2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Super Trofeo

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo – The world's fastest one-make series

Next year will see Automobili Lamborghini launch an all-new race series – the world's fastest one-make series. In May 2009, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo takes to the track with its first race. By the end of October, it will have completed 18 races on famous European circuits, supporting popular series like the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft (DTM), the FIA GT Series and the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). To participate, the factory is offering its customers an exclusive sports machine – the Gallardo Super Trofeo with 419 kW (570 hp), a reworked chassis and significantly reduced weight.

The Super Trofeo is the only one-make series in the motorsport world to feature cars with all-wheel drive. And it is Lamborghini's clear objective to ensure that it will be the fastest single-brand series in the world – partly due to the technical superiority of the all-wheel drive principle. From May the Super Trofeo will make guest appearances at six race events – at Silverstone (ÚK), on the Adria Raceway (Italy), on the Norisring (Germany), in Spa (Belgium), in Barcelona (Spain) and in Monza (Italy).

Lamborghini is building 30 cars for the Super Trofeo, which they are making available to individual enthusiasts, as well as to Lamborghini dealer teams. The factory will enter one car for itself, and plans to commission well-known guest drivers to take the wheel. And on the edge of the racing action, the Super Trofeo Village hospitality venue will be available.

The Super Trofeo race car is based on the Gallardo LP 560-4, powered by the new 5.2 litre V10 with direct fuel injection (IDS), generating an increased output of 419 kW (570 hp). Its power flows through the e.gear six-speed robotized gear box to the permanent all-wheel drive with viscous traction – the kind of power transmission perfectly suited to motorsport.

The Super Trofeo is a top-class race car in every detail. Its chassis, featuring double wishbone suspension all round, has been reworked specifically for the purpose. The competition tyres are supplied by Pirelli and a specialist racing brake system provides brutal stopping power with racing ABS. Additional body components such as the large, fixed rear wing are made from carbon-fibre composite. The cockpit hosts an ultra-light race seat, a racing steering wheel and additional specialized racing instruments.

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series – Racing fascination from Lamborghini
The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo will take to the track in May 2009 and is the only one-make series in the world to feature all-wheel drive cars. And it is also set to be the fastest single-brand race series anywhere in the world – that is the clearly stated objective.

This November sees Lamborghini begin work in Sant'Agata Bolognese on the construction of the 30 race cars that will constitute the starting grid. In spring and summer 2009, the Super Trofeo will run 18 races on well-known European circuits, starting on 3 May in Silverstone (ÚK), then on 17 May on the Adria Raceway (Italy), 5 July on the Norisring in Nuremberg (Germany), 2 August in Spa (Belgium), 20 September in Barcelona (Spain) and on 4 October in Monza (Italy).*Dates provisional

For all six race weekends, the new Lamborghini single-brand trophy will find itself in sterling company – in Nuremberg and Barcelona, it will enjoy the track with the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft (DTM), while the Monza race is in co-operation with the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). In Silverstone, Adria and Spa, the Super Trofeo will complement the FIA GT sports car championship.

The rules are straightforward. Either one or two drivers per car can register for the series. On Friday, there are two 30-minute sessions, of which one is a qualifying session. The first race takes place on Saturday, with two further races during the race weekend. Each race lasts approximately 40 minutes and the results are added together. No additional weight penalty will be imposed on the most successful vehicles. The cars may not be modified during the season – all relevant components – engine, transmission and chassis – are marked accordingly.

The title sponsor of the Super Trofeo is exclusive Swiss watch maker Blancpain.

The price tag – 200,000 Euro per car

The technology - Breathtaking power


The technical basis for the Super Trofeo is already a winner – no less than the Gallardo LP 560-4, the brand's latest model. The constructors took the basic design of its engine, transmission and chassis. They then carried out extensive detailed rework and refinement of all components to prepare them for racetrack performance – with the target of making the Super Trofeo the fastest one-make series in the world.

As is the case for all Lamborghinis, the race car's engine is mounted longitudinally. Located amidships, the V10 was newly developed for the LP 560-4 and has a displacement of 5,204 cm3. At 6,500 r/min, it generates 540 Nm of torque at the crankshaft and, at 8,000 r/min, a breathtaking 419 kW (570 hp). The increase of 7 kW (10 hp) against the series production model is the result of recalibrated engine management. The exhaust system was also specially developed for the task to be extremely lightweight. The V10 works with it to produce a technical symphony of powerful harmonics that builds up through the revs with a meaty crescendo to finish in a mighty fortissimo.

The naturally aspirated ten-cylinder is race engine perfection. Its number of cylinders forms the ideal synthesis of high performance, potent pulling power, light-footed high revving, low weight and compact dimensions. Its technical refinements include dry sump lubrication, which guarantees oil supply even under extreme lateral acceleration, while at the same time lowering the centre of gravity. The 90-degree cylinder angle on the crank case serves the same purpose. The block is cast in hypereutectic aluminium alloy, with the bore surfaces machined from solid. The connecting rods are made from forged steel and the pistons are aluminium.

The V10 features direct injection– 'Iniezione Diretta Stratificata' – which fires the fuel through laterally-positioned injectors into the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 100 bar. Direct injection reduces knock sensitivity and provides a degree of internal cooling – thus enabling a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, which results in a mighty power output and high levels of fuel efficiency. All four camshafts feature variable adjustment, facilitating a wide spectrum of valve control times and thus improving charge characteristics throughout the entire rev range.

Power-to-weight ratio - Only 2.28 kilograms per hp


The specific output of the short-stroke engine is 109.5 hp per litre of displacement – each hp has to move no more than 2.28 kilograms, because the race car weighs in at only 1,300 kg dry.

Like the LP 560-4, the Super Trofeo also features all-wheel drive with 'viscous traction' – an exclusive technology from Lamborghini. The viscous coupling in the driveline, which functions without electronic control, distributes the driving force under normal operating conditions at a ratio of 30:70. If necessary, it adjusts to specific requirements and driving conditions within just a few milliseconds. Grip is optimised at the rear axle via a mechanical differential providing up to 45 percent limited slip.

With a weight distribution of 43:57 between the front and rear axles, the Super Trofeo boasts the perfect balance for a race car. Lamborghini first introduced all-wheel drive in 1993 in the Diablo VT, because it is the best technology for the highest performance. Four driven wheels have more grip than two, enabling the driver to accelerate earlier when exiting a curve. And it is not only traction that benefits from permanent all-wheel drive, but also lateral dynamics and stability.

Lamborghini is equipping the Super Trofeo with its e.gear robotized transmission as standard. It changes gear at the speed of lightning, especially at higher loads and engine speeds. The electronic gear box management, controlled by the driver via shift paddles behind the steering wheel, is optimised for the shortest possible shift times and the highest engine speed. In the race car version, Lamborghini hands over full responsibility for manoeuvring at the limit to the driver.

The chassis – Optimised for the race track

The braking system has also been developed specifically for the extreme demands of motorsport. Behind the front wheels are steel discs measuring 375 millimetres in diameter and 34 millimetres thick, while the dimensions at the rear are 365 x 32 mm. On the front axle, Lamborghini has mounted eight-piston callipers, in the rear six-piston callipers. The ABS anti-lock brake system is set-up specifically for racing.

The bodyshell – Radically lightweight

Only 1,300 kilograms (dry weight) – the Super Trofeo shows its race car character on the scales, too. Compared with the series production sports car, the weight has been reduced by 110 kg; this includes the ca. 35 kg added by the extra, high-strength safety cage essential for motorsport.

The bodyshell of the Super Trofeo is 4.34 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and only 1.16 metres high. It is built using the spaceframe method – cast nodes and extruded profiles create a frame into which aluminium panels are friction locked and form fitted. In typical Lamborghini fashion, the bodyshell is not only extremely light; it also is exceptionally safe and boasts tremendous torsional stiffness – forming the basis for its outstanding handling characteristics.

One glance is all it takes to see that the Super Trofeo is a top-class race car. The front skirt and the splitter that directs the airflow beneath the specially smoothed aluminium underbody, the rear bonnet and front compartment cover, the side skirts, the diffuser, the rear skirt and the large wing are all made from carbon-fibre composite. Úsing screws, the rear wing can be repositioned to suit the requirements of the various demanding race tracks. The bonnet and front compartment panels are opened and closed using quick-release fasteners. All windscreens and windows are made from Makrolon lightweight hi-tech polycarbonate instead of glass.

The Interior – The beauty of functionality

The majority of the weight savings achieved by Lamborghini in the Super Trofeo took place in the vehicle's interior. Finished in black Alcantara, its panels are made from carbon-fibre composite. The roof and parts of the doors are presented uncovered – displaying the raw beauty of functional technology. The carpet and sound-absorbing acoustic materials have been removed, as have the dual-zone climate control and audio and multimedia systems. Regardless of weight removal, every one of the uncompromisingly high quality criteria characteristic to the Lamborghini brand still applies – even more so in the construction of the Super Trofeo.

Instead of the series production electrically adjustable sports seats, the Super Trofeo is equipped with one low-mounted racing bucket seat, which provides perfect ergonomic support to the driver. The seat is produced in extremely light and stiff Kevlar carbon-fibre composite, and upholstered in black fabric. Its underside is made from black anodized aluminium. Six-point racing harnesses secure the upper body. The racing bucket seat alone saves over 50 kilograms.

A data display system integrated into the race car's CAN bus retains all the key information relating to the function and status of the technology. The small racing steering wheel with its chunky rim can be removed for entering the vehicle via a quick-release fastener. Shift lights in the instrument panel indicate when a rev limit has been reached, while an additional display shows lap times. A main switch for the on-board electrical network and a fire extinguishing system – both of which can be activated from outside the vehicle – complete the specific equipment in the race car made for the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.

Source - Lamborghini

HAYEK AND KOX CLAIM DOUBLE LAMBORGHINI BLANCPAIN SUPER TROFEO VICTORIES AT HOCKENHEIM

Sant'Agata Bolognese, 27th April 2010 - Blancpain Reiter Engineering's Marc A. Hayek and Peter Kox claimed two victories and a second-place finish at the first round of the 2010 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo season at Hockenheim, Germany, on 23-25 April 2010. The duo was joined on the podium by Pro-Am drivers Eugenio Amos in the #69 Touringauto entry and Bonaldi Motorsport's Ferruccio Bellini in the #3, who both secured three podium finishes during the weekend.

Former Grand Prix driver and BBC commentator Martin Brundle made his Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo debut at the German track, accompanied in the #2 Automobili Lamborghini VIP race car by his 19-year-old son Alex. The pair claimed two fourth-place finishes in rounds two and three after a collision in the first race forced the Brundles into early retirement.



The new Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo season has attracted new teams Touringauto, Black Bull Swiss Racing, MIK Corse and Charouz-Gravity Racing to the world's fastest
one-make series. Also joining the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo family this season are new drivers Giovanni Berton, Jan Úrban and Jan Stovicek.

Qualifying
At the first race weekend of the season, Black Bull Swiss Racing's Mirko Venturi put the #23 car on pole position, having set a fastest lap time of 1:43.209 around the German circuit. Fabio Babini set a fastest lap time of 1:43.941 to put the #22 MIK Corse entry alongside on the front row. The #24 Blancpain Reiter Engineering car started from the second row after Kox set the third fastest lap time of 1:44.083 with the #88 Charouz-Gravity Racing Super Trofeo driven by Jarek Janiš and Stovicek completing row two.



After his first Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo outing, M. Brundle commented: 'The car is very fast and great fun, although it will be a challenge for both Alex and I; especially for Alex, as he's never driven a car like this before. Racing with 570 hp in a car that weighs just 1330 kg will be a vertical learning curve for him but extremely exciting.'

Round one
At the start, Giorgio Bartocci took the lead behind-the-wheel of the #22 while Venturi's
team-mate and pole-sitter Invernizzi in the #23 Black Bull Swiss Racing car slipped back to third place. Hayek in the #24 climbed to second, while a collision between the #77
Charouz-Gravity Racing entry, piloted by Úrban, and the #2 Automobili Lamborghini VIP car of A. Brundle forced both cars into early retirement.

Touringauto driver Amos made a strong start from 10th on the grid, improving his position by four places on lap 1, and while Fasanetto in the #1 Automobili Lamborghini VIP car put pressure on the #23, Amos took advantage and passed both to move up to third.

Current leader, the #22 suffered a puncture, allowing the #24 to take the lead, but after the mandatory pit stop the Blancpain Reiter Engineering car was issued with a drive-through penalty placing Amos in the lead. Amos maintained his position to claim his first Super Trofeo victory, followed by Kox behind-the-wheel of the #24, with lone Pro-Am driver Bellini in the #3 Bonaldi Motorsport entry third. By the chequered flag Asch, who took over from team-mate Fasanetto, had managed to pass the #23 to finish fourth, making him the highest-placing Super Trofeo rookie.

'It was a fantastic race!' said Amos, who is Sales Manager for Lamborghini Centro Milano. 'At the beginning I was trying to push as fast as I could, but after the first three or four laps of chasing the #22 MIK Corse for the lead, I couldn't keep up with the pace. Then Bartocci made a mistake and I managed to overtake.'

Round two
Amos started from pole in race two, but fell back to third during the first lap, allowing the #24 Blancpain Reiter Engineering car to take the lead, with the #1 Automobili Lamborghini VIP entry second.

Having started 13th, M. Brundle drove the #2 Automobili Lamborghini VIP car through the field, gaining six positions by lap 10, when he pitted to hand over the wheel to his team-mate. A. Brundle then continued his father's charge, climbing to secure a strong fourth place.

Ahead, Hayek in the #24 Super Trofeo race car maintained the lead to claim the chequered flag ahead of Amos in second, while Bellini completed the podium.

'The car's performance is fantastic,' said Kox. 'Reiter Engineering have done a fantastic job. You should always have a goal in everything you do, and for us, our aim is the series title, so we've made a promising start.'

Round three
From pole, the #24 Blancpain Reiter Engineering car charged off the start line to take the lead followed by Amos and M. Brundle in the #2. M. Brundle slipped back to fourth on the second lap when he was passed by Venturi in the #23, and soon felt the pressure from Babini in the #22, who was running in fifth.

The pair continued to battle for six laps before the #22 car went wide, and rejoined the pack in sixth place. M. Brundle senior entered the pits on lap 13 and handed the wheel over to
A. Brundle. Back on track, A. Brundle began gaining on the #22 which had managed to get ahead during the pit stops, but spun the #2 Automobili Lamborghini VIP car. He rejoined the race in sixth place, and managed to climb back up to fourth before the chequered flag.

Kox's team-mate Hayek crossed the finish line first to claim their second win of the day, with Amos second and Italian Bellini securing third place, his third of the weekend. Babini's
team-mate Bartocci claimed fifth in the #22 MIK Corse behind A. Brundle, with Asch securing sixth for Automobili Lamborghini.

'We've had an amazing first weekend,' said Marc A. Hayek, Pro-Am driver of the #24, and President and CEO of Blancpain. 'We had to work very hard: we knew that the competition was tough last year, but with the new teams and drivers the grid is extremely strong.

'As title sponsor of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, we are proud to be involved with a series that's so competitive, which you can clearly see in the races,' continued Hayek. 'We've received fantastic feedback, and this year we have some great events planned, so we're looking forward to a very exciting season ahead.'

The next Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo race weekend takes place at Brno, Czech Republic on 21-23 May 2010, partnering the newly-formed FIA GT1 World Championship.

Source - Lamborghini