Gallardo LP550-2 MLE for domestic Lamborghini aficionados

Lamborghini aficionados heed this! There's now a Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Malaysia Limited Edition (MLE) which shares rather similar exterior attributes to the Superleggera 570-4; one of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.'s best sellers. Malaysian Lamborghini importers Eminent Century and newly appointed sole dealer JH Italia today teamed up to unveil the Gallardo MLE to guests and the media.   

 

The Gallardo MLE, only 20 cars allocated for Malaysian buyers, inherits the Raging Bull marque's core characteristics such as; mid-rear mounted engine with the gearbox behind the engine; permanent two-wheel drive system; independent double wishbone suspension system, an aluminium space frame, low center gravity and a 43% front, 57% rear weight distribution. All things considered, the choices for engine, transmission, space frame and body, suspensions, brakes and electronics are in-sync with the objective of developing a 2-seater super car that gives performance (top speed over 300 km/h) and can be driven both on race tracks and on long distance journeys, be it on country and city roads.

 

Design-wise, the MLE is based on an Italdesign-Giugiaro style by the Lamborghini Centro Stile. The Gallardo's dimensions hold true to the car's athletic compactness, which include a 2.560mm wheelbase with short overhangs. At the front, the fascia is orchestrated around the dominant cooling inlets. From the side, the foldable side mirrors slant forward and are mounted on an evolutive shoulder incorporating air inlets. At the same time, the door handles and lateral air intakes are purposefully connected to improve aerodynamics, and the carbon-fiber skirts add the finishing touch to the side impression. The rear's motifs are highlighted by; a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, the upper air intakes that form an aerodynamic lip, the rotating spoiler, four-rounded exhausts with titanium tips and the center's honeycomb panel. Clad in 19" wheels and Pirelli PZeros (front 235/35 ZR19, rear 295/30 ZR19), it is a no-brainer that the Gallardo MLE can augur well in almost any road conditions.

 

Inside the MLE's cab-forward cockpit is integrated in the body by a slanted front screen and tensed pillars; the complex surfacing intersected by graphics and its cooling flow oriented detailing evokes a strong aeronautical influence.The bespoke interior also features a combination of both smooth leather and alcantara, a norm in Lamborghinis.

 

True to Lamborghini's engineering traditions, particular attention was paid to achieve the correct weight distribution. In fact, the chosen weight distribution is the optimal for a sports car, with advantages for traction, braking and handling.

 

The baseline LP550-2 MLE has a 30% overall weight reduction, but otherwise carry a V10 powertrain that pumps 550hp and 540Nm of torque. The 5.2 liter 10-cylinder DOHC 4-valve V90-angled engine is mated to the E-gear 6-speed transmission which allows the driver to enjoy the super car's driving dynamics and burn-out almost at one's own fancies. For example, 80% of power is already achieved at only 1500 rpm; conversely, the maximum power is obtained at a much higher speed, i.e. 7800 rpm. The 6-speed gearbox utilizes the latest generation double and triplecone synchronizers and optimized actuation linkage in order to achieve precision and velocity in shifting, guaranteeing ease of operation. Here are more amazing statistics: top speed:of 320 km/h (199 mph) and 0 - 100 km/h dash in 3.9 seconds. In addition, the e-gear transmission shows 13.3l/100km fuel consumption and 315g/km emissions ratings, while the manual transmission takes up higher ratings at 14.4 l/100 km and 341 g/km.

 

Gallardo's electronic system is the Bosch MED 9 engine management system. This system is connected to the vehicle's computer GFA and to the e-Gear, ESP/ABS, Dashboard ECUs and the other satellite ECUs (doors modules, climate system, rear spoiler, comfort/infotainment). In order to improve the direct control of the main functions and the driving safety, all main information and warnings are centralized on the instrument panel. Additionally, a dedicated ECU controls the air bags deployment.

 

Active safety features for the Gallardo MLE consist of the ABS/ESP (full control stability) system amongst others, while all around airbags are the standard equipment for passive safety.   .

 

Available in three colors: Bianco Monocerus (solid white), Verde Ithaca (pearl green) and Arancio Borealis (pearl orange), the Gallardo MLE sells for an on the road price without insurance of RM 1,680,000 with a 3-year factory warranty.

 

Dimensions

Wheelbase 2.560mm,
Front track 1.622mm,
Rear track 1.592mm

Total length 4.335mm,
Width (excluding mirrors) 1.900mm,
Overall height 1.165mm