multi- lines for this high performance brake system, piece wheel is available in various sizes. that outperforms the original brakes easily. When installing them on a standard Gallardo you can opt for 9x19 inch and 11.5x20 inch a high gloss, Carbon Fiber on respectively the front and the rear axles. rear bumper insert But by adding the stunning GTV bodywork you can go for 9.5x19 inch up front and 12x20 Naturally a fully adjustable suspension can inch at the rear with 265-30ZR19 and 305- be mounted too, electrically adjustable with 5 25ZR20 rubber respectively. Prefer similar different ‘damping’ settings and even able to sizes for both axles and you can also install lower the vehicle another 40mm when driving 9x20 inch wheels up front with 245-30ZR20 on the Autobahn ... tyres. It is however still possible to use the standard Gallardo wheels after installing the GTV kit. 32 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I TUNING corner
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... And this is what the Gallardo GTV was made already custom exhaust system and naturally for, high speed driving, this Bull is a complex altered the ECU programming on the original piece of mid-engine engineering but it is still V10 engine. highly suitable for everyday use, even after installing their engine tuning. IMSA was able to modify the engine to reach a power output of no less than 610 Hp at 7900 rpm, while a torque of 655 Nm at 5300 rpm was achieved by modifying the cylinder heads and both intake and outlet manifolds using high precision CNC equipment normal- ly used for Formula One engines. Imsa didn’t stop here, they also replaced the standard airbox on the engine, installed cus- tom cam shafts, new sport catalysts on their TUNING corner I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 33
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... With all that extra power on tap it was a wise choice to take a closer look at the 4WD sys- tem and modify it to be able to cope with this increased power. An option could be to turn to RWD only, but that would require a certain amount of self control when driving this rare exotic with that much power on the rear wheels only, today in it’s 4WD shape the Gallardo GTV (both the Coupé and the Spyder) offer unparalleled stability and driving control. creating a high quality unity metallic bodywork you could be faced with of Italian temperament and white dials, while a red car will receive red dials. Also the door handles and other parts German engineering inside the Gallardo can be finished in color coded Carbon Fiber, much like the Carbon kit All this is seen or heard from on the outside, from the factory, but now completely comple- but let’s not forget the interior of the IMSA Gal- mentary to the bodywork of your car, imagine lardo either, finished in the finest leather or white Carbon Fiber in a Balloon White car ! alcantara the driving position of these amaz- ing automobiles can further be individualized Most cars in the highly professional workshop by mounting Carbon Fiber or aluminum parts in Brüggen are actually Gallardo Coupé ver- inside the cockpit in perfect harmony, and af- sions, but recently IMSA installed the GTV kit ter numerous meetings with the final owner on a Gallardo Spyder, the magnificent white of the car Mr Mohr and his team at IMSA will car seen here was ordered by a customer be able to create a personal expression like outside of Europe, which clearly shows that no other. IMSA is fast becoming a household name in A few of the possibilities are color coded di- Lamborghini tuning all over the world, cars als inside the dashboard, so on a pearl white are arriving from either local dealerships or from the other side of the world. 34 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I TUNING corner
TUNING corner Taking the Bull one step further ... So now you can head to IMSA GmbH to have doors, hood and engine cover, special light- both the Gallardo Coupé and the Spyder weight IMSA sport seats and an aluminum turned into a one of a kind GTV edition, thus roll-over cage for the Gallardo. creating a high quality unity of Italian temper- ament and German engineering. And many But IMSA is also owners of the successful Gallardo are doing looking into tun- just that, the orders are flowing in, and cur- ing the flagship rently there is a waiting list to have your own Murciélago, only Lamborghini converted into an IMSA GTV. problem is getting an LP640 in their When I visited Mr Mohr a few weeks ago workshop, Mr Mohr there were five GTV’s in their workshop, two has been looking completely finished cars, and three more in around to buy one for various states of completion, there was even months because he a custom ordered red car being worked on, would like a very spe- this Middle Eastern customer requested a cific color, but the wait- bright red bodywork, but that shade isn’t of- ing list is getting very fered from Lamborghini on the Gallardo, so long these days on this he received a to- stunning supercar, how- tally unique mix- ever it is obvious IMSA ture on his car, GmbH is taking their tun- which he then ing programme seriously, shipped to IMSA I can’t wait to see more of to be turned into their creations in the near the wonderful GTV future. edition. Many thanks to Mr Lohrbach Because of the rath- (PR representative) and Mr Mohr, for taking er long waiting list the time to respond to all my questions and these days at IMSA, allowing me to take photographs inside the Mr Mohr even sold his IMSA workshop during a very busy business original car, the silver day. metallic Gallardo GTV that started it all, a cus- ONLINE : www.imsa-tuning.de tomer just wasn’t willing to wait for his own Gallardo to be delivered, and after- wards have to wait again to have it converted by IMSA, so he made Mr Mohr an offer he couldn’t refuse, and with only a few thousand Kilometer on the counter, this Gallardo is nearly brand new anyway. You might ask yourself what IMSA is currently working on for the future ? A special Gallardo GTV ‘Club Sport’ version for one, featuring lightweight Carbon Fiber TUNING corner I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 35
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... 36 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... LE MANS BY REITER The Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT 2007 Le Mans Edition Text Mark Smeyers • Photo’s Mark Smeyers the PIT LANE I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 37
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... The Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT was introduced back in 2003 dur- ing the IAA in Frankfurt, but as with all racing cars, there was still some evolution to follow ... Reiter Engineering who actually builds these R-GT models constantly is looking to improve their Murciélago race car, and the latest evolution is aptly called the Le Mans Edition. 38 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... When Audi AG took over the factory back in 1998, things were going to change in Sant’Agata, Lamborghini started to show an interest in racing, admittedly there had been the Diablo SVR that was used in a mono marque championship back in 1996, and they even took this concept one step further with the 1999 Diablo GTR Supertrophy series. Peter Kox getting ready to take the Le Mans out on the track for further testing ... When the Diablo was replaced by the Murcié- er than Audi Sport to ensure this new racing lago in 2001 it looked like the racing program Lamborghini would have a great pedigree. was put on hold, but within two years the very extreme Murciélago R-GT was shown to the public during the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show. We have to admit that this time Automobili Lamborghini SpA went looking for help in the best places, the Murciélago R-GT was built by well known Reiter Engineering from Germany with additional technical input from none oth- the PIT LANE I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 39
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... But the Murciélago was still a new car, hence This was done by applying a bore and stroke the R-GT lacked some valuable experience similar to the earlier Diablo 6.0 model, how- that could only be gathered on the circuit ‘in ever power output was still in the same re- the heat of the race’, so the car was prepared gion as the original engine but now available to comply with the FIA GT Championship and over a much wider range. the American Le Mans regulations. Torque output from this new engine was a Torque output from this healthy 443 Lb Ft. at 5000 rpm, taking into new engine was a healthy account that the Murciélago R-GT went on a diet to shed it’s weight to a mere 1098 Kg, 443 Lb Ft at 5000 rpm this new Italian Bull looked like a potential winner. This meant that the 4WD had to replaced by a RWD configuration, the gearbox that was But as with many race cars performing at now a little out of place ahead of the legend- this high level, the Murciélago R-GT needed ary V12 was replaced by a totally new se- a constant development and follow up to be quential unit, and the engine displacement able to keep up with the competition, and that was decreased to 6 Liter instead of 6.2 Liter was exactly what Reiter Engineering was do- on the Murciélago road car. ing when the black Carbon Fiber finished R- GT was returned to their workshop after the IAA, so it could be prepared for the final races of the 2003 FIA GT at Estoril and Monza. 40 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... The Le Mans edition during next level, because Hans Reiter and his team testing on the Salzburg Ring of highly skilled engineers were convinced of the potential this amazing car showed over During the 2004 season the R-GT was en- the previous seasons. tered into several races, but sadly the car couldn’t reach many finishes, however in Reiter Engineering unveiled the real potential 2005 Reiter Engineering took over the entire of the R-GT during the 1000 Km at Monza Murciélago Racing program from the Lambo- in 2005, with less than an hour to race the rghini Customer Sports Programme. Murciélago R-GT driven by Peter Kox and Norman Simon was leading a pack of Le So they were on their own now, taking further Mans winning Ferrari’s, in the final straight an development of the Murciélago R-GT to the unfortunate oil fire put an end to what would have been a magnificent victory. the PIT LANE I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 41
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... Reiter Engineering was asked to built a spe- a new dashboard and a tall le- cial R-GT for the Japanese Super GT series, ver for the sequential gearbox this car was subsequently re-badged as the RG-1 when the JLOC entered it as number R-GT. So when the 2006 season came to an 88 in the 300 Km Super GT’s opening race end things finally started to look very promis- at Suzuka, which it subsequently won, a well ing for the intimidating Murciélago R-GT. deserved first race victory for this revised Murciélago R-GT. Now it was time to show the competition ex- actly what the Murciélago R-GT could do, This very RG-1 again managed a pole posi- hence Reiter Engineering started working on tion in Round 5 of the Super GT while back in a brand new 2007 edition. Europe the 2006 FIA GT championship would finally show several top 10 finishes for the 42 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... Towards the end of November 2006 Reiter Engineering booked the nice Salzburg Ring in Austria to test their new Murciélago R-GT Le Mans Edition, a totally different car compared to the original R-GT from previous years. constantly fine tuning the 2007 R-GT Le Mans Edition during the test sessions Located in a narrow Alpine valley, the 4.2 Km Ring circuit is just east of Salzburg and well known by Reiter Engineering since they use this extremely fast track regularly for test- ing purposes, the circuit combines very fast straight sections and slow bends that require really skillful driving when sitting in a car with a massive V12 just behind your back. the PIT LANE I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 43
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... The Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT by Reiter Engineering Take a closer look at this impressive looking orange and Right from the start it was obvious the Murciélago R-GT black Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT, this very car was had racing potential, so Hans Reiter and his team never entered by DAMS in the four final races of the 2004 FIA ceased to continue their search at perfecting these ‘Su- GT Championship. per’ Lamborghini’s during the 2005 and 2006 FIA GT1 Championship by entering their ‘test car’ in as many ses- It made its series debut at Imola in September 2004 sions as possible, thus gaining valuable experience that when it was driven by Jean-Denis Deletraz and Andrea would allow them to create the ultimate R-GT ... the 2007 Piccini, unfortunately this amazing R-GT wasn’t able to Le Mans Edition that was tested on the Salzburg Ring in reach any victories during the 2004 season. late November 2006. 44 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... Finished in dark grey, the 2007 Le Mans edi- tion would be driven by Peter Kox who has acquired an unparalleled experience with the earlier R-GT models and the Gallardo GT3 cars. The car is extremely fast and still comparatively easy to drive I was invited by Hans Reiter to attend this test session in Salzburg so i was able to see the amazing power of this new race car in action, naturally I talked to Peter Kox after his initial testing rounds and asked him what his im- pressions on the Le Mans edition were. “The car is extremely fast and still compara- tively easy to drive, it was quite a surprise the car handled so good during these first tests” according to Peter, he also added “the chas- sis and suspension only needs a little more fine tuning to find the exact setting, it is still rather ‘brutal’ to drive”. the PIT LANE I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 45
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... Dark grey bodywork with ‘old-school’ gold painted wheels, an amazing com- bination on the 2007 R-GT Le Mans 46 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... the PIT LANE I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 47
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... But Reiter Engineering constantly tuned the One of the first differences you’ll immediately car over the next few days, and at the end notice is the totally new front spoiler with dif- the car performed at the level expected by ferent air intakes and built in spotlights behind both Peter Kox and Hans Reiter, who stated Plexiglas covers to improve aerodynamics, that the R-GT was ready to take on the battle and to supply the much needed vision during during the 2007 racing season. night time racing, naturally the big central air intake feeds fresh air into a massive radiator. To really be able to compare this new model against the earlier R-GT, Reiter Engineering A less well visible modification is a totally flat had two Murciélago’s in Salzburg, the 2007 ‘bottom’ ... the entire chassis of the 2007 Le Le Mans Edition and the orange and black Mans Edition is completely flattened out, not ‘Scream’ R-GT (more on this car in our insert a single interference with the airflow can be on page 44). detected underneath this amazing Bull, and it only sits about 8 cm above the tarmac, by ad- justing the suspension it can even be lowered to a staggering 4 cm ! A wider front track is also obvious when look- ing at the fenders, which again feature air out- lets just in front of the new lightweight doors , these doors again use plastic windows to fur- ther lower their weight, they still open upward, however do note that there are no sliding win- dows here like on the earlier race cars. 48 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
the PIT LANE Lamborghini’s on the race track ... the Reiter Engineering team Talking about the sequential gearbox, Reiter with two of their masterpieces Engineering managed to modify this gearbox in such a manner that the shift sequence is As a result of Reiter’s constant search for the actually too fast for the engine management delicate balance between aerodynamics and system to follow, hence they are now also re- down force, the lower air intakes in front of programming the entire system to allow the the rear wheels have been removed to offer a engine to respond quickly enough to a gear better air flow around the car. change. Swinging around to the rear you’ll notice a The 2007 Le Mans Edition uses a similar slightly different rear diffuser but your glance 5998cc V12 engine from the original R-GT, will immediately be drawn to that massive rear again with an air flow restriction system to wing, again completely reworked and now of- comply with FIA regulations, hence the shoul- fering a lower drag coefficient but still doing der mounted air intakes are now fixed, no a great job at keeping the rear firmly planted need to increase the air flow into the engine on the tarmac at high speeds, which are no compartment anymore, by the way, in the problem for this new model when it will race new 2007 edition the engine pumps out 520 down the straight on some of the race tracks hp to the rear wheels. that will see this new car during 2007. I am really looking forward to seeing this new Different rear view mirrors, a roof mounted air Murciélago R-GT in action on the various intake and additional air vents on top of the circuits worldwide since two cars have been front fenders complete the exterior modifica- entered into the FIA GT Championship by All tions on the 2007 R-GT Le Mans Edition. Inkl.com Racing, one of these will be driven by Peter Kox and Jos Menten, while the other When taking a look inside the 2007 R-GT car will be piloted by triple FIA GT Champion, you’ll be greeted by a new dashboard cov- Christophe Bouchut and Stefan Mücke. ered in dark colored cloth instead of clear Carbon Fiber, a ‘flat’ steering wheel and a tall ONLINE : www.reiter-engineering.com lever that controls the sequential gear box dominate the interior together with a special race type seat with multi-point seat belts. the PIT LANE I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 49
in DEPTH A closer look at a specific Lamborghini ... CREATING THE LEGEND It all started with this prototype back in 1963 Text Mark Smeyers • Photo’s Mark Smeyers Recently one of the rarest Lamborghini’s was sold, the Miura Roadster, the price for that car could be an indication of how much the one of a kind 350 GTV could be valued at, but it is safe to say this unique legend is nothing less than a work of art ... 50 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I The 350 GTV
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