Superleggera (2013) for Long Road Trips
Discussion
Howdy Y'all,
Just a question on the suitability of the Gallerdo SL for road trips? We looked at the Edizione Tecnica at Birmingham, we really liked the car but were concerned about using the car for Euro road trips. Most of our sports car miles are on the continent, a few per year lasting up to 3-4 weeks.
We can see that luggage space is compromised but there does seem to be room behind the seats for suit carriers that could be stuffed with clothes. More important are the bucket seat comfort levels and exhaust drone. Personally, I do not think I would ever become tired of the engine noise but the wife may have an alternative opinion. A few months ago we drove from Cumbria to Berlin (1250 miles), in a single hit (13hrs) with a few food/fuel breaks, is that a (reasonable) possibility in the SL or do would we need to book a chiropractor in advance?
Just a question on the suitability of the Gallerdo SL for road trips? We looked at the Edizione Tecnica at Birmingham, we really liked the car but were concerned about using the car for Euro road trips. Most of our sports car miles are on the continent, a few per year lasting up to 3-4 weeks.
We can see that luggage space is compromised but there does seem to be room behind the seats for suit carriers that could be stuffed with clothes. More important are the bucket seat comfort levels and exhaust drone. Personally, I do not think I would ever become tired of the engine noise but the wife may have an alternative opinion. A few months ago we drove from Cumbria to Berlin (1250 miles), in a single hit (13hrs) with a few food/fuel breaks, is that a (reasonable) possibility in the SL or do would we need to book a chiropractor in advance?
Alpinestars said:
I'd make sure you like the seats. They are not the ideal shape for me so long journeys would be a pain.
I find the seats comfortable but they have very little padding and are quite firm. The furthest I have driven in them was 200 miles ( 3 hrs ) in one go when bringing the car home from the dealer. I'm not sure I would of wanted to go to much further without a little break.
Considering its the lightweight stripped out version the cabin noise levels are fine with no drone.
Personally I think the MP4 12C makes a better tourer and a 458 a better daily driver but I didn't want that for my 4th sunny sunday am car to have FUN in.
Hi Redback, Happy New Year to you. I know a lot of the road tests criticised the SL bucket seats, but my experience was that they were extremely comfortable. Longest continuous stint I can remember is 5hrs, don't have the bladder capacity to exceed that! However, I have been on all day events with something like 10 hours driving time without any significant discomfort. In fact I found once I had 'snuggled down' into them they were superb, very supportive. I am of average height and build, apart from the Christmas food baby that is, if that helps.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Put it in sixth and you'll barely hear it. Besides which, the V10 is pure music so who cares! 
I find the driver's seat can get a little grabby on the left hip when you slouch down after a few hours driving (no idea why, possibly pedal position) but otherwise it's a lovely car to take on special journeys. Storage is alright (although I say that having done four days away in an Exige which wasn't ideal but was nonetheless enjoyable) - remember you can place things on the back shelf (if no harness bar), behind passenger's seat, under passenger's legs and in the optional travel netting in the passenger footwell.
I find the driver's seat can get a little grabby on the left hip when you slouch down after a few hours driving (no idea why, possibly pedal position) but otherwise it's a lovely car to take on special journeys. Storage is alright (although I say that having done four days away in an Exige which wasn't ideal but was nonetheless enjoyable) - remember you can place things on the back shelf (if no harness bar), behind passenger's seat, under passenger's legs and in the optional travel netting in the passenger footwell.
We did around 3000 miles in Lambo_XX's 570SL to Monza and back from Scotland. I found it to be really comfortable but I was the passenger and could make sure that my back was well supported. Mr XX had to sit lower because of the roofline and he found the seats quite uncomfortable. I think if you take regular stops to stretch your legs it is a perfectly fine car for long trips. I was quite surprised.
We had a 12C in our group (see the pics below). I never heard one complaint about comfort from them! My experience of the 12C would suggest that it is one of the best all-rounders, especially for a road trip like ours.
You should have no problem with luggage - he has 3 medium to large holdalls in the front too and there was tonnes of space behind the seats. The 'luggage pack' or whatever it is called (with the wee nets) its brilliant!
We had a 12C in our group (see the pics below). I never heard one complaint about comfort from them! My experience of the 12C would suggest that it is one of the best all-rounders, especially for a road trip like ours.
You should have no problem with luggage - he has 3 medium to large holdalls in the front too and there was tonnes of space behind the seats. The 'luggage pack' or whatever it is called (with the wee nets) its brilliant!
Edited by cc8s on Friday 3rd January 14:46
Thanks for all the feedback chaps! Love the pictures from cc8s as well.
Friends recently went from a a F430 to a 2013 SL, the husband loves the car, the wife is not impressed with the comfort and found anything more than a few hours to be harsh. Although neck pillows and blankets have been proposed as a solution. Either way I thought I would post on PH to gather some additional data.
Consideration of the SL is due to Porsche failing to build enough 991 GT3s. We put a deposit on a car in July but were recently told that the order was uncertain and if we received an allocation it would be one of the last in the UK. A 50/50 chance and a summer delivery is not a great prospect, so we are looking at alternatives and love the look of the SL. Plus the concept of Italian emotion with German build quality.
Would love to have something new for the 2014 road trips. 2013 was a memorable year...
Friends recently went from a a F430 to a 2013 SL, the husband loves the car, the wife is not impressed with the comfort and found anything more than a few hours to be harsh. Although neck pillows and blankets have been proposed as a solution. Either way I thought I would post on PH to gather some additional data.
Consideration of the SL is due to Porsche failing to build enough 991 GT3s. We put a deposit on a car in July but were recently told that the order was uncertain and if we received an allocation it would be one of the last in the UK. A 50/50 chance and a summer delivery is not a great prospect, so we are looking at alternatives and love the look of the SL. Plus the concept of Italian emotion with German build quality.
Would love to have something new for the 2014 road trips. 2013 was a memorable year...
cc8s said:
You should have no problem with luggage - he has 3 medium to large holdalls in the front too and there was tonnes of space behind the seats. The 'luggage pack' or whatever it is called (with the wee nets) its brilliant!
Space has not been a issue in the Porsche, although the Labs tend to jiggle about a bit on tight corners. 
Superleggera is far more SUPERcar than a 991 GT3. Porsches are only high end sports cars in my books albeit a great one in GT3 format.
Only Porsche worthy of a supercar title is the Carrera GT.
At the end of the day a 991 GT3 is just another Porsche and not a patch on a Lamborghini.
My April 2013 Deposit on the 991 GT3 is looking dodgy but at least I have the LP570-4 Performante to more than make up for it if Porsche GB and OPC let me down
Only Porsche worthy of a supercar title is the Carrera GT.
At the end of the day a 991 GT3 is just another Porsche and not a patch on a Lamborghini.
My April 2013 Deposit on the 991 GT3 is looking dodgy but at least I have the LP570-4 Performante to more than make up for it if Porsche GB and OPC let me down
Is it your Techart? Love the look of that car. Seen one or two of the kits (yours appears to be the real deal?) and they look fantastic!
I think you will be able to get a surprising amount in the SL. Your main thing will be back support for your lower back if you need to slouch at all to see out.
I think you will be able to get a surprising amount in the SL. Your main thing will be back support for your lower back if you need to slouch at all to see out.
a few more points
car requires a fuel stop every 200 miles at best
sl seats can be tilted back a little ( about an hour with a socket set, or in my case watching someone else with a socket set for an hour ) which has transformed mine for comfort and headroom
only squidgy stuff will squeeze past the solid seats onto the rear shelf
high miles still appear to impact resale
hth
car requires a fuel stop every 200 miles at best
sl seats can be tilted back a little ( about an hour with a socket set, or in my case watching someone else with a socket set for an hour ) which has transformed mine for comfort and headroom
only squidgy stuff will squeeze past the solid seats onto the rear shelf
high miles still appear to impact resale
hth
GRBF430F1 said:
Superleggera is far more SUPERcar than a 991 GT3. Porsches are only high end sports cars in my books albeit a great one in GT3 format.
Only Porsche worthy of a supercar title is the Carrera GT.
At the end of the day a 991 GT3 is just another Porsche and not a patch on a Lamborghini.
My April 2013 Deposit on the 991 GT3 is looking dodgy but at least I have the LP570-4 Performante to more than make up for it if Porsche GB and OPC let me down
True, the Gallerdo does seem to tick all the Supercar boxes but having had Porsche's for the last 15 years they have been more or less bullet proof, unlike my foray into Ferrari territory with a new 360 (early 2000) which was just a complete reliability nightmare and was gone within 3 months, and friends experiences with other newer model Ferrari's and Lamborghini's. Only Porsche worthy of a supercar title is the Carrera GT.
At the end of the day a 991 GT3 is just another Porsche and not a patch on a Lamborghini.
My April 2013 Deposit on the 991 GT3 is looking dodgy but at least I have the LP570-4 Performante to more than make up for it if Porsche GB and OPC let me down
cc8s said:
Is it your Techart? Love the look of that car. Seen one or two of the kits (yours appears to be the real deal?) and they look fantastic!
I think you will be able to get a surprising amount in the SL. Your main thing will be back support for your lower back if you need to slouch at all to see out.
I think you will be able to get a surprising amount in the SL. Your main thing will be back support for your lower back if you need to slouch at all to see out.
Thanks cc8s, yes that is our TechArt GT Sport.
Some may find it strange to have gone to the Cayman for 911 Turbo, but when I saw the TechArt version I had to have one. Probably one of the best cars I have owned. The Cayman handling is sublime and so rewarding. We have a new TechArt Cayman ordered and expected delivery is March.
The main use is airport runs and commuting, will see more road trips than the SL though.
andrew said:
a few more points
car requires a fuel stop every 200 miles at best
sl seats can be tilted back a little ( about an hour with a socket set, or in my case watching someone else with a socket set for an hour ) which has transformed mine for comfort and headroom
only squidgy stuff will squeeze past the solid seats onto the rear shelf
high miles still appear to impact resale
hth
Thanks Andrew! We are definitely aware of the mileage factor. If we went for an SL it would be a third car (in combo with the Porsche and Audi Allroad, preferred mode of transport for labs), primary use for the SL is a weekender and occasional Euro Trip. We would buy used, keep the mileage low and be (hopefully) trouble free.car requires a fuel stop every 200 miles at best
sl seats can be tilted back a little ( about an hour with a socket set, or in my case watching someone else with a socket set for an hour ) which has transformed mine for comfort and headroom
only squidgy stuff will squeeze past the solid seats onto the rear shelf
high miles still appear to impact resale
hth
GRBF430F1 said:
Superleggera is far more SUPERcar than a 991 GT3. Porsches are only high end sports cars in my books albeit a great one in GT3 format.
Only Porsche worthy of a supercar title is the Carrera GT.
At the end of the day a 991 GT3 is just another Porsche and not a patch on a Lamborghini.
My April 2013 Deposit on the 991 GT3 is looking dodgy but at least I have the LP570-4 Performante to more than make up for it if Porsche GB and OPC let me down
Guess we forgot about the 918....Only Porsche worthy of a supercar title is the Carrera GT.
At the end of the day a 991 GT3 is just another Porsche and not a patch on a Lamborghini.
My April 2013 Deposit on the 991 GT3 is looking dodgy but at least I have the LP570-4 Performante to more than make up for it if Porsche GB and OPC let me down
Curious definition of a super car...when you eliminate a GT3....
seems in such a definition "super" does not require adulation as the best drivers car or for that matter, handier round the race track...
so how exactly does the Superleggera trump a GT3...? Looks? Price? Over the top'edness?
can't see the Lambo holding its function above the GT3..hell the F12 could not eclipse the 991 GT3..
the LP570-4 is a beautiful ole thing with a glorious engine, but not exactly a pace setter/benchmark..or really that "super" anymore...
Back to the topic.
If you are Interested I covered 4600 miles in a Superleggera and was gutted to see it go. The seats are superb and should only highlight an issue if you require additional support in your lower back (Cushion will do)or if your packing 25 stone.
I also managed to cover 4 days non-stop driving through Italy with Luggage on the 50th tour this year in a Performante (same seats) and I could not fault it.
If you are Interested I covered 4600 miles in a Superleggera and was gutted to see it go. The seats are superb and should only highlight an issue if you require additional support in your lower back (Cushion will do)or if your packing 25 stone.
I also managed to cover 4 days non-stop driving through Italy with Luggage on the 50th tour this year in a Performante (same seats) and I could not fault it.
the LP570-4 is a beautiful ole thing with a glorious engine, but not exactly a pace setter/benchmark..or really that "super" anymore...
[/quote]
It's done pretty well for 10 year old technology, bearing in mind the Squadra Corse is a Superleggera with a few tweaks;
Balocco
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 2:40.78 '13 570 / 1430 Luigi Moccia
2. Porsche Carrera GT 2:42.62 '03 612 / 1380
3. Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 2:42.91 '11 700 / 1720
4. McLaren MP4-12C 2:43.46 '10 600 / 1434 Luigi Moccia
5. Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce 2:43.51 '09 670 / 1664
6. Porsche 911 GT2 2:43.56 '07 530 / 1440
7. Ferrari 458 Italia 2:43.90 '09 570 / 1485
8. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 2:43.99 '10 570 / 1430
9. Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 2:45.00 '07 530 / 1520
10. Nissan GT-R 2:45.00 '11 530 / 1736
11. Porsche 911 Turbo S (991) 2:45.48 '13 560 / 1605
12. Porsche 911 GT3 2:45.97 '09 435 / 1376
13. Nissan GT-R Spec-V 2:46.00 '09 492 / 1680
14. Ferrari 430 Scuderia 2:46.30 '07 510 / 1402
Vairano
Pos Make / Model Time Year Power (hp) / Weight (kg) Driven by
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 1:11.85 '13 570 / 1430 Davide Fugazza
2. McLaren MP4-12C Spider 1:12.92 '12 625 / 1453
3. Radical SR3 SL (Road-legal version) 1:12.98 '12 243 / 765
4. Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 1:13.86 '11 700 / 1720
5. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 1:14.08 '12 740 / 1725
6. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 1:14.28 '10 570 / 1430
7. McLaren MP4-12C 1:14.81 '10 600 / 1434
8. Audi R8 GT 1:15.04 '10 560 / 1520
9. Ferrari 458 Italia 1:15.14 '09 570 / 1485
10. Ferrari 458 Italia Spider 1:15.15 '10 570 / 1365 Maurizio Giani
11. Ferrari 430 Scuderia 1:15.16 '07 510 / 1402
[/quote]
It's done pretty well for 10 year old technology, bearing in mind the Squadra Corse is a Superleggera with a few tweaks;
Balocco
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 2:40.78 '13 570 / 1430 Luigi Moccia
2. Porsche Carrera GT 2:42.62 '03 612 / 1380
3. Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 2:42.91 '11 700 / 1720
4. McLaren MP4-12C 2:43.46 '10 600 / 1434 Luigi Moccia
5. Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce 2:43.51 '09 670 / 1664
6. Porsche 911 GT2 2:43.56 '07 530 / 1440
7. Ferrari 458 Italia 2:43.90 '09 570 / 1485
8. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 2:43.99 '10 570 / 1430
9. Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 2:45.00 '07 530 / 1520
10. Nissan GT-R 2:45.00 '11 530 / 1736
11. Porsche 911 Turbo S (991) 2:45.48 '13 560 / 1605
12. Porsche 911 GT3 2:45.97 '09 435 / 1376
13. Nissan GT-R Spec-V 2:46.00 '09 492 / 1680
14. Ferrari 430 Scuderia 2:46.30 '07 510 / 1402
Vairano
Pos Make / Model Time Year Power (hp) / Weight (kg) Driven by
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 1:11.85 '13 570 / 1430 Davide Fugazza
2. McLaren MP4-12C Spider 1:12.92 '12 625 / 1453
3. Radical SR3 SL (Road-legal version) 1:12.98 '12 243 / 765
4. Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 1:13.86 '11 700 / 1720
5. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 1:14.08 '12 740 / 1725
6. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 1:14.28 '10 570 / 1430
7. McLaren MP4-12C 1:14.81 '10 600 / 1434
8. Audi R8 GT 1:15.04 '10 560 / 1520
9. Ferrari 458 Italia 1:15.14 '09 570 / 1485
10. Ferrari 458 Italia Spider 1:15.15 '10 570 / 1365 Maurizio Giani
11. Ferrari 430 Scuderia 1:15.16 '07 510 / 1402
LamboCraig said:
It's done pretty well for 10 year old technology, bearing in mind the Squadra Corse is a Superleggera with a few tweaks;
Balocco
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 2:40.78 '13 570 / 1430 Luigi Moccia
8. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 2:43.99 '10 570 / 1430
Vairano
Pos Make / Model Time Year Power (hp) / Weight (kg) Driven by
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 1:11.85 '13 570 / 1430 Davide Fugazza
6. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 1:14.28 '10 570 / 1430
why was the sc so much quicker than the sl ? Balocco
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 2:40.78 '13 570 / 1430 Luigi Moccia
8. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 2:43.99 '10 570 / 1430
Vairano
Pos Make / Model Time Year Power (hp) / Weight (kg) Driven by
1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse 1:11.85 '13 570 / 1430 Davide Fugazza
6. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 1:14.28 '10 570 / 1430
andrew said:
why was the sc so much quicker than the sl ?
dare i say its as much to do with that whopping big ironing board on the back.... :wink:
‘With the Squadra Corse we wanted to not just improve upon the Gallardo, but integrate our motorsport experience too,’ explains Reggiani. ‘With the new front and rear bumpers, the rear diffuser and the rear wing from our Super Trofeo racecar, we’ve increased the aerodynamic load of the Gallardo threefold.’ Said rear wing is made from a carbon composite...
and likely tyre compounds have improved over the last couple of years....
Edited by 70proof on Saturday 4th January 16:50
70proof said:
andrew said:
why was the sc so much quicker than the sl ?
dare i say its as much to do with that whopping big ironing board on the back....‘With the Squadra Corse we wanted to not just improve upon the Gallardo, but integrate our motorsport experience too,’ explains Reggiani. ‘With the new front and rear bumpers, the rear diffuser and the rear wing from our Super Trofeo racecar, we’ve increased the aerodynamic load of the Gallardo threefold.’ Said rear wing is made from a carbon composite
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