Superleggera drive
Discussion
This weekend I was fortunate to enjoy 500 miles in a Gallardo Superleggera. What a fantastic car!
I don’t think I have driven anything that is quite so effective at covering the ground. The engine provides massive punch, and the chassis control is astonishing. I took the car on a mix of roads, and it was as happy on bumpy on B-roads as sweeping A-roads.
I drive a manual 05 Gallardo, and have never been a big fan of e-gear systems. I used to own an M3 CSL, whose SMG box was the work of Satan, at least in my view! But the e-gear box in the SL has changed my view – upshifts were lightening fast and extremely smooth with a well timed lift off the thottle. Downshifts were less perfect, but still good and overall the ability to keep both hands on the wheel at all times was a boon. I still prefer a manual, mind, for the interaction it provides, but I will no longer be prejudiced against e-gear systems.
Best of all though was the noise. It’s hard to describe – it’s not particularly pure (like a CGT), but it has a primeval scream to it that is totally addictive. I took out five passengers today, and every one just giggled
when I accelerated with the windows open.
The Corsa track tyres provide prodigious grip, and coupled with the sharper steering rack over my 05 model car have all but eliminated any sense of understeer. And when on the power, the car hunkers down and translates a lot of horses into rapid forward motion in a most satisfying way (I enjoy understatement
). Despite the stiff set up, compliance is excellent and the ride perfectly acceptable.
My one complaint - the brakes: powerful but terribly overservoed, but with a sensitive foot one could drive around this single flaw.
Suffice it to say, it is one of the very best cars I have ever driven. I can’t imagine a 911 Turbo (love them as a I do) could provide anywhere near the sense of occasion and drama but more importantly probably would not feel any more surefooted.
Wonderful stuff, and a great way to spend a Sunday on which the weather gods shone for once!
Kind regards
Steve
I don’t think I have driven anything that is quite so effective at covering the ground. The engine provides massive punch, and the chassis control is astonishing. I took the car on a mix of roads, and it was as happy on bumpy on B-roads as sweeping A-roads.
I drive a manual 05 Gallardo, and have never been a big fan of e-gear systems. I used to own an M3 CSL, whose SMG box was the work of Satan, at least in my view! But the e-gear box in the SL has changed my view – upshifts were lightening fast and extremely smooth with a well timed lift off the thottle. Downshifts were less perfect, but still good and overall the ability to keep both hands on the wheel at all times was a boon. I still prefer a manual, mind, for the interaction it provides, but I will no longer be prejudiced against e-gear systems.
Best of all though was the noise. It’s hard to describe – it’s not particularly pure (like a CGT), but it has a primeval scream to it that is totally addictive. I took out five passengers today, and every one just giggled
when I accelerated with the windows open. The Corsa track tyres provide prodigious grip, and coupled with the sharper steering rack over my 05 model car have all but eliminated any sense of understeer. And when on the power, the car hunkers down and translates a lot of horses into rapid forward motion in a most satisfying way (I enjoy understatement
). Despite the stiff set up, compliance is excellent and the ride perfectly acceptable.My one complaint - the brakes: powerful but terribly overservoed, but with a sensitive foot one could drive around this single flaw.
Suffice it to say, it is one of the very best cars I have ever driven. I can’t imagine a 911 Turbo (love them as a I do) could provide anywhere near the sense of occasion and drama but more importantly probably would not feel any more surefooted.
Wonderful stuff, and a great way to spend a Sunday on which the weather gods shone for once!
Kind regards
Steve
I can only say in qualitative terms, but the answer is that it feels a lot faster. I suspect reality is that the two cars are closer than they feel, but the SL is just so responsive. The engine pulls like an absolute train - no doubt a combination of the extra power, lower gearing plus reduced weight, and the e-gear shifts are so fast compared to even a quick manual change (if you want to keep it smooth) that your rate of progress is undiminished.
But aside from the pace, it was how it felt that was so special - it had that hewn from granite feel coupled with so much charisma.
It will be hard handing it back tomorrow morning!
Kind regards
Steve
But aside from the pace, it was how it felt that was so special - it had that hewn from granite feel coupled with so much charisma.
It will be hard handing it back tomorrow morning!
Kind regards
Steve
When Evo magasine tested the SuperL back to back with a 997RS at Bedford (west).. The Lambo was nearly 3 secs a lap quicker!!
Autocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
Autocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
Kurgen said:
When Evo magasine tested the SuperL back to back with a 997RS at Bedford (west).. The Lambo was nearly 3 secs a lap quicker!!
Autocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
The other thing to remember is that people at the time said that the EVO car had really crap brakes, that some other jurno had wreckedAutocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
So a good example SL would reduce the lap times further
andrew! said:
One thing that's puzzled me for a while : why is that SL 0-60 time so much quicker than Lamborghini's 3.8 seconds brochure figure for 0-62 ?
a
Dunno!a
I think they are performance car bargain, at mo..
Prices have slipped due to Scud launch, but Scud is not gonna be any quicker on track!
What car laps quicker than a GT3RS, accelerates quicker than an LP640 and has drop dead Italian styling.. for under 200k..??
Hi Guys,
I had a drive of a loan SL the other week and I have to say I wasn't impressed at all. Yes it seemed alot sharper through the bends than my G, but to me that was the only real difference. I wouldn't say it felt any faster than mine and it didn't sound anywhere near as nice.
As for the gear change, i absolutely hated it, but then again I am a die hard manual fan. Even doing 15mph up to a junction the down change was really severe and clunky. Living with the harnesses on a regular basis also would drive me mad!
All in all a nice car but I'll keep the flamespitter (and the additional 70K ).
thanks
Andy.
I had a drive of a loan SL the other week and I have to say I wasn't impressed at all. Yes it seemed alot sharper through the bends than my G, but to me that was the only real difference. I wouldn't say it felt any faster than mine and it didn't sound anywhere near as nice.
As for the gear change, i absolutely hated it, but then again I am a die hard manual fan. Even doing 15mph up to a junction the down change was really severe and clunky. Living with the harnesses on a regular basis also would drive me mad!
All in all a nice car but I'll keep the flamespitter (and the additional 70K ).
thanks
Andy.
Kurgen said:
When Evo magasine tested the SuperL back to back with a 997RS at Bedford (west).. The Lambo was nearly 3 secs a lap quicker!!
Autocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
Interesting figures, quick to 60mph with the 4wheel drive and then somewhat Autocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
slower 60-100mph.
60-100mph----SupLeg--4.45secs
60-100mph----LP640---4.53secs
Mark.
gunner said:
Kurgen,how usable is it on the road?
Car is pretty useable.You have to get used to the gearchange and drive accordingly. I coast to stops in neutral (pulling both levers at about 15mph) this stops the jerky downshift. Simple and smooth once you get the hang of it.
Harnesses were initially a pain, but now just use the lap belt, with maybe one strap if I am on it!
The car needs to be up to speed to get the most out of it, but noise is sublime ( and legal with no warranty issues) obviously you can get a better sound from a decat and Tubi, but then take the risk with old bill and warranty.
Def worth the money over a "common" G!
IMO
Rob
Kurgen said:
When Evo magasine tested the SuperL back to back with a 997RS at Bedford (west).. The Lambo was nearly 3 secs a lap quicker!!
Autocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
3 seconds a lap seems somewhat odd, wasn't there some discussion about the RS being a wet lap or sommat like that?Autocar did the 0-60mph/0-100mph test back to back against an LP 640.
Times were..
0-60mph SuperL.. 3.36s -- LP640.. 3.69s
0-100mph SuperL.. 7.81s-- LP 640.. 8.22s
This car is absolutely epic..
Have had mine a week and love it to bits, the noise, the look, the performance, everything!
Cleaned it on Sat, and it was a tactile delight. The amount of Carbon fibre is staggering.
Could spend hours cleaning the bugger.. Girlfriend was not inpressed!!
Rob
Cheers Rob.Have to say yours looks stunning and there seems to be some real value around in these cars right now for whatever reason.
Spoke to Andy at Fearnsport last week (he was tweaking my 993RS) and he said he was impressed by yours and the 430.You up for the 997GT2?I read your comments on the 997GT3RS with interest (and agree).
cheers.
Spoke to Andy at Fearnsport last week (he was tweaking my 993RS) and he said he was impressed by yours and the 430.You up for the 997GT2?I read your comments on the 997GT3RS with interest (and agree).
cheers.
stefan1 said:
traxx said:
rather O/T have you still got the CGT? not seen it around for a while
Yes, indeed. Took it for a run last weekend and had a great time, but this weekend found it had picked up a right rear slow puncture. Bother and blast, as the saying goes.Steve
Kurgen said:
Harnesses were initially a pain, but now just use the lap belt, with maybe one strap if I am on it!
I was using the lap belt on its own also, but not any more as it may cause spinal injuries if you are in an accident (so Ive heard). I now use either one or both of the straps.Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff