Mid-life makeover for Lambo Gallardo

Lamborghini is using the Geneva show to showcase the successor to its most successful model to date -- the sublimely balanced, V10-propelled Gallardo.

The latest iteration -- dubbed the Gallardo LP560-4 -- is essentially a honed version of its predecessor, packing more of everything. Its LP560-4 nomenclature is a reference to the 560PS (412kW) output of its enlarged 5.2-litre V10.

Lamborghini claims the 30kW power hike over its forerunner, combined with a 20kg weight loss, boosts power-to-weight weight ratio to 3.4kg per kilowatt. No surprise, then, that its maker is touting a 0-100km/h split in 3.7sec and a 0-200km/h dash in 11.8sec.

These figures put it more or less on par with the hardcore Gallardo Superleggera, which we tested last year.

Top speed is quoted at 325km/h, and the added straight-line potential is complemented by a redesigned four-wheel drive transmission, new suspension and optimised aerodynamics.

The aluminium double wishbone suspension has "newly designed kinematics", and the springs and dampers have been uprated. In addition, the rear axle now has an additional track rod which, Lambo claims, further improves body control.

The redesigned e-gear sequential gearbox has five modes -- Automatic, Normal, Sport, Thrust and Corsa -- and each of these progressively ups the ante depending on how much of a press-on mood the driver is in.

The transmission is said to be lighter and more efficient, with gearshifts that are 40 per cent quicker in the most extreme -- 'Corsa' -- mode.

Visual changes aren't dramatic, but Lambo-philes will have picked up on the enlarged cooling intakes in the snout, which bears some similarities to the ultra-exclusive Reventon unleashed at last September's Frankfurt motor show.

Lamborghini says the spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves "aerodynamic equilibrium" at high speeds.

The rear diffuser has been reprofiled, and it's said to combine with the smooth underbody for "excellent steering stability even at extremely high speeds".

Also new are the 'daytime' LED running lights integrated beneath the Bi-Xenon lamps -- a design element popularized by Lamborghini's Audi masters. The LP560-4 features 15 diodes positioned in a 'Y' structure, and the same motif is replicated in the tail-lights.

The tail lights are inspired by the Miura Concept, the Murcielago LP640 and the Reventon and display the Y form three times over. The options list includes new polished 'Cordelia' rims or sinister black 'Callisto' hoops.

The Gallardo is Lambo's most successful model to date, with about 7100 examples produced thus far. The latest upgrades should bolster its sales volumes over the coming years.