Lamborghini has announced a new special version of the Gallardo LP 550-2 that will be launched on the Malaysian market only. The supercar will be called Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 MLE Limited Edition and will benefit from the lightweight of the Superleggera kit and rear-wheel drive.

Externally, it will have the Gallardo Superleggera kit, with a very aggressive front bumper, new carbon fibre side skirts, new rear diffuser, rear spoiler and new titanium exhaust system. Each car will have a “MLE Limited Edition 20” plaque to commemorate its special edition status.

The Lamborghini Gallardo LME will mount the same 5.2-litre V10 engine with 550 hp as the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni and will use the same drive system. The Italian supercar is offered in a selection of three unique colours, Arancio Borealis, Verde Ithaca and Blanco Monocerus and will be limited to 20 units only, with a price of 421,400 Euro.

Lamborghini’s CEO Stefan Winkelmann has recently revealed to be evaluating a third-model-line option, as previewed by the long forgotten Estoque saloon. This was reported by Autoweek, citing the words of the CEO “It [the Estoque] was placed on hold because of a number of reasons, including the lack of a suitable platform - he said during the 2012 Beijing Motor Show - We haven’t given up on the idea of a sedan entirely, but we see more potential in a sport-utility vehicle encapsulating typical Lamborghini attributes.” Following a careful marketing examination the Italian brand has created the prototype Urus, which is most likely to attract a wider range of customers than the Gallardo and Aventador.

We recall that the Estoque was presented during the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It measured 5.15m in length, 1.99m in width and 1.35m in height, with a 3m long wheelbase. It was powered by a 5.2-litre V10.

Lamborghini has officially confirmed the arrival of its first SUV. The car will be presented at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show (April 25th-May 2nd) and is here anticipated by a partial picture, which shows its outline and layout. All details will be announced next Monday.

Here is the first video of one of most shining stars at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show: the Lamborghini Aventador J. This one-minute long footage - which has been shot right on the spot by our mates from parent site Autoblog.it - show us a few interesting details of this jaw-dropping one-off, a very extreme roadster with neither roof nor windscreen that will be up for grabs once the Swiss event will be over.

Commenting on the launch of this car, Automobili Lamborghini’s President and CEO Stephan Winkelmannof said: “The new Lamborghini Aventador J is the most radical open supersports car of Lamborghini’s history. Its name comes from our tradition and combines an unconventional design with technology innovation. Nowadays we are confronted with several regulations that we face in the spirit of challenge. The Aventador J is the proof that, despite the rules, Lamborghini will always make people dream, even in the future.”

We have been talking a lot about this car in the last few days, thereby if you still need to know about the striking features of this beauty, just check our very first post about it, with h the official press release attached.

Following its virtual launch on the internet a few hours back, the astonishing Lamborghini Aventador J physically shows up in all of its majesty at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. As thoroughly explained in our previous post on this unbelievable car, the Aventador J is a super exclusive one-off created by the Italian manufacturer that will be put up for sale at the end of the Swiss event. There is only one Aventador J on this planet, this one, and therefore just one lucky buyer will have the chance to enjoy the incredible ‘in-your-face’ driving experience that only this one car can deliver. Designed to be the more extreme roadster of the planet, the Aventador J in fact comes with neither roof nor windscreen, something that simply puts this masterpiece in a league of its own.

In a nutshell, this is an all-wheel drive car equipped with the same 700 hp 6.5-litre V12 engine of the LP700 coupe and a super-fast ISR gearbox. In an attempt to keep is weight down to a minimum, the J got rid of useless frills such as clima, audio system and sat-nav and makes large use of innovative and ultra-light materials, including the never-seen-before Carbonskin fabric, patented by Lamborghini itself. Check it our in exclusive photo gallery taken live in Geneva, and feel free to check out our previous article on the Aventador J (with extended press release) to find out more about all of its amazing features.

Making its debut in Europe, the brand new Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder does not disappoint the crowd that is still rubbing its eyes in disbelief after having seen the undisputed star of the Lamorghini’s stall. The model is basically a convertible version of the Gallardo Balboni and comes with a 5.2-litre V10 engine developing 550 hp that get entirely transferred to the rear axle through the advanced E-Gear automatic gearbox. The Italian carmaker describes it as a “car for purists” and in fact, among the other features, this car uses a special program for its ESP called ‘Corsa’ that neutralizes all of its electronic aids. Weighing in at 1,520 kg, this car can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).

View the full Lamborghini Aventador J and Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery

Judging by the look of this thing, you might guess it comes from another planet or something, but in reality the brand new Lamborghini Aventador J is absolutely road legal. The latest rendition of the successful Aventador has been designed to be the most exciting and uncompromising Roadster ever made, and it is - as Lamborghini puts it - a “radically open automobile”, meaning that it comes with no roof and no windscreen. Therby you would need to wear helmet and leathers in order to jump on board and enjoy its 300 km/h of top speed ‘in your face’, but that’s a small price to pay for what could really end up being the driving experience of your life.

The Lamborghini Aventador J is a one off that Lamborghini will showcase at the imminent Geneva Motor Show and will then put up for grabs once the event will be over. The model - based on LP700-4 -the is also a proper, unique piece of art: there’s only one Aventador J, the one you see in these images. That’s the one that will be on display in Geneva and the one that will be sold right after it: no prototypes, no mules, not even one for the Lamborghini Museum. That’s the deal.

The Aventador J is powered by the same 6.5-litre V12 engine of the regular coupe version, capable of delivering 700 hp and coupled to a ISR gearbox that transfers its power to all four wheels. However, there are quite a few features that makes it different from the model it derives from. Lack of roof and wind protection aside - apart from those two small deflectors that we think are merely choreographic - the Aventador J uses a monocoque chassis with a roll bar behind the seats. Everything that was not functional to achieving maximum performance has been scrapped, and so sound system, clima and sat-nav are all gone. Seats are made of forged composite and uses a special carbon-based fabric called Carbonskin, patented by Lamborghini itself. Aesthetically, the J boasts a narrower front end, specifically designed bumpers, a carbon rear wing, 20″ alloys on the front axle and 21″ at the back. To find out more about the amazing Lamborghini Aventador J, check out the official press release after the jump.

View the full Lamborghini Aventador J photo gallery

Lamborghini Aventador J:
Worldwide premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show
Radically open, extremely powerful

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini is presenting the most uncompromising open super sports car of its entire history. The Lamborghini Aventador J is a force of nature on wheels – supremely powerful and supremely open. The Aventador J offers its pilot and co-pilot an utterly indescribable experience of power and dynamics. At the same time, the 515 kW / 700 hp two-seater is a first class technology showcase, combining innovative solutions and brand new materials. Demonstrating Automobili Lamborghini’s enormous expertise in carbon fiber technology.

The Lamborghini Aventador J is a radically open automobile – exterior and interior meld into each other. The designers and engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese have not only dispensed entirely with the roof, but also with the front windshield. This requires that drivers of the Aventador J must have the right equipment for driving at top speeds higher than 300 Km/h.

This kind of driving at the limit is a highly exclusive experience – the Lamborghini Aventador J is fully functional for road use. It is an absolute one-off: as a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

“With the Lamborghini Aventador J, we have molded our brand DNA into its most definitive form to-date. This automobile is as extreme and as uncompromising as only a Lamborghini can be,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The new Lamborghini Aventador J is the most radical open supersports car of Lamborghini’s history. Its name comes from our tradition and combines an unconventional design with technology innovation. Nowadays we are confronted with several regulations that we face in the spirit of challenge. The Aventador J is the proof that, despite the rules, Lamborghini will always make people dream, even in the future.”

Continuation of a glorious tradition

With the Aventador J, technically based on the Aventador, Automobili Lamborghini is carrying on its glorious brand tradition. The 1970 Jota, for instance, was the stuff of legends – a Lamborghini Miura with improved performance and virtually redesigned every detail. It remained a one-off; although some owners subsequently had their Miuras modified to look like the Jota.

The letter J is derived from the sporting rules of the FIA world motorsport organization. Its “Appendix J” defines the technical specification of race cars in the various classes.

The Aventador: Extremely open, overwhelming power

The Lamborghini Aventador J is a super sports car of positively dramatic single-mindedness and openness. It combines the overwhelming performance of the Lamborghini Aventador with the most intense experience of power and dynamics imaginable in an automobile.

The technical basis for the Aventador J is the Aventador LP 700-4, Lamborghini’s new twelve-cylinder model. Presented in 2011, the Aventador has been acclaimed by customers and journalists alike. The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4’s technology package is unique – its structure is based on an innovative monocoque made from carbon fiber reinforced polymers that combines systematic lightweight design with optimum stiffness and safety. The new twelve-cylinder with a displacement of 6.5 liters and 515 kW / 700 hp combines the best in high-revving thrills with mighty pulling power. Its super-fast ISR transmission, permanent all-wheel drive and pushrod suspension combine this potent power with the utmost handling
precision.

Systematic lightweight design – considerable weight reduction

Naturally, the Aventador J benefits enormously from this unique technology package. Yet the Aventador J has a significantly different interpretation to the Aventador coupé. In this open version, the monocoque has a largely new design, including the two safety bars behind the seats. The absence of a roof, of the large windshield, of the air conditioning system and of the navigation system obviously takes it to an even lower weight. With a dry weight of 1575 kilograms, the series production Aventador LP 700-4 is already extremely light for its performance class thanks to its carbon fiber construction.

Carbonskin, a brand new carbon fiber material

The unique expertise of Automobili Lamborghini in the field of carbon fiber reinforced polymers is evident not only in the hi-tech monocoque, but also in the research into further innovative solutions. Unlike traditional seats, in the Aventador J seats are made of Forged COMPOSITE®, with inserts of flexible carbon fiber fabrics: a result of an innovative Lamborghini patent.

The specialists at Lamborghini have developed an even more amazing version of carbon fiber material for the Aventador J. In its first automotive application, this carbon fiber fabric called “Carbonskin” is made of woven carbon fibers soaked with a very special epoxy resin that stabilizes the fiber structure and keeps the material soft. Like a hi-tech fabric, the carbon fiber
mats fit perfectly to every shape. In the Aventador J, the complete cockpit and parts of the seats are clad in this material and shimmer in matt carbon fiber black. It’s conceivable that in future there will be many potential applications for this freshly patented and extremely fine-looking material, even very high-end clothing.

The Design: uncompromisingly Lamborghini

An extreme Aventador obviously needs an equally single-minded design, which goes without saying at the Centro Stile Lamborghini. Every single model from Sant’Agata Bolognese bears the unique design of the brand. Clear, precise surfaces, as well as sharp, often broken lines are among the unmistakable styling tools. They consistently emphasize the power and enormous presence of these Italian super sports cars. Not one line is ever accidental – the defining principle is always ‘form follows function’.

This function is very clearly defined for the Aventador J – explosive dynamics, extreme driving fun, a unique experience. Every kilometer with the Aventador J is extreme fun: something plainly evident from the very first glance.

Rear view mirror like a periscope

Virtually every part of the outer chassis was redesigned for the Aventador J, yet it shows the spirit of Lamborghini in its most concentrated form. The car’s dimensions are extreme: the overall length is 4890 mm, the overall width (excluding mirrors) is 2030 mm while the height is 1110 mm.

The highest points are marked by the rear view mirror, which is perched on an arm like a periscope, and by the two safety bars behind the seats. In place of the classic front windshield there are two small wind deflectors. The occupants of the Aventador J are confronted by the element of the wind in much the same way as a superbike rider – therefore the right clothing is prerequisite for every trip.

Front scoop with winglets

The front of the Aventador J is somewhat narrower than that of the Aventador. The front end is dominated by a highly distinctive carbon fiber air scoop, with central fixing braces and upward tilting winglets on the outer edges. Viewed from the side, the front end of the Aventador J looks like a Formula 1 racing car.

Red with chrome effect, wheels with CFRP fan

The black of the carbon fiber parts is visibly evident throughout the car – the significantly wider sill elements and the mighty rear diffuser form a perfect contrast to the rich red body paintwork. The special red color was developed specifically for this Aventador - a highly intensive red with a slight chrome effect.

The wheels, of course, were also developed specifically for this car, with 20-inch rims at the front and 21-inch at the rear. The five-spoke aluminum wheels have a central lock system and an additional carbon fiber insert that functions like a small fan for optimum brake ventilation.

Naturally, the doors on the Aventador J also open upward. They are considerably thinner than on the Aventador and are fitted with a tiny, fixed side window. The muscular flanks around the rear wheels are hallmark Lamborghini and make it immediately apparent where this particular bull keeps his power.

Rear end purely for aerodynamics and ventilation

Because of its ample dimensions, the eye is drawn inexorably to the rear end. It consists in principle of just three elements – the carbon-fiber rear diffuser, the four huge tail pipes and the rear lights with their typical 5 Lamborghini light signature in the form of a Y. The remaining surface area is for heat dissipation and is enclosed only by a black metal mesh. The rear end is crowned by an enormous fixed spoiler mounted on the bodyshell by two arms. ‘Form follows function’ to the nth degree. The spoiler is supported by two pillars connected by the diffuser: clearly inspired by racing.

Special bumpers

In comparison with the Aventador LP 700-4, the exclusive Aventador J has special front and rear bumpers. Both bumpers have been supplemented with carbon fiber fins that act as flow deviators. Their purpose is to achieve a significant increase in the vehicle’s downforce at both the front and the rear.

The outside comes inside

The Aventador J’s exterior and interior forms flow seamlessly into each other. This super sports car turns its inside outward and is as open as it can possibly be. Conversely, the exterior ‘flows’ through the interior – a red stripe runs from the front hood, between the two wind deflectors, over the dashboard, down the console to the center tunnel and back up between the seat backs, before leaving the interior and heading for the engine cover panel.

Interior is minimalist and single-minded

This band of color connects the front and the rear of the car, creates a visual separation between the driver and passenger space and is interrupted only by a small control panel housing the starter button and the switches for lights and transmission. The Aventador J is equipped neither with a navigation nor car audio system, nor does it have the associated
screen or air conditioning controls – these would simply detract from its one and only raison d’être as an extreme driving experience. What remains, of course, are two programmable TFT displays behind the steering wheel.

The engine cover also brings the inside to the outside. To be more precise,
it is not so much a cover but more a framework. This part has a new geometry (X shape) and is made of carbon fiber. Two large openings lay bare both cylinder banks of the mighty V12 power unit with its 6.5 liters of displacement – a truly stunning sight for every automobile aficionado.

A unique work of art licensed for the road

However, at the end of the Geneva Motor Show, this sight will be the preserve of just one – the future owner of the Lamborghini Aventador J. There is only one of them, no prototypes and no others for the Lamborghini Museum. The buyer can look forward to a truly unique, street-legal work of art. He will possess the most extreme expression of Lamborghini DNA in existence and a real masterpiece of high technology. But the many other fans of the super sports cars from Sant’Agata Bolognese can rest assured - the Aventador success story has only just begun.

This is definitely not the usual set of spy shots that we get to receive every now and then. This time our photographers from CarPix have caught on camera a mule of the Lamborghini Aventador losing control while approaching a two-ways junction in the Artic Circle and crashing into a snow bank.

Even though this car has already been launched, it happens quite often that the manufacturers just carry on testing models that are already out there in order to improve them, which doesn’t necessarily mean that they are going to be restyled or something that radical. Initially our guys thought that this Lambo was a prototype for the next Aventador Roadster, but this was just not the case.

According to what our photographer, the Lambo enterde the corner at a fast speed and the icy surface of the road did not allow the driver to keep its line, resulting in the car skidding through the intersection and bumping in the snow. Apparently - and quite understandably - the driver was really angry at our guys when he first got out of the car, but then an Audi A6 Allroad came to the rescue and, as soon as he realized that the car did not suffer any particular problem, he calmed down and agreed to pose with a large smile and a big thumb up. At the beginning, that was definitely not the finger that our guys where were expecting to see …

Lamborghini will take part to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with the Roadster version of the Aventador LP700-4, which will feature a rigid mobile module able to transform it in the matter of second from a coupé to a convertible. This solution is definitely more refined than the one offered by the Murcielago Roadster, which was featuring a fabric top only homologated for a maximum speed of 180 km/h, combined with an automatic roll bar.

The Aventador on the other hand features a carbon hard top which results much more reliable than the fabric one, and that can be used even if the speed has exceeded the 180 km/h mark. It will mount the same engine as the coupé, the new V12 6.5 supplying 700 hp and with a maximum torque of 690 Nm, but we still have to see to what degree the mass augmentation will affect this vehicle’s performance.

All good things must come to an end, and so does this excellent Lamborghini documentary with its seventh episode dedicated to the Sesto Elemento, the high-performance concept car designed by Lamborghini for the 2010 Paris Motor Show. For the ones who don’t know, the sixth element in the periodic table is carbon, which explains the name’s choice: this vehicle’s chassis, body, driveshaft and suspension are in fact made of carbon fiber, which has reduced Lamborghini Sesto Elemento’s overall weight to an astonishing 999 kilograms (2,200 lb).

And its lightness, combined with the power of its V10 motor, has enabled this concept car to reach outstanding standards in terms of performance: 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

The Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese is the focus of the sixth part of this documentary exploring this maker’s history and production from an insider’s point of view.

Born in 2001, this very impressive museum covers the entire history of the exclusive car maker in all its aspects. The photo gallery highlights Lamborghini’s milestones and it includes black and white stills of old production lines as well as advertising shots and pictures of all the different vehicles.

Within the historical models on display on the ground floor you can find some gems such as the first 350 GT built by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, the Miura S, the Espada, the Urraco and the Silhouette as well as some prototypes such as the Countach 001 and the Lamborghini LM 002. On the other hand the first floor is dedicated to more contemporary vehicles such as design, concept, exotic and racing cars. It also includes an area displaying everything you need to know about Lamborghini’s marine motors such as the Toro.

The fifth episode of this Lamborghini documentary focuses on the Gallardo, and in particular on two models: the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Leggera and the Gallardo Spyder.

The Super Leggera’s structure can be summed up in an ultra-light body stretched over a tubular frame, and thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre this vehicle has been crowned the lightest in the Lamborghini range. With a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph), the LP 570-4 Super Leggera only comes second to the Aventador in terms of performance.

The Gallardo Spyder was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show as an “al fresco” version of the v10 super sports car. Needless to say, watching this video only makes you wish you could jump immediately in one of these jewels and spend the rest of your life cruising from riviera to riviera.

Here’s the fourth part of this amazing Lamborghini documentary, and today we explore what’s going on behind closed doors at the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese. These historic premises at the moment accomodate more or less 850 employees, who work meticulously to produce the iconic super sports cars in an environment as neat and clean as an operating theatre.

Lamborghini’s exclusive production line only delivers an average of a dozen units a day and features a mixture of hi-tech and hand craftsmanship, which ensures vehicles are assembled to the highest quality standards.