Lamborghini working on short-wheelbase V12 Jota, Reventón Roadster

If you've been waiting for Lamborghini to replace the aging Murcielago and were disappointed by recent reports that its successor may not arrive until 2012, the mavens over at Autogespot may have some good news for you.
While the Murci may stay on for another few years, word has it that Lamborghini is working on another model, apparently to run in parallel. The reports suggest that the new model, tentatively dubbed Jota (after the label previously used on special Miuras and Diablos of yore), will use the Murcielago's V12, albeit packaged in a shorter wheelbase with an even wider track and lightweight materials.
Any truth to the rumors? It's hard to tell, but in the meantime, Sant'Agata is said to be working on a Reventón Roadster to follow up on the limited-edition fighter jet-inspired supercar.
[Source: Autogespot]

Lamborghini working on new V12 model, Reventon Roadster

Recent reports say that a successor to the Lamborghini Murcielago won’t arrive until 2012; however, that doesn’t mean Lamborghini designers and engineers are just sitting around doing nothing.

Autogespot sources say that Lamborghini is hard at work on a new vehicle by the end of this year. The new bull is expected to carry a further developed engine from the Murcielago LP640 with more power and better performance. The new car, think of it as a successor to the Jota, will have a shorter wheelbase and a wider stance. Insiders say that a lot of lightweight materials will be used to reduce the weight of the body of the new model.

Other than that, a Lamborghini Reventon Roadster is due to be unveiled very soon.

2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

Is there so much as a twang left in the old saw that for an Italian sports car to aspire to greatness it must have a temperamental, even cantankerous personality? Perhaps you’ve noticed that Audi’s ascension to the front office at Sant’Agata has transformed the maker of the volatile ’60s Miura into something as dependable as the vicious facial bites in Rutger Hauer movies. Firing up the engine does not set off flames in some surprising location.

Even the convertible’s complicated softtop—it’s got a hydraulic pump, six hydraulic cylinders, an electric motor, and two electric actuators—runs with German determination, opening or closing in 20 seconds, just hit a switch. The trick top on this 552-hp wedge, along with the structural enhancements, adds a claimed 309 pounds to the coupe’s 3507-pound curb weight, and that should slow acceleration times by 0.3 second.

Keep Reading: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder - Second Drive

Blancpain Chronograph for the Lamborghini Super Trofeo

Some merchandising efforts are forced, while others you can see coming from a mile away. Swiss watchmaker Blancpain's sponsorship of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series certainly falls in the latter category, especially with huge pictures of their timepieces emblazoned on the side of the Gallardo spec racers. So it came as no big surprise when Blancpain launched its Super Trofeo chronograph. The only surprise was the total lack of branding on the wristwatch itself. (Though that should have been expected as well from a company whose name means "white bread".)
Evidently having gotten it out of its system on the race cars, the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph is decidedly low-key, if decidedly automotive in style: the case is covered in a material called Diamond Like Carbon (DLC), secured with wrist straps of Alcantara. The numbers 9 and 12, in the same style as the numbers identifying the racers themselves, dominate the watch face along with the sub-dials powered by Blancpain's own Calibre F185 automatic chronograph movement, operated by push-buttons (one in carbon, the other in red) on the right side of the case in classic style. Mirroring the thirty-car grid in the Super Trofeo series, only 300 examples of the timepiece will be made - also like the exclusive Lamborghini racing series, if you have to ask the price, you can't get in on the action. Sorry.

Reiter Engineering shows the Gallardo GT3 Strada

Reiter Engineering have modified their Gallardo GT3 race car to come up with a road going version, the GT3 Strada. Carbon fiber has been used generously in making the car’s body, with panels, front splitter, rear wing and bumper all shaped up from fiber. A new exhaust from German Formula 1 supplier MHG finds its way into the car, along with a Holinger six-speed sequential gearbox. The huge V10 in the car generates 535bhp of power.

edo Competition creates fashion car with designer Christian Audigier

Fine fashion and fine cars are a popular combination, the element of design being the uniting force between them. To draw on that synergy, edo Competition has teamed with noted French fashion designer Christian Audigier to build a five-car limited edition Murcielago called the edo LP 710 Audigier.
The skulls and other elements that adorn the car are supposed to constitute a pirate motif, and the matte black exterior color carries through to the completely redesigned interior. To combine the look of a matte color with a pleasing tactile sensation, fine suede and alcantara have been used throughout the cabin, and the exterior styling cues are repeated by embroidery.
Each of the five edo LP 710 Audigier cars to be built will be completely customized to the buyer's order, with edo claiming the execution to have "no limits". Different motifs, styling, colors and materials are available, all in an effort to create a highly exclusive and valuable special edition car.
As for performance, the LP 710 builds on the base of a standard Murcielago LP 640. After complete disassembly and redesign, the car is rebuilt with new aerodynamics, wheels, tires and a new exhaust.
The engine is tuned and modified to increase output to the nominal 710Nm (461lb-ft) of torque and 700hp (530kW). Top speed is raised to 223.7mph (360km/h) - a speed that buyers can reach with a free visit to the Papenburg, German or Nardo, Italy high-speed test tracks. Test driver and racing instructor Patrick Simon will also be on hand to help new owners safely learn to handle their cars. Acceleration is suitably fast as well, with 0-62mph (100km/h) flashing by in just 3.2 seconds thanks to the brawny 6.5L V12 engine.

Gallery: edo Competition Lamborghini Murcielago LP 710 Audigier

Gallardo Super Trofeo sets lap record for a one-make trophy car

The Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo car has surpassed everyone’s expectations by posting lap times faster than any ever recorded with a single-brand trophy race car.