We have been able to treat our eyes to the new Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera in its grey livery, at the recent Geneva motor show and in official photographs. A remarkable combination with black stripes and visible carbon but the colour chart allows for even more courageous combinations.

As a matter of fact, the adjective "small" applied to the Gallardo is beginning to be a bit of a stretch. The baby Lambo has come to town in a version that is, if possible, even more extreme thanks to a more powerful engine and the care lavished on a flagship featured throughout the model. The needle on the scales has fallen by a round 100 kg, to stop at 1,430, thanks to the many carbon parts. Starting from the bonnet, through the rear diffuser and the flat bottom while many glass elements have given way to transparent polycarbonate. The door mirrors, door panels, the central tunnel and the monocoque shell of the Alcantara-covered sporting seats are all made of carbon fibre too.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera weight/power output ratio is just 2.5 kg/hp, putting it in the upper echelons of the cars in class. The power output goes beyond the imagination thanks to extra sprint: just 3.8 seconds to go from a standstill to 100 km/h, 0.2 seconds less than the basic model. Speed and guts are also highlighted under other driving conditions. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera's engine is the ultimate evolution of the famous Lamborghini 4.961 c.c. V-10. The maximum power output is now 530 hp and is reached at 8000 min-1.

Further weight reduction has been obtained by modifying some glazed surfaces which are replaced by transparent polycarbonate. Racing monocoque seats with a sporty appearance have been chosen. They are upholstered in Alcantara covered carbon fibre in such a way as to give great support to the driver and passenger during the strong lateral acceleration the Gallardo Superleggera is able to develop on bends. As standard, the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera comes with a mechanical robotised e.gear gearbox, a sport pack for the dampers and special steering wheel in chamois leather.

The character of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is highlighted by the (standard) Pirelli P Zero Racing tyres on the new forged "Scorpius" rims. A number of optional extras that can be ordered are the multimedia system with navigator and CD-changer, the rear videocamera to help with parking (only with the optional deflector), the "Carbonio" package of interior features, a fixed rear deflector, the four point seat belt, the tubular Rear Frame, or space for it to be fitted, carboceramic brakes. The Lamborghini Gallardo is a car that gives great performance. For this reason the Superleggera has a standard mechanical robotised gearbox providing speed without the driver needing to take his or her hands off the steering wheels.

A TASTY INNOVATION FOR THE GT SCOOTER SEGMENT
Full Italian comfort and style for the new Piaggio XEvo

Available in 400, 250 and 125 cc versions, XEvo blends three elegant lines, finishes with no short cuts taken and comfortable and ergonomic seating for driving comfort worthy of a flagship model. Then there is the appearance, the new giant scooter fits like a glove into the Piaggio range of large GT scooters. So we have a double-headlight smoked-plastic-covered lighting cluster, direction indicators fitted with a command for the dual hazard warning lights protruding at the sides from the chromium decoration and the large handles that reach backwards embracing a comfortable seat back.

There is plenty of room for driver and passenger: the under saddle stowing space is a good 56 litres, to contain two full helmets and articles up to 80 cm long. It can also be accessed from the rear "hatchback". Another interesting feature is the standard remote control for opening the saddle and the rear luggage compartment. Moving on to the instruments, that have a markedly automobile style, in addition to the speedometer and rev counter they include a very comprehensive series of LEDs and the "trip computer" so as to always keep all the Piaggio XEvo's functions under control . One feature that is brand new on the XEvo is however the integration of the mudguard in the cowl: high and fixed, the mudguard improves the vehicle's streamlining. The technical characteristics of this GT scooter talk to us of a vehicle with a tubular frame with a front fork with 35 mm stems.

At the rear, suspension is provided by two hydraulic double-action dampers with a four- position adjustable preload. With regard to braking, the XEvo has a 240 mm disc on the drive wheel; the front wheel disc is however 260 mm for the 125 cc and 250 cc versions, while two 240 mm discs provide the braking on the 400 cc version. On all versions, the front wheel is 14'' and is great for stability and road holding. At the back there is a 12'' rim on the 125 and 250 versions, generously equipped with tires (130/70), and it is even bigger in the 400 version (with 14'' 140/70) to guarantee excellent road holding. As already said, there are three engines and they all meet the most stringent Euro3 emissions standard. Piaggio XEvo 400 ie has a four-stroke, fourvalve engine that is liquid cooled and fitted with electronic emission. It has a power output of up to 34 bhp/25 kW and has remarkably low fuel consumption too (more than 37 km/l at 60 km/h). For the Piaggio XEvo 250 ie, the power pack is one of the most modern and technologically advanced: 4 valves, liquid cooling, electronic injection and a highly satisfactory 22 bhp/16.2 kW of power output.

In conclusion, the Piaggio XEvo 125 is propelled by four valves, 125 cc engine, with its 14.9 bhp/11 kW; it provides the maximum level of power allowed by law for car-licence-only holders. Available in Sirius Grey, Graphite Black and Midnight Blue, the Piaggio XEvo is arrived on the market in mid June 2007.