You know how it goes, there is a big auto show on the horizon yet the manufacturers can’t seem to keep the embargo busters in check.  So what do they do? Release the images early themselves!  The latest to do the “debut before the debut” shuffle is Lamborghini with the new Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale.  As you may have guessed from the name the Super Trofeo is based off the cars run in one make Lamborghini race series of the same name.

Lamborghini has made a few changes for what they call “the most extreme Gallardo ever” that give the Super Trofeo Stradale a leg up over a standard Gallardo LP 560-4.  First off the Super Trofeo is about 70kg (154lbs) lighter than a standard Gallardo.  The weight savings comes from gratuitous use of carbon fiber composite material.  Secondly, there is a massive manually adjustable rear wing in the back so that the user can adjust rear down-force to their taste.  Should there be a need for any engine adjustments the Super Trofeo has a race-style quick release engine bonet (made from carbon fiber of course) for quick and easy access to the hand built V10 engine.  Finally Lamborghini hired a minimalist monk to strip the interior of anything that is not absolutely necessary to give the cabin race inspired functionality and looks.

At the end of the day Lamborghini did not change much on the Gallardo, but how much really needs to be changed on a Gallardo in the first place?  Either way we want one of these badly! Unfortunately, Lamborghini is only going to produce 150 units worldwide, most of which will probably already be spoken for by the time the Frankfurt Auto Show is over.  We will just have to make due by looking at these “purdy pictures” for now.

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Press Release:

Sant’Agata Bolognese, 12th September 2011. Stephan Winkelmann,

President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., is presenting at the Volkswagen Group Night in Frankfurt the most extreme Gallardo ever: the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. Automobili Lamborghini is bringing motor racing excitement directly to the road. This new and most extreme top model in the Gallardo lineup is based on the successful race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world’s fastest singlemake series.  The car will be produced in a limited run of 150 numbered units.

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship brings professional racers and gentlemen drivers face-to-face in fiercely fought battles on Europe’s most challenging racetracks such as Monza, Silverstone and Hockenheim. There are many similarities between the racing and road versions of this super sports car. For example, they both share the same V10 powerplant, which is used in the racing version with no modifications.

An enormous and manually variable rear spoiler for increased dynamic load

Right from first glance, these similarities are even more evident in the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. In fact, it is equipped with the same rear spoiler that offers greater aerodynamic load – reaching in the best aerodynamic condition 3 times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving. As in the race cars, the rear spoiler can be varied manually in order to let the driver optimize the car’s performance according to the track or road characteristics.

Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release system. Both the spoiler and the hood are of course made of carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the SuperTrofeo Stradale. Together with aluminum, carbon fiber is the basis behind the extremely lightweight construction of Gallardo’s new top model.

Lightweight construction through consistent use of carbon fiber

The Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale boasts a maximum dry weight of 1340 kilograms. It beats the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4 by 70 kilograms, which gives the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale a stunning power-toweight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per HP for breathtaking performance. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h just 10.4 seconds later. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 Km/h.

“Rosso Mars” stands for Italy’s racing tradition

The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale sports a brand new “Rosso Mars” finish that underscores the special connection between ultimate race track performance and Lamborghini’s “Italianness”. The “Rosso Mars” color symbolizes Italy’s traditional racing red, as established at the beginning of last century in motor racing, when the home nations of the competitors were indicated by the color of the paint on the vehicles. Dark green stood for Great Britain, blue was for France, white (and silver later on) represented Germany, white and blu stripes for USA, and red was the color of all race cars from Italy.

Red, black and carbon fiber characterize the exterior

The exterior appearance of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is perfectly accentuated by a matte black finish on the large rear spoiler, the engine hood and the front air intakes, which contrasts with the “Rosso Mars” paint. The forged wheels are painted in high-gloss black, a color that is also available on the roof as an option. The rocker panel covers, impressive rear diffuser and outside mirror housings are made of carbon fiber polished to a high gloss, while the brake calipers are accented in red for the first time on a Lamborghini. It’s a perfect match with the exterior color and racing concept of this new super sports car. And besides the historically suggestive “Rosso Mars”, the new Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is also available upon request in “Grigio Telesto” or “Bianco Monocerus” with the roof available in gloss black as an option, as mentioned above.

Minimalist sporty interior

Black and red, the perfect combination of sporty minimalism, are the dominant shades inside the Super Trofeo Stradale. The most broadly used materials are Alcantara – in “Rosso Mars” on the underside of the dashboard, the central part of the seat cushion and the backrest – and extremely lightweight carbon fiber.

Black Alcantara with contrasting red top-stitching is used to finish the other parts of the interior. The steering wheel is upholstered in black suede and also features red top-stitching. The door panels, the monocoque racing seats and the center console cover are made of carbon fiber, the construction of which Lamborghini has achieved a world-leading expertise. Discreet sporty accents are provided by dark chrome visible metal parts.

Upon request, an interior layout including elements made of carbon fiber, such as the handbrake frame, the middle of the center console, the lower rim of the steering wheel, the decorative frames around the main and secondary instrument panels, the door handles, and the handle for opening the glove box (also available upon request), can be ordered.

Racing-type options

The optional equipment designed with racing in mind includes not only the carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs, but also a tubular interior roll cage, 4-point safety belts and fire extinguisher. On the other hand, those who want comfort can equip their Super Trofeo Stradale with a satellite navigation, with Bluetooth connection for mobile phones, an anti-theft system, and a lifting system that raises the front axle.

The good people at Jaguar found themselves much too eager to wait for the Frankfurt Motorshow to debut their newest creation, the C-X16 concept.  First thing’s first: this car is F’ing beautiful!  I think this is the first car to ever literally drop my jaw from its looks alone.  The C-X16′s lines, dimensions, and wheel base all lend themselves to one of the most stunning automotive sculptures I have ever seen! I don’t know who Jaguar hired to design this concept for them but they need to give that person a raise ASAP because this is hands down the best looking car I’ve seen all year.  The good looks aren’t just on the outside either.  The C-X16′s interior struck the perfect balance between plush class with leather, alcantara, and carbon fiber wrapped around race inspired ergonomic bits everywhere.

I think by now it is quite clear that I am totally in love with this car, and I haven’t even talked about the specs yet!  What motivates a car this beautiful?  If you went by current trends you may be inclined to think that there is some massively over powered V8 forced under the hood of the C-X16 but you’d be wrong (you know what they say about assuming things).  The C-X16 houses a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 that makes just under 380HP and 332ft-lbs of torque.  Consider those numbers along with its 3,500 curb weight shows that Jaguar was not trying to create some type of supercar beast with the C-X16, they wanted something balanced, lean, and ready to do battle with the likes of the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Evora.  Speaking of doing battle, if you’re driving the C-X16 and just happen to come across one of your rivals on the track but you just can’t seem to get around them Jaugar has created a hybrid “Push to Pass” type system for the C-X16 concept.  Simply push the big red button on the steering wheel and an electric motor mounted to the transmission will provide an extra 92hp and 173ft-lbs of torque to help you complete the attack.  The hybrid boost is so powerful that you can maintain 50mph on just the electric motor alone.  If you keep your foot planted the C-X16 will reach a top speed of 186mph.

While Jaguar is still calling the C-X16 a “concept” it looks pretty damn close to a production model.  If you’re name is Porsche or Lotus I would be afraid right now, very afraid…  Check out all the beautiful pictures of the C-X16 as well as the debut video below.  In the meantime I will be praying that this concept will make its way to the LA Auto Show at the end of the year.

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Press Release:

C-X16 PRODUCTION CONCEPT REDEFINES JAGUAR SPORTS CARS

• C-X16 is a bold statement of Jaguar’s future design and technological intent
• A compact, rear-wheel drive, two-seater, with a true sporting character, underpinned by immensely strong aluminium architecture – perfect 50:50 weight distribution
• Powered by an innovative supercharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 380 PS (280 kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque
• Hybrid system controlled by a steering-wheel mounted ‘Push to Pass’ button boosts output by 70 kW and 235 Nm
• Top speed of 186 mph, 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and 50-75 mph acceleration in 2.1 seconds with CO2 emissions of 165 g/km

Jaguar has released details of the C-X16 concept ahead of its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Looking firmly to the future, the C-X16 marks a new chapter for Jaguar.  The two-seater concept has inspired new advances in design, in engineering and in vehicle technology to create the most compact and responsive Jaguar in a generation.  A hybrid, the C-X16 combines searing performance with beautifully realised styling.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars:”The C-X16 embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create sustainable sports cars of the future.”

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars:”Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.”

Under the muscular clamshell bonnet is a next-generation supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 380 PS (280kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque. Already boasting a high specific power output of 126 PS-per-litre, the performance of the C-X16 is further supplemented by a Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system with a steering-wheel mounted button for on-demand acceleration.

Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is a motor generator which draws power from a 1.6kWh battery pack mounted behind the seats for ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Charged through a brake energy regeneration system, the batteries allow the motor to provide an additional 95 PS (70 kW) and173 lb ft (235 Nm).

Mounted in an aluminium chassis structure, the result is 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 186 mph and acceleration from 50-75 mph of 2.1 seconds. The C-X16 is also able to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph under electric power alone and has CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.

The C-X16 measures 4,445 mm in length, 2,048 mm in width and 1,297 mm in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2,622 mm.  In terms of overall length, the C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120.

The C-X16 will be presented at the Jaguar Land Rover press conference in Hall Five at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday September 13 at 09:15 CET.