Gallardo gains 600-horsepower kick

Lamborghini took it upon itself to upgrade its V10-powered Gallardo in mid-2008, and the result was the cleaner, meaner LP560-4, but the aftermarket mobs are always waiting in the wings, eager to crank up the intensity another notch.

And so, we come to exhibit A: the new Edo Competition Gallardo LP600-4. As in the donor car, the "4" refers to the Gallardo's all-wheel-drive layout, but the "600" is a pointer to the Edo weapon's added urge, corresponding as it does to the V10's 600 horsepower (or 448kW) output -- versus 412kW for the bogger.

The result is a marginally sharper 0-100km/h sprint -- down from 3.7 to 3.5sec -- and a higher top speed of 340km/h.

The German tuning firm has also focused its attention on a raft of suspension upgrades, and these include dampers that are adjustable in compression and rebound, allowing a range of set-ups to be achieved.

According to the company, the low-friction shock absorbers and new spring rates were tested extensively on racetracks and high-speed ovals, as well as in real-world conditions.

The doctored Lambo rides on 19-inch three-piece racing wheels with "artificially-aged" cast centre sections, hand-polished outer rims and 39 stainless steel screws.

Wrapped around these is the standard tyre package that the Gallardo comes with from the factory -- Dunlop Sport Maxx rubber measuring 235/35 ZR 19 at the front and 305/30 ZR 19 at the rear.

Edo also boasts of a more distinctive "voice", thanks to a bespoke stainless steel high-performance exhaust system with butterfly valves.

Not only is the sound level adjustable via remote, the exhaust also frees up 11kW and "lets the driver enjoy a whole new aural experience". As an added benefit, the Edo exhaust system weighs 12kg less than the original piece.

The company says it came up with a new front spoiler lip after conducting a number of high-speed tests, and said article is said to make "340km/h runs a relaxing affair".

As for interior tweaks, Edo says these are limited only by customers' imaginations, as the company will be happy to trim your Gallardo in purple velour, if that's what you want.

Going on these images, we like what we see. The bespoke Lambo is distinctive, without being over the top. No word as yet on pricing though.

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