PIT LANE - LamboMAG

Transcription

PIT LANE - LamboMAG

Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine
index NOV/DEC 2006
Some information about the Magazine you should know ...
You can’t have a Magazine without an index ...
NAVIGATION
How to navigate Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine :
In-line links : you can click on any section in our CONTENTS page and you’ll go directly to that page inside the Magazine.
Also when clicking on the page number or the
‘Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine’ footer on each page, you’ll come back to the contents.
Online connection : when you see the web cursor on an internet address or an add, you’ll be able to visit that site right from inside the
Magazine ... if you have an active connection naturally.
Most of the photographs you’ll find in this Magazine will be ‘hot-linked’ to the Magazine’s site were you can download this image in the most popular screen resolutions so you can use it as a background on your computer.
Note that some detail shots or special images will not be linked to a wallpaper version.
CONTACT INFO
Editor & publisher
Mark Smeyers
Distribution
Magazine.LamboCars.com
Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine is written by enthusiasts, their
names are listed with their articles, together with the original photographer or source of the images that accompany the text
Note that the graphical layout, the articles and all photographs in
this publication are protected by Federal US and International copyright laws and may not be reproduced in any form without written
permission from the author.
If you would like to use one or more of the photographs from this
issue, or any other material found on these pages for non-commercial reasons, you can request a written permission by contacting
Lamborghini Cars at [email protected]
It is however NOT allowed to modify or to create a copy of the
magazine on any other server or to publish it in any other form, written or electronic.
The digital edition of Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine is available
from the Lamborghini Cars Magazine web site as a free download,
please post only the link to this page on your servers, posting of the
original PDF document is not allowed, nor making any modifications
to this electronic version.
For any further information or other questions you might have, feel
free to contact me at : [email protected].
CONTENTS
EDITorial
4
A small word from the author ...
Premium SELECTION
A collection of our best Lamborghini photographs
Quick LOOK
PHOTO album
60
Lamborghini style ...
AUTOmobilia
50
Lamborghini Countach LP400S
LIFEstyle
42
Viva Italia
In DEPTH
31
Lamborghini’s on the race track ...
EVENT horizon
26
A Lamborghini is only the start when it leaves the factory ...
the PIT LANE
22
Some very interesting Lamborghini Cars ...
TUNING corner
14
Why a Lamborghini doesn’t have to be red ...
SpotLIGHT
8
Our cover car seen from every angle ...
Black is beautiful
6
All about Lamborghini you just need to know ...
62
From scale models to books ...
LAMBORGHINI online
65
© 2006 Lamborghini Cars
I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I Information
Issue 1 NOV/DEC 2006 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I EDITorial issue 1
Premium SELECTION
A small word from the author ...
A collection of the best Lamborghini photographs
however another idea emerged ... why not a complete
magazine ?
So the concept of this magazine slowly took form after
many hours of hard work ...
It took some time to decide on a general layout for Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine, most importantly the cover
design, which I wanted to keep as simple as possible. I
feel that most of the magazines you find these days on
the newsstand have a rather cramped front page, a lot of
information on a small space.
I didn’t want to go down that road and purposely kept it
plain and simple ... the magazine is about Lamborghini’s
so there is no need to put a lot of images or text on the
cover.
What will you be able to find on these pages ?
Well for one; Lamborghini’s naturally, but that’s only the beginning. I will cover the most important events in each issue, as long as there were events prior to the release date
of course, if there is no event, I can’t cover it you know.
There will however be a few ‘In depth’ features in every
issue, going into detail on some of the masterpieces built
at Sant’Agata,
Another possible feature could take a deeper look at one
of those really nice scale models available on the market
these days.
Not everyone has the funds to obtain the ‘real deal’, so
scale models are a nice way to at least have a feel about
these exotic cars.
And some owners really like to have their pride and joy in a
smaller scale to put on their desk or in the living room.
This is the first edition of Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine,
a collection of articles and photographs on Lamborghini
Cars and Lamborghini related automobilia like scale models, books and much more ...
This magazine is available in a 72 Dpi, downloadable PDF
format so you can read it either on your monitor or print
it on a printer for easy reading, some people do prefer to
read a printed copy instead of an electronic, on-screen
edition, I can print you a nicely stitched, high resolution
hardcopy if you like, just let me know
Most of the photographs in the electronig edition will have
a link to a ‘wallpaper’ edition of that image, available in
various screen resolutions for you to use as a background
on your computer.
Another section in Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine will
be dedicated to a Photo Shoot, depicting one of the more
interesting cars made by Lamborghini.
This can be a brand new model, but also one of those
classic Bulls we don’t see during many events anymore, so
expect to see Lamborghini’s ranging from the early 350 GT
right up to the latest Murciélago LP640 evolution.
And a lot more ... so let’s stop talking about the Magazine
and start reading it ...
If you would like to drop me a mail or contact me with any
comments, both good or bad, don’t hesitate to visit the
Lamborghini Cars site : WWW.LAMBOCARS.COM
Happy reading
You might ask : “why yet another e-zine ?” or whatever you
would like to call Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine ... well
let me put it this way : “Do you find any Lamborghini related publication anywhere available on a regular basis ?”
Mark Smeyers
© 2006 Lamborghini Cars
www.LamboCars.com
I didn’t think so, therefore I decided that in addition to the
work I’m doing on my Lamborghini Cars, the enthusiast
site, I could offer you a Magazine dedicated to my favorite
automobile builder ... Automobili Lamborghini SpA.
I played around with the idea of a printed newsletter on a
monthly basis, but that didn’t seem to be a viable solution,
Neither this magazine nor the website Lamborghini Cars is associated with the Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA.
Lamborghini Cars is a non-commercial enthusiast website, we
do not sell cars or parts, the Lamborghini name, all model names
and the Raging Bull logo are registered trademarks of Automobili
Lamborghini SpA
I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I EDITorial
Premium SELECTION I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I Quick LOOK
Quick LOOK
AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI SPA
‘Ad Personam’ PROGRAMME
Text Fourtitude.com - Photo : Automobili Lamborghini SpA
include a carbon finish for the control panel of the air
conditioning, gear change console and handbrake
amongst other areas. This high tech material is also
available for various mounted parts of the car body.
For the car exterior, personalization options include an
extended choice of rims, brake callipers in yellow and
silver, plus smoked rear windows and tail lamps.
In addition to the above, almost all clients’ further
customizing requirements can be met. It is as possible
to have the car lacquered to match a client’s colour
sample as it is to fulfil special wishes regarding the
colour of the leather, Alcantara or thread used for the
seams. The only limits are those set by Lamborghini’s
own quality standards, with which any modification
made must comply.
‘Ad personam’ is available for Automobili Lamborghini’s entire model range: The Murciélago LP640, Murciélago Roadster, Gallardo and Gallardo Spyder.
For Automobili Lamborghini, the Mondial De
L’Automobile 2006 (30 September to 15 October)
was the opportunity to present its new ‘Ad personam’
customizing programme.
‘Ad personam’ is illustrated by each of the exclusive
special edition models on the show: the Lamborghini
Murciélago LP 640 Versace and the Lamborghini Gallardo Nera.
Last, but by no means least, the third vehicle exhibited
is a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, which completes
the presence of Lamborghini at its stand 124, ailse A
in Hall 4.
THE UPDATED GALLARDO 2007
Text Fourtitude.com - Photo : Automobili Lamborghini SpA
for the Coupé and the Spyder.
Carpets coloured in dark brown, orange or red, and
the Interior Unicolor sportive are now available for the
Coupé model.
Furthermore the MY2007 Gallardo has the following
options added to it’s list : Alcantara roof lining and
Alcantara pillers, small interior carbon package and a
steering wheel either in suede or in perforated leather.
The most significant change however, can be found
on the brakes: for the first time, the highly efficient carbon ceramic braking system, which is already available for the Lamborghini Murciélago, is now offered as
an optional feature on the Gallardo range.
For extremely high brake performance requirements,
on request the vehicle can now be equipped with
carbon ceramic brakes measuring 380 mm x 36 mm
using six piston brake calipers, which reduce the rake
pedal pressure and shorten the braking distance.
The standard steel brakes already produced first class
performance, but the optional carbon ceramic brakes
provide absolute insensitiveness to fading.
Further advantages are brought by a considerable
reduction in weight and greater durability, in addition
to the brakes’ attractive aesthetic appearance.
run of only 185 units, it is bound to become an instant
collectible much like the earlier Gallardo SE model.
The big difference with the Gallardo SE is the fact that
only one color will be available ... black, ‘Nero Noctis’
and ‘Nero Serapis’ to be precise.
Note those matte black sections on the car, the entire
roof is matte, the wheels are also finished in black
which leads to a very intimidating looking car.
Perhaps not to everybody’s liking, but you must admit
that it looks really impressive, especially with that nice
‘Q-Citura’ pattern on the seats, a combination of black
and white leather offers a very contrasting interior.
The Lamborghini Gallardo Nera is another example of
what the ‘Ad personam’ programme can perform on a
‘standard’ Lamborghini, just about everything is possible, within safety limits naturally.
if you want something special, and you’ve got the
funds to back your wishlist, there is virtually no limit to
the Lamborghini that can be custom built for you by
the factory.
ONLINE : www.lamborghini.com
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO NERA
Text M. Smeyers - Photo : Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Your add here ?
The ‘Ad personam’ Lamborghini customizing programme – unlimited freedom of creation
The highest level of individuality and exclusivity are
the hallmark of ‘Ad personam’. This programme gives
every Lamborghini client the possibility of creating
their own unique sports car, personifying their own
style down to the last detail. With ‘Ad personam’,
every Lamborghini becomes a unique car.
‘Ad personam’ offers a multitude of options via which
to give both a car’s interior and exterior its own unique
style. For this purpose, the fabric and colour designers
from Sant’Agata have created particularly prestigious
equipment packages for the entire Lamborghini range.
For example, the leather packages offered use only
the highest quality leather and offer further scope of
personalization via the vanish and stitching. A hint of
the race track is felt with the carbon packages, which
I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I Quick LOOK
Contact us :
The Coupé and Spyder versions of Lamborghini’s
most successful model of all time enter the year 2007
with slight modifications.
The production car’s enhancements include the steering wheel, flattened on the underside with partially
galvanized areas; galvanized instrument circles; the
bespoke vehicle cover and skyroof in imitation leather
(Coupé).
The base colour ‘Marrone Janus’ and contrasting colours such as ‘Bianco Polar’ or ‘Azzurro Australis’ are
now available as colour options for the interior, both
Magazine.Lambocars.com
or mail us
Don’t like the idea of owning a Lamborghini Gallardo
and discovering your neighbour just bought a similar
one ?
Now there’s a new answer directly from the factory,
the limited edition Gallardo Nera, with a production
[email protected]
Quick LOOK I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I PHOTO album
PHOTO album
YELLOW PEARL
Lamborghini Murciélago
Text M. Smeyers • Photo’s Autofoto.be
Even standing still the Lamborghini Murciélago looks ready
to shred the road ahead to pieces, like a predator ...
I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I PHOTO album
PHOTO album I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I PHOTO album
10 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I PHOTO album
PHOTO album
PHOTO album I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 11
PHOTO album
12 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I PHOTO album
PHOTO album
PHOTO album I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 13
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
Lamborghini Murciélago
Text M. Smeyers • Photo’s M. Smeyers
A Lamborghini Murciélago will be impressive no matter what color you order
it in, but selecting a high gloss metallic black shade and combining that with a
dark leather interior will make it look even more intimidating. Mean, wide and
low are only a few words to describe such a black Bull.
When you ask people what color a Lamborghini usually is, most will answer red or perhaps even yellow,
but naturally there are other colors available for your
supercar ‘Made in Italy’.
A very popular color during the Eighties was white,
several Lamborghini Countach LP500 S were finished in white over a white leather interior, very nice
... when new, but maintaining could be a nightmare,
and later on white got a bit out of fashion.
The owner of the cars we’ll take a closer look at will
take us into the dark side ... deep black !
However, before he bought his current car, a stunning black Murciélago Roadster, he owned a dark
grey metallic Diablo VT which was nicely tuned
with 6.0 wheels and a big Affolter rear wing, But
that wasn’t all he modified on this Diablo, he first
mounted all four exhausts at the center of the car,
but later replaced them with four magnificent Remus
exhausts, also note the full red taillights and special
mesh between them, making it look even more like a
6.0 model.
a dark metallic Diablo VT which
was nicely tuned with 6.0 wheels
and a big Affolter rear wing.
On the inside, the dark tan interior received several
Momo accessories like a steering wheel and a gear
knob from this Italian tuner, combining black leather
and high gloss chrome in a very tasteful way.
Eventually he sold this amazing Diablo to acquire a
black Murciélago, but the tuning bug roared it’s head
14 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I BLACK is beautiful
BLACK is beautiful I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 15
again, so he began looking for things to change on
this new V12 from Sant’Agata.
When it left the factory doors in Italy this Murciélago
looked like every other black one that was built, but
the owner started adding personal touches to it.
Now I know there are people who just wouldn’t
dream about ‘tuning’ a Lamborghini, but this is a
Swiss car ... remember Affolter ?
Right in the middle of Europe, Switzerland to be
precise you would find Roland Affolter, the official
distributor for Automobili Lamborghini SpA for the
Swiss region, and you must have heard about his
Diablo Evolution series, highly tuned Diablo models,
the latest even featured a completely redesigned
bodywork, just about the only thing that remained
on these Affolter Diablo’s was the chassis, even the
engine and the interior were highly modified.
Personally I like these customized Lamborghini’s,
they show the personality of the owner, on one hand
excentric (he did buy a Lamborghini right ?) on the
other hand he wants to make a statement with a
‘personal’ Lamborghini ... a plain factory car just
won’t do.
Let’s take another look around his first car and take
a second look at what was modified ... for one there
was a massive rear wing installed, inspired by the
Diablo SVR racing model, but taking this design one
step further ... or should we say higher, as this Carbon Fiber rear wing was mounted on polished struts
to ride into the air.
You might think such a wing is purely cosmetic, but it
isn’t actually, it really adds downforce at high speeds,
and this Murciélago was used extensively by it’s
owner, both on the open road and on the track.
It took some time, but he was finally able to get a hold of four Roadster wheels for his black Bull
no massive body kit or any kind of large tuning, but simple and very
effective details made this black beauty stand out of the crowd
But we’re talking about a Murciélago here, so what
happened ? Well, there wasn’t a wide body available
for the Murciélago, and even today it isn’t available,
only for the Gallardo are you able to find a tuner that
will increase the width of this V10 Lamborghini, but
not for the Murciélago.
He started looking into personalizing this new Lamborghini, but there was one major problem, today
there are several companies active in tuning exotic
cars, but a few years ago, they were very scarce
and most of the time located in Japan or the United
States.
So our owner had to turn to other methods, no massive body kit or any kind of large tuning, but simple,
and very effective details made this black beauty
stand out of the crowd.
What was modified on the car already can be
discovered on the photographs presented on these
pages, but I’ll still give you a small overview :
• a high gloss Carbon Fiber rear wing was installed.
• a thundering, special exhaust system was mounted.
• dark tinted taillights were fitted.
• black side turn signal lights were installed.
• the full leather, black interior was upgraded with a
few chrome touches.
• the front spoiler featured chrome grilles.
• there were ‘bad look’ eyelids on the headlights.
• and last but not least, stunning Roadster wheels
were mounted.
And he sure could drive, taking his Murciélago to
famous circuits like Spa Francorchamps in Belgium,
the TT circuit at Assen, The Netherlands or the Nürnburg Ring ... all high speeds tracks were he could
really let go of the power behind his back.
But there were more items added during the period
he owned this car, he didn’t really like the original
rims of the Murciélago, and he was a bit reluctant to
mount after market wheels on this high performance
automobile.
So when Automobili Lamborghini SpA unveiled the
magnificent Murciélago Roadster, the new wheels on
this convertible immediately took his attention.
It took some time, but he was finally able to get a
hold of four Roadster wheels for his black Bull, and
since these are polished right from the factory, they
looked amazing on his closed
Coupé model.
Also note the chromed grille
inserts in the front bumper together with the black side turn
signal lenses they made this black
Murciélago look really menacing,
especially after he added those
‘bad look’ eyelids on the headlights, a very nice touch.
I have personally seen this car at
several events in Europe, and it
never got past unnoticed, this was
one special Lamborghini, and it
drew a crowd wherever it showed
up.
One day the owner got an offer
from a fellow enthusiast he just
couldn’t refuse ... so he sold this
amazing car and started looking
around for another special Lamborghini.
Speeds over 180 Km/h
were no exception with
the roof in place
It took a while, but he finally found
what he was looking for, after
taking a closer look at a very
special Lamborghini Diablo GTR,
he decided to buy a nearly new
Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster,
finished in ... Black over a nice
two-tone black and grey interior.
Complete with Carbon Fiber package, this open Lamborghini looked
extremely nice when he drove it to
Zandvoort in 2006.
The above photograph was received from the owner
A six hour drive from Switzerland, but inside a Murciélago Roadster, with the roof closed, this was no
problem at all, and speeds over 180 Km/h were no
exception, even with the safeguard from the factory
not to drive over 180 Km/h with the roof in place.
Naturally this new Lamborghini wouldn’t escape from
the tuning mania ... and a first ‘personalization’ was
already present when I saw the car ...
White turn signal indicators at the side made a nice
statement on a black car. I’m sure that in time his
latest Murciélago will also be customized into something really special.
When I received a photograph from the owner a few
weeks later he already added chrome grill inserts in
the front bumper and replaced the white turn signal
lenses with black ones ... and that’s just the beginning.
I can’t wait to see his car again during some of the
events in 2007, I’m sure we will be pleasantly surprised when we’ll see his black Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster heading into the Lamborghini stand at
one of the better Italian car events ...
Many thanks to the owner of this car, it’s always
a real pleasure to talk with him and his lovely wife
when I meet them.
A stunning two-tone interior nicely
combining both light and dark grey
leather inside this Black bull.
Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 21
SpotLIGHT
SpotLIGHT
GALLARDO TUNING BY HAMANN MOTORSPORT GmbH
Text M. Smeyers - Photo’s : Hamann-Motorsport.com
All around the world, Hamann Motorsport GmbH is a
very well known tuner, but they didn’t try their magic on
the Lamborghini brand yet ... until recently.
The stunning Lamborghini Gallardo seen on this page
is the result of a lot of hard work in Germany, the home
base of Hamann Motorsport, and it is stunning, trust me.
A small list of the modifications executed by Hamann :
Aerodynamics : the front spoiler, which can be ordered
in either a fibreglass or a Carbon-Kevlar edition, the
side skirts, a magnificent three piece rear wing, the
rear diffuser, special air intakes on the sides and the air
scoops on the ‘shoulders’ ... all parts are available in
both Fibreglass or Carbon-Kevlar version, so you have
a choice which material would look best on your specific Gallardo.
Now let’s take a closer look at those fabulous wheels, Hamann 19-inch, multi-piece, light alloy units in a special
‘Design Anniversary II’ multi-spoke design, finished in silver with a highly polished outer rim. The front of the Gallardo can receive 9 inch wide, while the rear axle can hold massive 12 inch wide wheels, with 235/35 ZR19 and
295/30 ZR 19 rubber to front and rear respectively.
But that’s not all, there is more, a special Hamann exhaust system with two ‘Sport’ rear silencers to the left and
the right of the Gallardo, both sides having dual exhausts in 76mm diameter, but there are also ‘Sport’ steel
catalysts available, when mounting both Hamann systems you actually gain 28 Hp and have a torque increase of
about 50 Nm ... and naturally all this will result in a stunning sound !
If you take a look at their website, you’ll be able to find some stunning Porsche and Bmw cars, with upwards-sideway opening doors, so they also adapted this idea to the Gallardo ? Several owners requested to have Murciélago
style doors on the Gallardo too ... but Hamann took a different approach.
They didn’t mount the usual ‘scissor’ doors, but created a special ‘side and up’ opening system, seen on the
amazing black Gallardo in the bottom photo, which is actually their ‘Ventus S1 Evo’ model, a highly modified Lamborghini Gallardo.
Do keep in mind that your garage will have to be wide
enough to accommodate this great custom Lamborghini
but somehow I think this won’t be an issue with those
people opting to own such an extraordinary automobile.
For more information and prices, please feel free to
contact the friendly sales staff at Hamann Motorsport
GmbH, on this official website you’ll also be also to find
a local dealer which is authorized to distribute and install
these magnificent parts for your Lamborghini Gallardo.
ONLINE : www.hamann-motorsport.com
22 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I SpotLIGHT
THE LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP640 VERSACE
Text M. Smeyers - Photo’s : Automobili Lamborghini SpA
For the Paris ‘Mondial de l’Automobile’ and to celebrate the Fashion week in Milan, Versace and Lamborghini announced the production of a new, very limited edition model, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 VERSACE.
This exclusive model was the result of a new partnership between Gianni Versace SPA and the prestigious Automobili Lamborghini SpA based in Sant’Agata, Bologna. A close collaboration between the Versace designers and
the specialists for the ‘Ad Personam’ programme at Lamborghini perfected the already impressive interior found
inside the ‘standard’ Murciélago LP640.
The lower section of the dashboard, the doors, the headliner, the central console and the seats were upholstered
in a luxurious, full grain, nappa leather, all featuring the distinctive logo of the Versace House, a Greek fret motif,
either embossed in the leather or finely stitched. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 VERSACE was equipped
with all the options available for this flagship, particularly the new ‘Hermera’ wheels now finished in high gloss
black, the Carbon Fiber finish for the interior, the amazing glass engine cover and the well known e-Gear transmission.
The Automobili Lamborghini SpA stand on the Paris Auto Show would display a white ‘Isis’ edition, while during
the Fashion Week in Milan, Versace would show the black ‘Nero Aldebaran’ version, the only two colors available
for this very exclusive model with a production run of only 10 units ! To lift this rare Lamborghini LP640 VERSACE
to an even higher level of luxury there would be a new series of accessories exclusively designed for this model,
all hand-made in true Versace ‘Couture’ tradition.
The luggage set, composed of two suitcases (for him and for her) and one suit carrier in matt black calfskin
adorned with the Greek fret motif was conceived especially for the luggage room of the Lamborghini Murciélago.
On the outside of this set, a special authentication label would show the Versace ‘Couture Limited Edition’ script,
this label would be able to open and show some personal information of the owner.
The interior in white satin would also be embroided with
the Versace ‘Couture Limited Edition’ logo. Each piece
would receive the same serial number as the car it was
to be delivered with, this number would be engraved on
a plaque inside the luggage.
A pair of driving shoes in blamatt blue calfskin from the
Versace ‘Couture Limited Edition’ line and complementary, leather driving gloves completed the luxurious accessory set by Versace.
The ‘Versace Precious Items’ department designed an
exclusive watch for the buyers of this car. The ‘Chrono
Matt Soft Touch would be available in either a high gloss
black or a white ceramic finish, just in case a lady would
buy this car, Versace offered a precious ladies watch in
glossy white ceramic set with extra clear diamonds.
SpotLIGHT
SpotLIGHT
THE LAMBORGHINI DIABLO BY HERMIDAS
Text M. Smeyers - Photo’s : SuperCarFrance.com
A French designer, Hermidas, tried his hands at the
Diablo too, he altered the overall look of the Gandini designed super car but remained true to the original idea, a
brutal, very stylish race car for the road.
Hermidas replaced the front bumper with one using two
new air intakes to cool the front disc brakes, the fog
lights are removed and became incorporated into the
fixed headlight units which replaced the old fashioned
pop-up ones. This idea was later used by Lamborghini
on their 1999 specifications Diablo.
The air intakes in front of the windshield became larger
to allow a more decent airflow into the air conditioning
system, two big air scopes were mounted on the engine
cover, which needed to be redesigned for this and now
became transparent to show the fantastic V-12 to the
public eye.
The standard rear wing was removed and a new, more
aerodynamic one, was installed directly on the engine
cover.
The air intakes in front of the rear wheels were redesigned and used two horizontal intakes to cool down the
new massive perforated rear discs. The rear bumper
was replaced and became more closely integrated into
the overall design, but it kept the down force functionality
of the original one.
One the inside changed were little but numerous, the entire interior was upholstered in a very soft English leather, a high power stereo installation was installed using
two subwoofers, and eight speaker about everywhere a
place could be found, coupled to four amplifiers with a measured value of over 1000 Watt RMS. A radio/MiniDisc
mounted in the dashboard and a 10 disc CD changer stuffed away in the compartment between the seats supplied all the music you ever needed. Some sources state a small LCD color display was also mounted coupled to
a rear view camera system to facilitate backing up this exotic, but this could have been installed afterwards, the
original specifications didn’t state this option.
The wheels remained standard at first, but later they
were replaced with 18 inch OZ wheels using a multipiece five spoke design, with the wheel crest painted in
the same pearl metallic grey as the exterior of the car.
As far as I can tell, only one of these Hermidas Specials
was ever build, and it remained in France, showing up
sometimes on Auto Shows. If you took a close look at
the official Diablo SV released in 1999 by Lamborghini
you could find several similarities, the top mounted air
intakes and the fixed headlight units were a really great
idea back when Hermidas thought of them. It took two
more years for Lamborghini to see this and implement
similar changes on their flagship.
A VERY SPECIAL LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH QUATTROVALVOLE
Text M. Smeyers - Photo’s : M. Smeyers
From the front you might think this is your everyday Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole, it is even finished in
the classic red paint over a black leather interior ... but when you turn to the back of this car you’ll notice just how
different this ‘Raging Bull’ really is.
The entire engine cover and rear trunk lid has been replaced by a ‘louvre’ section, much like those seen on the
Miura, only larger ... and adjustable. That’s right, the angle of these fins can be adjusted from within the cockpit,
to allow more air to be extracted from the engine bay, speaking of the engine bay ... there is a lot of Carbon Fiber
used all around the famous V12 powerplant, even the airbox has been replaced by a new one in Carbon Fiber.
The owner also installed a fire extinguisher system in the engine bay for safety, it wouldn’t be the first Countach
that experienced an engine fire, especially since there is another custom feature on this one of a kind car.
A special injection system has been installed into the very loud ‘megaphone’ exhaust pipes which allow to create
flames when in use !? That’s right, your own flame thrower at the back of a Countach, wouldn’t want to be waiting
behind this on at the next stop light would you ?
Anyway, this is an amazing looking Countach, the engine
cover with it’s adjustable fins is just amazing, and the
sound that those four exhausts emit is nearly out of this
world, a really nice example of a by now classic Lamborghini.
ONLINE : www.SuperCarFrance.com
24 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I SpotLIGHT
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A bodykit doesn’t always have to extend the width
of the car, or extend the bodywork until it neaerly
scratches the pavement to create an impressive car.
Judging by this black Gallardo Spyder, if you choose
your tuning wisely, you can have a stunning car without reverting to massive wings or chrome wheels.
The car on these pages was tuned by Edo Karabegovic, owner of Edo Competition in Germany, they
also have a magnificent orange Gallardo Coupé,
but this black Spyder is something different, a kind
of understatement ... when you compare it to the
Porsche GT2 he modified into the fastest car on the
Nordschleife.
if you choose your tuning wisely,
you can have a stunning car without reverting to massive wings
Edo Competition will be tuning the fastest supercars
in the world, and the sensuous Gallardo Spyder
surely ranks as a supercar.
Some may feel that the Murciélago is more of a
supercar than the entry-level V10 Gallardo, but they
actually are meant for a different kind of customer.
BLACK SPYDER
The V12 Murciélago is the flagship of Automobili
Lamborghini SpA, in it’s latest evolution, the LP640,
it is one mean looking car that will be able to put
down performance figures that will be hard to reach
for most of the cars it might encounter on the open
road, it is a true exotic in every sense of the word.
On the other hand there is the Gallardo, a V10 powered model that is actually the ‘cheapest’ Lamborghini at the moment, although pricing is relative right ? A
better way to describe the Gallardo would be to call it
the ‘least expensive’ way to get into the Lamborghini
way of life.
Both the majestic Murciélago as the beautiful Gallardo are available in ‘convertible’ form, the Murciélago
Roadster and the Gallardo Spyder, and both cars
can be tuned.
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder by Edo Competition
Text M. Smeyers • Photo’s Edo Competition
A Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is an amazing looking car, but for some owners, this is just the start, they turn to independent tuners from all over the world
to have a truly unique car in their driveway, and Edo Competition in Germany is
one of the recent companies that will turn your Gallardo into something special.
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Edo Competition turned to this black Gallardo on
request of the fortunate owner, who also owns a nice
selection of other supercars, among them the rare
Maserati MC12. He ordered this car with a glossy
black metallic bodywork and a combination of black
and orange leather for the interior, complete with
navigation system and a range of other factory options.
He ordered this car with a glossy
black metallic bodywork and a
combination of black and orange
leather for the interior
But that just wouldn’t do, so he turned to Edo Competition to make it even better than how it left the
factory at Sant’Agata.
Edo didn’t tamper with the original mechanics too
much, Lamborghini did a great job when they removed the roof from their Gallardo, so the Spyder is
in to way a ‘lesser’ car than it’s closed counterpart.
Installing a totally revised suspension made this
Spyder react almost identical to the Coupé, combine
this with shortened gear box ratios and the latest 520
bhp V10 engine on the well known four-wheel drive
transmission and the Spyder will take any apex with
great ease, perhaps even easier and faster than the
bigger Murciélago ...
You must agree that the base for Edo’s tuing is already very well made, so instead of installing a large
bodykit, Edo kept the original lines of this masterpiece and opted to install some special wheels on it
instead.
You can select 19-inch Racing rims with an artificially
aged casting star and a hand polished high-grade
steel flat external bed. Held together by 39 highgrade steel screws combined with high-grade steel
central hole covers with a forged star from the Edo
catalogue.
Edo will also install a totally new airbox on the
engine of the Gallardo, Edo already created this
Carbon Fibre airbox for the closed Gallardo, but
because of the special system to open the roof in
only 17 seconds they had to start from scratch on
this airbox, it just wouldn’t fit onto the new re-routed
exhaust system of the Gallardo Spyder.
pressure.
These final touches created a really one of a kind
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, not too flamboyant,
but still showing the power and performance this
open supercar is capable of.
Edo will also install a totally
new airbox on the engine of the
Gallardo.
Combine this Carbon Fibre airbox with a 100 cells
sport catalyst and modified, electronic tuning to allow
400 revs more before the limiter holds you down,
and you’ll have 50 Hp more from the V10 engine.
Add an high-grade steel exhaust system to this and
you’ve got the sound to match the power, while the
volume of this exhaust system is adjustable by head
Other tuning options are also available from Edo
Competition, like a large array of different colors,
should you have trouble finding your color when you
buy the car second hand, because new you can
order your Lamborghini in any color possible.
Edo can also install you a tire pressure system, so
you’ll be able to monitor if those expensive wheels
aren’t wrecked by running on a flat tire.
Naturally a sport suspension is available too, lowering the Gallardo another 15mm to the ground, which
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will make it look even more impressive when it appears in your rear view mirror.
Naturally a sport suspension
is available too, lowering the
Gallardo another 15 mm
Add a rear diffuser that will be color coded to the
rest of the car, and a Carbon Fibre front spoiler lip to
increase downforce on the front axle and you’ll make
your Gallardo stand out even more ... just in case
your neighbor decided to buy a Gallardo too.
A final touch could be special tinted turn signals or
even black tinted taillights, not street legal in Europe,
but it does look stunning on a black Lamborghini.
Some people love a black Lamborghini, others would
prefer a more ‘flamboyant’ color like the pearl metallic yellow shade, or the stunning metallic orange,
while the ‘Verde Ithaca’ is also a very impressive
color, but again not to everyone’s taste.
The owner of this specific Gallardo Spyder prefered
the amazing black metallic shade offered by Automobili Lamborghini SpA, and you must admit that it
sure looks impressive with those color coded wheels
featuring the orange outer rim.
Do keep in mind that painting your wheels in black
optically scales them down, so unless you’re performing this on large 19 or 20 inch wheels, I would
prefer chromed or just original silver paint on your
wheels, a color that give a ‘larger’ impression when
you choose the design of the central spider wisely.
For more information on the possibilities to turn your
Lamborghini into something special, take a look at
the Edo Competition website :
ONLINE : www.Edo-Competition.de
LAMBO-RACING WITH KURT THIIM AS CO-STARTER
Text Lambo-Racing GmbH - Photo : Marc Weichert
Bad luck again in the 2nd successive race
After the Lambo-Racing team was forced to drop out of the previous race - where they held a promising position due to tire damage, the Gallardo once again became a victim of the pe-riphery. In the last round, with the finishing
line in sight, the left rear wheel worked loose in the approach to the section “Schwalbenschwanz”. Former DTM
pilot Kurt Thiim drove the last stint: “Suddenly there was a ‘bang’ and the wheel stuck out from the rear wing halfway across. Thank heavens I was able to keep the Gallardo on the road. I am sorry for the boys at Lambo-Racing
that we were out so close to the finish. They together with Herbert Lingmann transferred a serial road car to a very
good racing car. The set-up is good, however as to the rear axis a better solution must be found.”
The orange Gallardo started the race from the 7th row in the starting grid and in the beginning all went well.
Stephan Rösler could move up several places and was positioned in the top ten during his two stints. The 3rd
stint, driven by Kurt Thiim, at first went smoothly except for a spin which meant a slight loss in time: “When accelerating out of a curve, I spinned. I stopped in such an unlucky position that more than four minutes passed before
the marshals could move the car back into the driving direction.“ In the end the team was forced to give up the
race due to the reasons already mentioned above.
A slightly disappointed Stephan Rösler summarized the racing day: “It’s a pity that we were stopped in the last two
races due to a periphery problem. This time it’s particularly hard be-cause it happened just three kilometers before
the finish line. The Gallardo itself once again proved to be absolutely reliable and never caused any problems, just
like in all the previous races, except for the ABS which failed us today. Of course, we would have liked to finish the
race with Kurt.”
Until the next race Lambo-Racing, in cooperation with the operational team Lingmann Motor-sport, will try to solve
the rear axis problem mentioned by Kurt Thiim and hopefully start the next race with more luck on their side.
Lambo-Racing GmbH
Vorstadt 1
D-96190 Untermerzbach
Tel.: +49-(0)9533-924-777
Fax: +49-(0)9533-924-777
E-mail: [email protected]
ONLINE : www.Lambo-Racing.de
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Even in that early state of development, Reiter Engineering received several orders from private parties to be able to enter this brand new Lamborghini
model in European races.
In February 2006 the first tests were executed with
the Gallardo GT3 by Lambo-Racing to get the car
ready to be entered in the VLN Nordschliefe Championship, a further report on this very car can be found
inside this magazine too by the way.
The Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 was initially developed as a 500+ Bhp racecar with either 4WD or
2WD, but the final car released for racing was a rear
wheel drive version only.
The amazing orange car on the previous page was
in fact still a prototype, especially the front bumper
would be different on the actual race car, with extra
air intakes to keep this very special race car cool
enough during the high speed racing it would participate in.
The Lamborghini GT3 was initially
developed as a 500+ Bhp racecar
with either 4WD or 2WD
Note that next to this amazing GT3 race car, Reiter
also proposes a GT3R, where the ‘R’ stands for
‘Road’ version, so a car that looks like the GT3 but is
in fact homologated for road use.
Before the Gallardo GT3 could be entered in the
2006 FIA GT3 European Championship a lot of
testing needed to be done, and were better to test a
pure bred race car like this than on the famous Paul
GENTLEMEN DRIVER
Lamborghini Gallardo GT3R by Reiter Engineering
Text M. Smeyers • Photo’s Reiter Engineering
Apparently Automobili Lamborghini SpA wasn’t officially going to enter their
Gallardo model in any kind of racing whatsoever, but many owners and gentlemen drivers wanted to use this V10 on the track, so Reiter Engineering created
the Gallardo GT3 version ... a pure bred race car based on the Gallardo.
Nobody would be calling the Gallardo a slow car, nor
could you call it ugly, it is one of those masterpieces
recently created by Automobili Lamborghini SpA in
Sant’Agata, but for some this just isn’t enough.
You can always improve things, even on a Lamborghini, and putting a production car on the race track
isn’t something that can be done without proper
and extensive testing and development, and this
is exactly what Hans Reiter and his team at Reiter
Engineering do best ... creating race cars.
32 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I the PIT LANE
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were present, together with the team’s drivers to
get as much data on these cars as possible before
entering them into the FIA races, they actually drove
the cars in the FIA ‘Balance of Performance’.
And the Gallardo GT3 was a success, with a fastest lap time of only 2m12.077 it was nicely second,
just behind the extremely fast Viper. Do note that the
Gallardo was tested both with and without balast,
just like it would be driven during the actual FIA GT3
races.
Ricard HTTT track in France.
Reiter Engineering took the GT3 to this test track for
a full two-day session of extensive testing and seeking out the best setting for the suspension, engine
management and other things so very important to
create a car that would compete with the best from
Maserati, Chrysler, Porsche, Corvette and Aston
Martin. So there was no time to waste ...
This test unveiled some very interesting results,
the Gallardo’s top speed was impressive to say the
least, while still maintaining an equally impressive
ease of drive, Hans Reiter and his team of German
engineers had created a worthy competitor for the
FIA GT3 series.
It took Reiter Engineering most part of the previous
winter to get the 2006 Gallardo GT3 ready for racing,
and only days before this official session in France, it
was driven to the max for the first time on the famous
Italian test track at Adria, were it set a brand new lap
record for GT3 cars at 1m18.280.
No need to say that Hans Reiter was very pleased
with these first results at the Paul Ricard circuit,
and he stated that the entire idea of the Gallardo
GT3 was to create a true race car that still be easy
enough to handle by gentlemen drivers. The potential of the GT3 was clearly shown during this two-day
session, with such a top speed it would be evident
the Gallardo could be a possible winner.
The potential of the GT3 was
clearly shown during this
two-day session
Enzo Calderari and Lilian Bryner, it was very noteworthy that four of the Gallardo’s achieved top twenty
finishes, especially when you take into account that
these Lamborghini’s were all driven by gentlemen
drivers, who were all new to the FIA GT3 kind of racing.
Most of the final competition was present at the
South of France during the official session, only
Ferrari was missing at that time. Christophe Bouchut
and Jean-Marc Gounon, two official FIA test drivers,
Hans Reiter was confident there was still a lot of potential to be unleashed during the next races, but he
did admit that five cars was a handful, but with only a
few minor issues on these Lamborghini’s during the
During the Paul Ricard test, Reiter also had a few
potential customers drive the car on the track, even
Peter Kox was present to check out this new Lamborghini entry into racing. Note that Reiter already sold
several cars at that time, with possible interest to
enter the Gallardo GT3 in both French and Italian GT
championships.
The first race in the 2006 FIA GT3 European Chamionship was held at Silverstone in the United Kingdom, and Reiter Engineering had no less than five
Gallardo GT3’s on the starting grid.
When you take a look at the competition, driven by
professionals like Klaus Ludwig and Anthony Reid,
four day racing event, it was a very positive experience, both for the drivers, as for the Reiter Engineering team, which were mostly people who were new
to GT driving too.
Hans Reiter was confident there
was still a lot of potential to be
unleashed during the next races
The number 36 Gallardo by S-Berg Racing was
driven by Dennis Retera, a young Dutch pilot, and
his Czech mate Jaromir Jirik, to the most successful
position at Silverstone, the 8th place. This performance was even more impressive when you take
into account that they were driving on a wet circuit
for the first time, and started from the 34th position
without even being able to get through the qualifying
rounds the previous day because of a malfunctioning
gearbox. Also note that Jirik actually tore his calve
muscle getting into the car, so he had to drive the car
in excruciating pain !
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The number 13 with Albert von Thurn und Taxis
behind the steering wheel proved a worthy adversary
for the professional pilots in some other cars on the
track. Which is even more astonishing when you
consider that the young von Thurn und Taxis has
only been racing for a few years and happens to be
a student during the week, he did drive in some Italian GT races and the Lupo Cup Series. He was starting from a 28th grid position and made up a large
number of places before he turned over the steering
wheel to his co-pilot, Vittorio Zoboli who finished the
race.
Gallardo GT3 number 14 was driven by newcomer
Marius Ritskes and Jürgen von Gartzen, Marius only
obtained his racing license days before the season
started, He was introduced to Reiter Engineering by
none other than Peter Kox himself, and after taking
in a few laps in a Murciélago he decided the Gallardo
GT3 was his thing, so after a lot of training during
the winter period he managed two top 20 finishes
and didn’t even scratch the car, a very impressive
achievement in the ‘close racing’ environment of the
FIA GT3 Championship.
The Gallardo bearing number 15 was less fortunate,
Bernard Müller got hit by a Maserati at Becketts on
one of the first laps, which bent the rear wheel and
caused some damage to the door. He entered the
pits for a quick check, and continued, but after his
team mate Michael Trunk took the wheel, the vibrations from the damaged rear wheel became so high
they had to forfeit for safety reasons.
Bastiaans took the wheel, but when he left the pit
lane he got caught in traffic and lost a lot of time, and
his valuable position ... he stll managed to finish 6th
overall, the best result of the four rounds driven in
the FIA GT3 Championship.
Number 35 was a bright yellow Lamborghini GT3
driven by Florian Scholze and Andreas Mairzedt,
but this first racing weekend wasn’t so bright for this
specific Gallardo, Florian drove the Clio Cup before
while Andreas only had experience in karting, so
GT3 racing was totally new for them, but they were
still able to perform rather well considering the high
pressure.
As stated, the second race was started from the
14th grid place, but because of a major accident
the safety car was on the track for over 20 minutes,
which caused a ‘no overtaking’ period, so Phil was
only able to use the last 17 minutes of the race to get
through the pack, which he did, and entered the pits
They finished 6th and 8th overall
in the two-race event at this well
known Prenois track
You might think that 13 is a controversial number,
but both Albert von Thurn und Taxis and his brand
new co-pilot Phil Bastiaans managed the best result
for the Reiter Engineering Gallardo’s during the
fourth round at Dijon, France. They finished 6th and
8th overall in the two-race event at this well known
Prenois track.
Unfortunately, Albert von Thurn und Taxis was the
slower driver, and the second race would have to be
started from the 14th position, driven by Phil, who
managed a second position for the first race.
So when the German took the wheel of car number 13 in the first race, from second position, all
expected him to loose this position very soon, but
he surprised all by overtaking the lead, and driving
more than three quarters of the race in pole position. He entered the pits in second place, when Phil
He surprised all by taking the lead
and driving more than three quarters of the race in pole position.
in the 11th spot. von Thurn und Taxis took the wheel,
but during this switch they fell back to the 23rd position ... this didn’t bother this amazing young driver,
and after overtaking the likes of Ferrari, Maserati and
Porsche, he passed the checkered flag in an amazing 8th place.
This amazing result was achieved with the help of a
new ‘Evolution’ aerodynamic package for the GT3,
which creates more downforce, combine this with
wider racing wheels and the number 13 car managed this magnificent result.
FIA GT3 races have two, 20 minutes qualifying
rounds, during which both pilots have to drive their
car and after this session, the ‘slower’ driver will have
to start in the first race, while the fastest driver will
take the wheel for the second race, starting from the
positions obtained during these qualifying rounds.
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Hans Reiter examined the gearbox problems first
hand, but due to a lack of time between the qualifying rounds and the actual race, his team of engineers were unable to completely remedy the problem, Mr Reiter was however sure that with a trouble
free car, Hans Knauss would have been able to put
down another great result, his approach to racing
these Lamborghini’s will make him a serious race
driver despite his current lack of experience. With a
little more training Hans would pose a serious competitor for the other teams during the 2006 FIA GT3
Championship.
This excellent result was obtained by a great car,
driven in a very aggressive and fearless way, causing other to make mistakes, while Albert managed
to have a perfect track record. It is a great reward to
both the drivers and the people on this team, who
put a lot of hard work and commitment in getting the
Gallardo GT3 ready for each round ... Hans Reiter
was convinced the car was in great shape, and with
a bit more luck they would have reached even more
impressive results in Dijon.
The final round of the 2006 FIA GT3 EUROPEAN
CHAMPIONSHIP was held on the world famous
Mugello track in Italy on September 16 and 17, the
result put down by Gallardo number 14 was impressive to say the least ... a podium place nonetheless !
Luciano Linossi and Lorenzo Bontempelli drove their
Gallardo GT3 to an amazing third place, even more
amazing because it was raining during this race !
Linossi and Bontempelli drove
their Gallardo GT3 to an amazing
third place
But the weekend didn’t start as glorious, first only
three cars were entered in these two Italian races,
number 15 driven by Nicolaas Hommerson and
Vittorio Zoboli, number 14 driven by Linossi and Bontempelli and the notorious number 13 GT3 driven by
Albert von Thurn und Taxis and Dennis Retera.
Notorious would be a great way to describe the
change of luck for this specific car, the Gallardo
number 13 didn’t manage to make the start of either
race. Retera, a Dutch driver, was caught in a big accident which bent the chassis, thus rendering the car
useless for the race, fortunately Dennis wasn’t hurt.
Number 15 received a completely new engine just
ahead of the first race and number 14 had his engine
totally rebuilt overnight because of over-revving the
V10 power plant.
Three new pilots took the wheel of the Reiter Gallardo’s at Mugello, Bontempelli, Linossi and Hom-
The FIA GT3 Championship is a very competitive
series of races, and team boss Hans Reiter was
very happy with the performance of his new drivers, Linossi did an amazing job in extremely difficult
conditions while Hommerson proved very well armed
against the pressure of driving a new car in this final
round of the FIA GT3.
The by now legendary car number 14 was qualified
in 10th position for the first race, but because of the
overnight engine change, Zoboli was forced to start
at the far end of the grid for the second race.
caused him to enter the pit one too many times to
get an electrical problem sorted out, so Hommerson
and Zoboli finished only 29th on Sunday.
Saturday’s race was dominated by heavy rain, the
track was soaked which caused all cars to aquaplane in a very spectacular way, but Bontempelli still
managed to rise to 3rd place in these extreme conditions when he passed the wheel to Linossi. Track
condition didn’t change much during the race and the
Italian managed a 12th place finish. Car number 15
finished in a nice 18th place with Hommerson behind
the wheel.
But the stars of the Reiter team would be Linossi and
Bontempelli on Sunday. Luciano could start from the
4th grid position and maintained this great position
despite the heavy rain before handing over the wheel
to Lorenzo. This latter was able to pass one of his
opponents and reached 3rd place during his stint,
the car in second place would be just out of his reach
because of a 15 second gap, but this amazing podium finish was a great result during this final round
of the championship.
This clearly proved the Gallardo
GT3 was easy to drive
Contrary to the great result of can number 13, the
Gallardo number 15 was less fortunate. Driven by
Austrian downhill skier Hans Knauss and Czech driver Dr Jaromir Jirik, who has had two point finishes in
the GT3 Championship so far this year.
They couldn’t finish the first race because of a technical issue with the gearbox, but the second race
proved even worse, Knauss got hit by a Maserati
and the rear wheel broke away, which made them
forfeit the second race too.
merson never drove for the German team before,
however “Linoss” was the then current leader in the
Italian GT Championship, so he had an important
experience in the Lamborghini Gallardo already, and
added his knowledge of the Mugello circuit into the
equation too.
Sunday wasn’t better, a very wet final round of the
2006 season would pose a serious problem for all
drivers, but the Lamborghini drivers coped very well.
Nicolaas qualified in fourth place, however he was
forced to get behind the entire starting grid because
of the engine replacement, but this talented Dutch
driver put down some very impressive lap times,
comparable to the top five cars in this race. Bad luck
Hans Reiter was very pleased with the results obtained during this championship. The final weekend
had two new drivers on the Lamborghini Gallardo
GT3 and rain poured down during both racing sessions, but they still managed to do an excellent job.
This clearly proved the Gallardo GT3 was easy to
drive, and finishing the FIA GT3 Championship with
such results was a great success, Mr Reiter was
very pleased with the result.
Note that a Reiter Engineering prepared Lamborghini
Gallardo GT3 also entered the 2006 CAMPIONATO
ITALIANO GRAN TURISMO SARA GT.
The Mik Corse team won the GT3 class in the 2006
Italian GT Championship, Gallardo’s driven by
Linoss, Giacomo Piccini, Francesco La Mazza and
Roberto Turrini. Even without driving the final round
of the Italian Championship, the Mik Corse pilots
won by a clean 24 points advantage over the competition. No less than 4 Lamborghini’s were present in
the first five places of the final classification.
Linoss and Piccini shared first place while La Mazza
took fourth place and Turrini was just behind on fifth
place.
The Italian GT Championship comprised of 14 races,
5 of these were won by the Gallardo GT3, while
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Specifications sheet
General information
Engine
Type of car Gallardo GT3 - Rear wheel drive
Years built 2006
Type V-10 90 degree, light-alloy block, 18 degree offset crankpin, mid mounted (longitudal), rear wheel drive
Built by Reiter Engineering
Distribution Dual overhead camshafts
Cylinder capacity 4961 cc
Dimensions
Bore and stroke
82.5 x 92.8 mm
Wheelbase 2560 mm (100.7 in)
Intake System
Variable Geometry
Overall length 4300 mm (169.3 in)
Overall width 1920 mm (75.6 in)
Valve gear
Chain driven, intake and exhaust continuously
variable valve timing, electronically controlled.
Overall height 1100 mm (43.3 in)
Compr. ratio
11.0:1
Front track 1643 mm (64.7 in)
Maximum power 520hp (367 kW) - 535hp (393 kW)@7800 rpm
Rear track 1592 mm (62.7 in)
Maximum torque 510 Nm at 4500 rpm
Ground clearance 40 mm (1.6 in)
Weight 1190 to 1240 kg depending on configuration
Chassis
another 5 times they took second place, during the
entire season the Lamborghini’s didn’t reach classification only twice.
Each of these amazing 5 Liter V10 race cars is handbuilt at ��
Kirchanschöring, the headquarters of Reiter
Engineering in Germany, these Gallardo GT3’s were
built with one thing in mind, creating a reasonably
priced race car that was easy to handle on the track.
And it proved easy enough to drive to beat though
competition from both the Dodge Viper and the Ferrari 430, two highly regarded rivals.
Both the GT3 for this Italian GT Championship as
those used in the FIA GT3 Championship received
modified aerodynamics during the season, comprising of a new, bigger rear wing, a different front splitter
and wider wheels.
Most parts on the bodywork of the Gallardo GT3
were made of Carbon Fiber, and emphasis was on
easy mounting of these items. Add Brembo disc
brakes, fully adjustable dampers, forged racing
wheels and an open exhaust to create a near perfect
racing car that was able to be driven by gentlemen
drivers, so non-professional pilots.
To comply with the GT regulations that state these
race cars must resemble the road-going, production
vehicles, Reiter Engineering also created the GT3R
road-going Gallardo.
Structure Structural aluminum space frame based on aluminum extruded parts welded to aluminum caster joint elements, structural reinforcement at suspension pick up points.
Body Aluminum with thermoplastic ‘hang on’ parts, Carbon front fenders, Carbon air extractors in front bumper.
Carbon Fiber Racing wing, Carbon Fiber front splitter covers complete frontal under floor.
Suspension Double wishbones front and rear suspension, anti-roll bar, anti-dive and anti squat. Racing shocks and springs
ABS Racing ABS system
Brakes All-wheel ventilated racing disc brakes with vacuum callipers
Cooling system
Two water radiators with new air exit ducts forward of front wheels, improved cooling efficiency, gearbox oil cooler, engine oil cooler.
Engine mgmt.
Lamborghini L.I.E. with individual static ignition, multipoint sequential fuel injection, drive-by-wire system and OBD system.
Air intake syst.
Revised engine air intake system
Electrical system 12 V
Lubrication
Dry sump
Drivetrain
Type
Lamborghini six-speed + reverse manual all-
synchromesh
Sequential racing gearbox optionally available
Clutch
Sachs double plate racing clutch
Disc diameter
215 mm (8.5 in)
1st gear ratio
2.56:1
Front 375 x 35 mm
2nd gear ratio
1.85:1
Rear 332 x 32 mm
3rd gear ratio
1.42:1
At this moment Reiter Engineering is hard at work
on a 2007 evolution of the GT3 Gallardo and the first
test of the new car will be carried out in November.
A new sequential gearbox has already been tested
over three race instances and proved to be very successful.
Steering type Electric power assisted steering pump, rack and pinion
4th gear ratio
1.14:1
Front tyre size 240/640 - 18
5th gear ratio
0.94:1
Rear tyre size 280/680 - 18
6th gear ratio
0.81:1
Type Racing slicks
Front rim size 10 x 18 inch
Note that the magnificent 2006 race cars are available for sale directly from the people that built them,
these amazing Gallardo’s have been converted to
rear wheel drive and already offer the optionally
available sequential race type gear box.
Rear rim size 11 x 18 inch
Type Aluminum forged racing wheels
Complete Reiter GT3 package including rear wing,
front spoiler, 18 inch racing wheels with slicks mounted and a power output of 535 bhp at 7800 rpm, with
510 Nm at 4500 rpm. When mounting different tires,
these cars can actually be homologated for street
use, how about that, actually driving a real race car
on the open road.
ONLINE : www.Reiter-Engineering.com
Reverse gear ration.a.
Final drive ratio
3.82:1
Rear differential
45 % limited slip
Contact information :
www.Reiter-Engineering.com
Hans Reiter
Leobendorferstraße 39
83417 Kirchanschöring
Tel. +49 (0) 86 85 / 77 92-0
Fax +49 (0) 86 85 / 77 92 18
ONLINE : www.Reiter-Engineering.com
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Lamborghini’s on display to the public ...
Many people were walking between these supercars,
but it weren’t all ‘Raging Bull’ on the stand, there
were a very rare Porsche GT and a Bugatti EB110
present too drawing as much attention as the rest of
these rarely seen cars.
Viva Italia is an event that will show you the most
exotic cars around, cars you don’t encounter on the
public road every day, and what’s even better, they
are taken onto the famous TT Circuit ... with passengers.
So you can have the experience of actually being driven in an exotic Lamborghini on the circuit,
something I can only encourage you to do, it’s totally
different to driving in any other car.
Naturally not all cars were driven on the circuit, some
were kept on the paddock while others were racing
on the track, not everybody wants to drive on the
circuit in their pride and joy, you never know, and
most of these cars are not used to being pushed to
the limits a circuit can put them in ... so some prefer
to show there car while others take great pleasure
in going ‘full blast’ on an enclosed circuit, something
that can rarely be done on the public roads these
days (without a massive speeding ticket I mean).
Taking a walk around the various stands you could
VIVA ITALIA
And despite the weather not being too nice (it didn’t
rain fortunately) there were a lot of people and
More information on visiting or entering your Lamborghini next year can be found on our website :
www.LamboCars.com
or on the Lamborghini Club Nederland site
www.LamborghiniClub.nl
002
The bright blue metallic Murciélago
waiting to take a spin on the famous circuit. This is really a rather
rare color on this Lamborghini
flagship
001
cars at Assen, a very impressive Lamborghini Club
Nederland stand showed a multitude of great cars,
ranging from the classic 400 GT 2+2, Islero, Espada
and Jarama right up to the legendary Countach, the
Diablo and the recent Murciélago and Gallardo, also
two Urraco’s showed up, a stunning bright Verde
Chiaro finished one ... which was actually the first
time the car went on the road after being restored by
it’s owner over a period of four years.
003
Two classic Lamborghini’s at the
circuit at Assen, these Countach
models still can keep up with the
more modern cars. Do note the
special ‘Candy Apple’ red paint on
this car.
002
42 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I VIVA ITALIA
Again Viva Italia was awesome, there were a lot of
Lamborghini’s, I’ve met some great fellow enthusiasts
and had a good time talking about our mutual passion,
listening to stories from actual owners and just having
fun in a very relaxed environment ... can’t wait until next
year when I can return to Assen to do it all over again ...
Various Lamborghini’s waiting in
the pit lane before heading onto
the famous TT Circuit at Assen,
The Netherlands
This time I got to Assen early, because last year I
arrived at 10:15 at it took me over half an hour to get
to the paddock ... just to show you that Viva Italia is a
very popular event in the Netherlands, thousands of
Italian car and bike enthusiasts show up every year,
showing the elite in tuning and to see what other automotive artwork is on display in the paddock area.
Right next to the scale car shop, which drew my to it
by some unknown force and made me spend way too
much money again on the a few Lamborghini models I
didn’t own yet ... I’ll have to find some more space now
to display them.
001
Lamborghini’s on the famous TT circuit at Assen
Seeing a large gathering of Italian cars together these days isn’t easy, but Viva
Italia on the TT Circuit at Assen is surely one of the more important events in
The Netherlands, this year a lot of Bulls came up to Assen to share these great
automobiles with the large amount of visitors.
enjoy some of the finest sound tuning for your car, specialized companies were present offering the very best
high fidelity systems for inside your car, naturally this
isn’t used in a Lamborghini ... the engine makes the
best sound on this planet right ?! But still, if you would
like to have some great sounding music in you could
find it at Assen.
003
VIVA ITALIA I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 43
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006
008
Full side view of the magnificent
Lamborghini Diablo, note the rather
low rear wing on this car.
The Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole finished in intimidating black,
this is actually a late 1988 model.
A real classic these days, and a rare
sight since not many were made,
especially not in this bright yellow
finish.
005
007
Another early Diablo, but now finished in a flawless black paint job,
with the famous rear wing installed
naturally.
The stunning Lamborghini Gallardo,
this is the 2006 model with the new
wheels installed.
009
A true classic, the Lamborghini 400
GT 2+2 model, highly sought after
these days.
010
011
012
005
014
004
006
013
007
015
010
012
014
This is the best way to reverse a Diablo into a parking spot, by sitting on
the side sill.
This 25th Anniversary Countach was
completely restored from the ground
up, it’s probably better finished now
than when it left the factory
The Lamborghini Islero, the gentleman GT like the late Ferruccio
wanted them to be.
011
The Lamborghini Diablo will remain
a nice car, not as brutal as a Countach, but still an amazing looking
automobile.
008
009
015
013
Another 25th Anniversary edition, but
now finished in amazing black, also
note the color coded wheels on this
specific Lamborghini.
Another Lamborghini Jarama, but
now finished in a more subdued
silver metallic bodywork, still a true
V12 powered Bull.
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018
020
A bright yellow Lamborghini Diablo,
note the tan interior inside this German registered V12
This is Italian too, and very rare, the
Bugatti EB110, and in the well known
Bugatti blue too.
Pearl metallic yellow on this masterpiece, the Lamborghini Murciélago
6.2 liter.
017
019
021
This dark green Lamborghini Espada
looked like it just left the factory
yesterday, really amazing for such a
classic GT
Those pop-up headlights would
later be replaced by fixed units, they
looked better than their performance
unfortunately
A lot of these 5-Liter Countach
models were finished in white over
a white leather interior, but this one
had a black interior.
022
023
024
017
026
016
018
025
019
027
022
024
026
The final evolution of the Diablo,
the VT 6.0 model with a redesigned
bodywork and modified interior.
Perhaps an unusual color, but this
specific shade of green was often
seen on the legendary Miura, it is an
original Lamborghini shade.
It was very crowed on the Lamborghini Club Nederland stand at
Assen.
023
020
021
The first V8 model made by Lamborghini, the Urraco, didn’t become a
success, unlike the current Gallardo,
which is selling in very large numbers.
027
025
The magnificent 6-Liter Diablo on the
famous TT Circuit at Assen.
This dark blue shade looks really
nice on the large Espada, a full four
seater with the famous V12 engine
up front.
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Premium SELECTION
A collection of the best Lamborghini photographs
AUTO MOTO ITALIA
Probably the largest Italian Car related event in The Netherlands
Text M. Smeyers • Photo Auto-Moto-Italia.nl
Every year Houten is the place to be for enthusiasts of Italian style cars and
motorcycles, this year will mark the 16th year this event is organized while the
focus will be on ‘unknown pre-war’ and ‘super cars’ ... so if you’re free on November 11 or 12 the Euretco Expocenter is the place to be ...
Contrary to other Italian oriented car events, Auto
Moto ITALIA shows all angles of the Italian car and
bike industry.
This year will again offer a special ‘Art’ section, various artists will display their vision on cars, bikes and
Italy in general.
Next to the latest Italian made vehicles, there is also
a review on the rich history of the by now famous
Italian design.
If you want to get the latest information on this amazing event, take a look at the official site :
Over 150 stands will be present to allow visitors to
meet cars, motorcycles, parts, restoration shops,
tuning companies, Italian car clubs, scale models,
books, documentation, art and Italian food and wine.
Auto Moto ITALIA offers over 10,000 square meters
surface inside the entire Euretco Expocenter close to
the A27 freeway.
The event will show what Italian designers do best,
Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Autobianchi, Aprilia, Bimota,
Ducati, De Tomaso, Fiat, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lancia, Maserati, Moto Guzzi and Vespa are a small list
that will make most enthusiasts dream away.
What’s best about Auto Moto ITALIA is the ambiance,
you’ll start to notice ‘Italian red’ on the parking lot
when you arrive because most visitors actually arrive in their Italian car, and even if you don’t own an
exotic car like that, there is still the possibility to drive
in a Ferrari. Inside the Euretco Expocenter you’ll
immediately feel the warmth of Italian coffee and
sandwiches, which do look very appetizing.
You’ll encounter a large selection of both historical
and modern vehicles made by the makes mentioned
above, including the very exotic Gallardo, Enzo,
TZ or Stratos, which are regularly seen during this
event.
But next to these very rare super cars you’ll also be
able to admire the more ‘normal’ Italian cars, ranging from the 156, 155, Punto or Stilo ‘tuned’ into
the most weird motorcars, and again both inside
the Euretco center as on the parking lot around the
Expocenter.
48 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I EVENT preview
www.auto-moto-italia.nl
Doors open on Saturday November 11 and Sunday
November 12 from 10h to 18h at the Euretco Expocenter on the Industrieterrein Doornkade, Houten
(A27-Utrecht - The Netherlands)
Tickets are €12.50 each while children below 12 year
are allowed to enter for free ... and parking is totally
free too !
So there is no reason why I shouldn’t be seeing you
in Houten next November 11. or 12.
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A closer look at a specific Lamborghini ...
trademark doors and a design so pure it nearly
looked artificial.
Many regard this first edition of the Countach the
best of the series, no massive rear wing, no wide
wheel arch extensions, no deep front spoiler nor 345
mm wide tires, but some people would disagree with
this, and they asked the factory to take the initial
Gandini design one step further.
Back in 1976 two customers turned to Automobili
Lamborghini SpA with a special request, they asked
for a custom made Countach. The factory asked
Paolo Stanzani to prepare these unique cars, they
would use a revised engine with up to 400 Bhp, and
would mount the Pirelli P7 tires that became available in 1976.
Many regard the first edition of the
Countach the best of the series
COUNTACH LP400S
The first car (chassis nr. 188) was finished in a
bright red bodywork over a full black leather interior,
this Countach was delivered to an Italian customer,
but the second Countach Stanzini prepared was
finished in a brilliant Bugatti light-blue combined
with a natural leather upholstery, sitting on massive, gold painted wheels complete with black wheel
arch extensions, deep front spoiler and a large rear
wing that was electrically adjustable from within the
cockpit ... we all know this car as one of the famous
Walter Wolf Countach.
This ‘Wolf’ Countach, chassis nr. 1.120.202 was recently restructured at the factory and it still wears the
original colors over 30 years later, today it is located
in Germany.
These two cars could in fact be considered to be the
prototypes of what later would be developed into
the Countach LP400 S production model, the dark
blue metallic Countach Walter Wolf bought after this
Bugatti blue Lamborghini was in fact the very first
production model of the LP400 S series, and it was
even used during the 1978 Geneva Auto Show when
The legendary Lamborghini Countach LP400S
The Lamborghini Countach LP400 was selling steadily, but some people
wanted more from this exotic car, one of them was Walter Wolf, who convinced
Automobili Lamborghini SpA to create a very special car for him, complete with
custom made 5-Liter engine, wide wheels and a large rear wing
The legendary Lamborghini Countach prototype was
shown to the public during the 1971 Geneva Auto
Show, but it wasn’t until 1974 before the first LP400
customer cars were delivered. As we know, LP stood
for Longitudinale Posteriore, while the 400 meant
that the original 5 Liter engine was replaced by a 4
Liter version.
Sales of this truly exotic car were advancing steadily,
this was a supercar like no other during the Seventies, a never seen performance combined with those
50 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I Countach LP400 S
Countach LP400 S I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 51
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Automobili Lamborghini SpA introduced the new
LP400 S-model to the public.
The LP400 S was the first official factory revision of
the Lamborghini Countach, the differences between
the LP400 and the LP400 S were not only visible on
the outside, although that is where they were most
obvious, but also underneath the stunning aluminum
The LP400 S was the first
official factory revision of
the Lamborghini Countach
bodywork, where the entire suspension geometry
had to be redesigned to be able to mount those new
12-inch wide rear wheels.
Back in the Seventies, Walter Wolf bought a total of
four Countach models, at least three of these were
equipped with a custom built 5 Liter engine, much
like the original, experimental V12 engine Bob Wallace blew up during the initial testing of the Countach prototype. Do note that this engine remained
the property of the factory, Walter Wolf had it ‘on
loan’ only, so he subsequently mounted it in various
Countach models, therefore the Bugatti blue car that
is currently located in Germany now has a standard
4 Liter V12 mounted.
But Wolf did insist on mounting the new, ultra wide,
low profile Pirelli P7 tires on his custom made Countach, the only problem was that the original suspension geometry couldn’t be used with these massive
wheels. So Dallara was requested to take a look at
the setup to create a modified geometry that would
keep the wide tires as flat as possible on the tarmac
to take full advantage of their massive grip.
When Walter Wolf was ready to buy his third S-style
Countach in 1978, he convinced Automobili Lamborghini SpA to take a look at commercializing them.
So the first steps to create the Countach S were
taken at Sant’Agata, installing massive Pirelli P7 tires
on amazing five-hole, telephone dial wheels. These
were first seen on the Bertone Bravo show car,
and they would also be used on the rare Silhouette
V8 model, the first ‘open’ car Lamborghini officially
made, only 52 would be made in total however.
The front axle received big 8.5 by 15 inch magnesium wheels, but the rear were a massive 12 inch
wide with 345 mm of Italian made Pirelli’s mounted,
During the 1981 production run, these typical Lamborghini wheels were changed into a new design
with totally flat, convex styling instead of the original five protruding holes.
This new design would be used right up to the
Countach Quattrovalvole that was built until 1988,
note however that only the first 24 LP400 S models
used magnesium wheels. In the late Seventies these
would set you back around US $ 2000 each, subsequent Countach models had aluminum wheels in
exactly the same design, these were a lot cheaper
than the exotic magnesium ones but still very expensive naturally.
the rear were a massive 12 inch
wide with 345 mm of Italian
made Pirelli’s mounted
to put this size in perspective, the original LP400
used 215/70 tires at the rear on wheels that measured ‘only’ 9.5 by 14 inch ...
There was still a spare wheel tucked away under the
front hood, but it was in fact totally useless, when
you were so unlucky to have a flat on these wide
wheels and fitted the narrow spare one ... where
were you going to store the original wheel ? Only
space available would be the passenger seat, and
that would be a waste of Italian leather, so most owners would call for help when running flat.
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tion of the Countach, the 25th Anniversary edition,
these extensions would be completely moulded into
the bodywork.
The very low riding Countach S posed a problem for
some owners, so the suspension was raised by three
centimeters to avoid hitting the sidewalk with the
expensive front spoiler and damaging their exotic.
Demand for the Countach S
increased and the typical rear
wing became highly requested
An increase of 135 mm in tire width on each side
needed some modifications to the design of the
Countach, first the suspension was modified to make
the most of the phenomenal grip of these Pirelli’s but
it was obvious the wheels needed a wider bodywork.
So instead of totally redesigning the side of the
Countach, Lamborghini opted to install wheel arch
extensions to cover the wide wheels, at the front
these would be connected by a deep front spoiler
with integrated air intakes and ‘flash’ lights.
Note that these extensions were not made in aluminum like the rest of the bodywork, but in fiberglass,
and they featured a small black rubber where they
were connected to the bodywork. On the final evolu-
The impressive rear wing became a very popular
option on the Countach, and many other cars for
that matter, it was in fact not even available at first.
The earliest Countach S models were all delivered
without a rear wing, only because demand became
so large and wide spread, did Lamborghini offer it as
an option after the production of the LP400 S was
already well underway.
A nice anecdote was the fact that the Walter Wolf
car which was used as the Geneva car show, didn’t
have the rear wing during that show, it was mounted
later on, after he already took delivery of the car. You
can’t be a Formula One team owner and drive a car
without a rear wing now can you ?
Demand for the Countach LP400 S increased and
the typical rear wing seen on Wolf’s cars became a
highly requested item, when Automobili Lamborghini
SpA finally decided to offer it as an option it was first
a simple wing mounted on two vertical fins, later two
end plates were added at the outer limits of the wing.
You could find it very strange that both the LP400
and this new Countach S were kept in production,
but when you take a closer look at the figures, this
actually made sense.
The LP400 S looked stunning, mean, low and very
menacing, but adding spoilers, extensions and massive wheels also created a lot of extra drag on the
Countach, add to this the fact that the S model received a slightly de-tuned engine with ‘only’ 352 Bhp
compared to the 375 Bhp V12 used in the LP400
and it’s easy to understand that the Countach S was
slower than the original, uncluttered LP400 !
So a very strange turn of events started to happen,
a handful of customers actually managed to order a
Countach S with the original 375 Bhp V12 engine,
including those well known Weber carburetors, high
lift camshafts and the 10.5:1 compression ratio and
to make things even better, without any emission
equipment.
For the European buyer this emission equipment
was perhaps not so important, but on cars for the
United States market, this regulation would mean
a further drop in power to 325 Bhp ... making the
Countach S for the US a lot slower than the original
LP400 model.
Some might argue that these add-ons made the
Countach less authentic, and you must admit that
it did make the LP400 S less aerodynamic, but the
Countach looked even more aggressive, ready to
tear the road ahead to pieces with it’s ground-hugging front spoiler and the widest tires in existence
(345mm width still remains the widest available,
even today) mounted at the rear.
It must be said that sitting in the
Countach was never easy for
people over 180 cm tall
During the Countach S production the dashboard
was modified to hold bigger Jaeger instrumentation
(the LP400 used Stewart Warner dials), the large
speedometer now started at 20 km/h instead of 40
km/h as on the earlier ones, and some different
steering wheels were mounted during the LP400 S
production, probably Lamborghini turned to a new
steering wheel once the stock was depleted.
It must be said that sitting in the Countach was never
easy for people over 180 cm tall, but it was even
worse on the first models, the original LP400 and the
very early Countach S models still had the prototype’s ‘tunnel’ in the roof, were the interior rear view
mirror would look ‘through’. Later this was removed
and the roof became totally flat, gaining an important
three centimeters on the inside, this modification was
introduced from chassis nr. 1121312 on.
The seats from the original LP400 remained almost
during the entire Countach production, only in late
1988 when the 25th Anniversary edition was introduced would the ‘body-hugging’ seats of this mas-
Photo © ElecMoHwk
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we can not be sure these modifications actually are
in line with the Lamborghini philosophy.
Only very few Countach were shipped back to
Sant’Agata for a total ‘retrofit’, which converted the
original Countach into an S model altogether, complete with new suspension, wide wheels, Pirelli tires,
widened bodywork and deep chin spoiler, but still
with the original 375 Bhp engine.
The Lamborghini Countach
was what dreams were made
of, expensive, exotic ...
Countach S look alike.
This is where things started getting very complicated,
apparently not every owner was able to afford the extremely expensive magnesium wheels, so they only
installed the front spoiler and wheel arch extensions,
thus avoiding the extensive suspension modifications
needed by installing those wide Pirelli tires.
terpiece be replaced by a new design, and at that
time they also became powered. The first seats used
inside the Countach weren’t very comfortable, especially during long drives they could become tiresome,
and not too many adjustments could be made, but
who cared anyway ? With looks like this, who cared
it was uncomfortable, with a top speed of nearly 300
Km/h and looks like an alien spaceship, the Countach was al about impression, more specifically the
impression it would leave on all those people that
would look in awe when you drove by.
enough power to make the
Countach the King of Supercars
Other changes inside the Countach S were the accelerator pedal that became hinged from the top and
the handbrake lever that was moved to the right of
the driver to avoid hitting it when lowering yourself
over the already wide side sill into the narrow driver’s
seat.
During the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show, a nice silver
metallic Lamborghini Countach S was shown featur56 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I Countach LP400 S
ing large, rectangular rear view mirrors, which would
be installed on several cars. But the most important
item was sitting next to this car, a turbo-charged V12
engine !?
Other Countach were modified with the early Wolf
style front spoiler, not the one that the factory would
use on the Countach S production model, similar
black extensions over the wheels and naturally the
large rear wing were also installed on these cars, it
is however not clear if these modifications were executed by the factory or by a local body shop, hence
However the best was yet to come, a select few was
able to have the factory convert brand new LP400
Countach cars into an S model, complete with the
factory front spoiler, fiberglass wheel arches and
massive wheels together with the required modified
suspension. You might wonder why some people
spared no expense for such a hybrid LP400 ? The
answer was simple : these cars were brand new,
with full factory warranty and they still had the high
performance V12 engine, with a free breathing 375
Bhp output as mentioned earlier, so these ‘hybrid’
Countach would easily outperform any ‘original’
LP400 S on the open road.
Many car builders would later use similar ‘Lamborghini’ size tires and even copy the rear wing, like
on the deTomaso Pantera, but the combination of
Lamborghini wanted to get more power into the
Countach S, so they experimented with the option of turbo charging the original V12 engine, note
however that the engine shown at Frankfurt was
only a mock-up, it was never fully functional, and
the Lamborghini factory would not officially produce
a turbo-charged Countach. It would take the factory
another three years to have a new 375 Bhp engine
in the Countach, when they introduced the LP5000
S model in 1982, boasting 5 liter displacement and
again enough power to make the Countach the King
of Supercars, a title that would be reinforced in 1985
by the Countach Quattrovalvole and it’s 455 Bhp
engine.
But let’s get back to the Countach S model, the moment this model was available for sale, demand for
the original LP400 dropped dramatically, however a
new market was created unintentionally by Automobili Lamborghini SpA ... Several owners of an original LP400 requested to have their car turned into a
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The Countach is the very Lamborghini model that got
me started on the marque of the Raging Bull, back in
the late Eighties when I bought my first scale model,
a red Countach Quattrovalvole made by Tonka Polystil ... the start of an ever growing collection that by
now counts hundreds of Lamborghini scale models
and just about every book ever published on the
Lamborghini make.
This 1/18th scale red Countach still has a prominent
place in my display cabinet, next to the much better finished Kyosho and AutoArt Countach LP5000
S models, but the sentimental value of this Polystil
Countach will never be matched by any other model
I own.
Specifications sheet
General information
Engine
Type of car Lamborghini LP400 S Countach
Years built March 1978 – 1982
Type V-12 60 degree, light-alloy block with pressed-in liners mid mounted (longitudal), rear wheel drive
Production 235
Chassis numbers 121.004 - 121.470
Distribution Dual overhead camshafts, chain drive, two valves/cylinder
Presentation March 1978 Geneva Auto Show
Main bearings 7
Type of car Two door coupe, two seater berlinetta, horizontally hinged doors
Cylinder capacity 3929 cc
Bore and stroke
82 x 62 mm
Designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone
Compr. ratio
10.5:1
Built by Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Maximum power 353 bhp at 7500 rpm
Maximum torque 363 Nm (267 lbs.ft.) at 5500 rpm
Dimensions
the Lamborghini pedigree, those menacing looks,
the sheer width of the Countach, the brutal sound
of the four exhaust pipes after the legendary V12
was brought to life and not to forget those trademark
doors, turned the Lamborghini Countach into the
ultimate exotic and a probably unreachable dream of
thousands around the world.
a supercar pur sang with looks
to die for, and even today, after
15 years it still draws a crowd
Wheelbase 2450 mm (96.5 in)
Cooling system
Pressurized, twin radiators, vertically mounted
either side of engine, with cross-over conn.
Overall length 4140 mm (163 in)
Ignition
Two coils and one Marelli distributor
Overall width 2000 mm (78.7 in)
Plugs
Bosch 235 P21
Overall height 1039 mm (40.9 in)
from 1980 on raised to : 1070 mm (42 in)
Electrical system 12 V
Alternator
70 Amp
Front track 1492 mm (58.7 in)
Rear track 1606 mm (63.2 in)
Fuel system
Dual electric Bendix fuel pumps, 6 twin-choke Weber 45 DCOE 96/97 side draught carb.
Ground clearance 110 mm (4.0 in) from 1980 on raised to : 124.5 mm (4.9 in)
Fuel type
100 Octane
Front overhang
933 mm (36.7 in)
Lubrication
Rear overhang 757 mm (29.8 in)
Fuel consumption 11 mpg
Wet sump
Weight 1200 kg (2645 Lbs)
Drivetrain
Distribution 42 / 58 % Front / Rear
Type
Lamborghini five-speed + reverse manual all-
synchromesh driving to a Lamborghini limited-
slip differential
Clutch
Fichtel & Sachs dry-single plate, hydraulically operated
Disc diameter
241.3 mm (9.5 in)
Chassis
Structure Round steel tubular space frame by Marchesi (40 mm tubes)
Body Aluminum panels with molded fiberglass wheel arch extenders and front spoiler, rear
1st gear ratio
2.256:1 Maximum speed 64 Mph
spoiler became optionally available
2nd gear ratio
Suspension All-wheel independent, fully adjustable
3rd gear ratio
Front Unequal length wishbones, coil spring over damper units, anti-roll bar
4th gear ratio
The Lamborghini Countach was what dreams were
made of, expensive, exotic and totally unpractical
to drive or own, but still it became the single best
selling model Lamborghini ever made back in those
days, it will always be remembered as the Majesty
of exotics, a supercar pur sang with looks to die for,
and even today, after production was halted over 15
years ago, the Countach still draws a crowd no matter where you park it.
5th gear ratio
Rear Upper lateral links, lower reversed wishbones,
upper and lower trailing arms, twin coil spring/
damper units
Reverse gear ratio2.134:1 Maximum speed n.a.
Brakes All-wheel ventilated ATE disc brakes, vacuum assisted, single servo, twin circuit
Front 300 x 32 mm
Rear 284 mm
Steering type Unassisted rack and pinion,
3.1 turns lock to lock
Turning circle 13 m
On every event where a Countach arrives, people
still admire this amazing Lamborghini, park it next
to a brand new Murciélago or a Gallardo, even a
Diablo, and it will still draw attention ... only a Miura
could compete with a Countach for looks, but then
again, the Miura an extremely sensual looking car
while the Countach is the brutal counterpart.
Front tyre size 205/50 VR 15
Rear tyre size 345/35 VR 15
Capacities
Type Pirelli P7
Fuel 120 Lt in two tanks
Front rim size 8.5x15 inch
Engine oil
17.5 Lt
Rear rim size 12x15 inch
Cooling system 17 Lt
Type Campagnolo cast magnesium, redesigned on 1980 model
Luggage 240 Lt
Price in 1979
$ 85,000 or Lire 45.500.000
It is safe to say that the Lamborghini Countach is
probably to most coveted car on bedroom posters
ever, I had one on my wall anyway (several to be
honest actually ...)
Final drive ratio
4.091:1
Performance
Top speed
292 Km/h (180 Mph)
0-100 Km/h
5.9 sec
Standing Km
26.7 sec
¼ Mile
14.6 sec reaching a speed of 100.5 Mph
LIFEstyle
LIFEstyle
ASUS LAMBORGHINI VX1
GALLARDO LUGGAGE SET
Text LamborghiniCollection.com - Photo’s : LamborghiniCollection.com
The Asus Lamborghini VX1 Laptop offers a fusion of innovative
concepts, advanced technology and astonishing design.
Available in either yellow or black, the Lamborghini Laptop is
the ultimate representation of technology and automobile fusion. With design details and special mirror painting finish, the
ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 is an extreme and spectacular expression of the ASUS and Lamborghini spirit that, with the look
alone, exudes power, speed, strength and beauty.
The ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 is based on the new Intel®
Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology platform. The dual-core
processing capabilities of the VX1 offers desktop level computing performance such as faster processing and high quality
video/ audio enjoyment while enabling high mobility and better
productivity with smaller form factor and longer battery life. The 15” VX1, weighing less than most of the 14” notebooks, is a powerful work machine with superior mobility.
This black leather Gallardo Luggage Set is made from carefully selected
natural tanned bull leather using traditional Italian tanning techniques. It
has been manufactured and packaged entirely by hand in Italy. Wrinkles,
scars variations in color, hue and grain are evidence of the genuineness and authenticity of the leather used. Each case is adorned with a
embossed leather reproduction of the famous Lamborghini crest. These
cases are designed to fit perfectly in the Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe
with 2 pieces fitting in the front bonnet and 2 pieces fitting on the shelf
behind the seats in the cabin. An absolute necessity for road trips or
weekend getaways.
MIURA JACKET
ASUS has long been recognized for its high and uncompromising quality standards and this philosophy coincides
with the pursuit for design excellence of Lamborghini, established by its founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. Hence,
the corporation between the two businesses is based on a mutual commitment to offer products of unparalleled
quality and dedication to exceptional design. The Lamborghini VX1 is a masterpiece that delivers both cuttingedge performance as well as luxurious style.
The Miura Jacket is made of waterproof fabric and can be worn several different ways. It has a zippered hood that can be cinched and the front flaps closed
to cover the neck. The hood is also removable via a black zipper. The jacket
contains a warm 100% polyester yellow fleece lining that can be removed and
worn on its own. For a really dramatic look, pair this inner jacket with our black
sleeveless vest! Once the inner fleece lining is removed, the jacket is lighter and
cooler and can be worn on its own as well. The front of the jacket has both a zipper and outer buttons. The Lamborghini shield is embroidered on the inner flap of
the front so it remains visible when zipped up or can be covered up by snapping
the buttons, which are fashioned to resemble the Diablo 5-hole wheel. The zipper
pull is also a mini replica of the Diablo side mirror. The really unique features and
extreme versatility make this 2-in-1 jacket a must for any cold climate. The outer
composition is 58% cotton and 42% polyamide.
The designers’ incorporated many details inspired by Lamborghini concepts to the notebook. The sharp yet
streamlined LCD cover design comes from the dual-compartment 2005 Lamborghini Concept S as well as the
unique aerodynamics design of Lamborghini Gallardo. The LED display design is a duplication of the air diffuser
mesh of Murcielago Barchetta Concept. The Lamborghini VX1 is an extreme and spectacular expression of the
ASUS and Lamborghini spirit that, with the look alone, exudes power, speed, strength and beauty.
The ASUS VX1 is an ultra slim and super light 15-inch notebook measuring at 2.5 cm in thinness. It is characterized by a refined and elegant design that represents the most comprehensive solution for professionals who
demand functionality and cutting-edge performance.
Equipped with the latest Dual Core processing, the VX1 provides enhanced responsiveness to enjoy audio &
video playback & record, gaming, IM, and web-browsing simultaneously on your notebook. Moreover, it Enhanced
performance on floating-point intensive applications such as gaming, digital music, digital photography and video
editing.
Incorporated with the NVidia GeForce Go7400VX delivers stunning, true-to-life visuals, incredibly smooth video
playback and exceptional graphics performance, from personal video recording and high definition TV, to enthusiast-level gaming.
You can order this amazing laptop directly from the Lamborghini Collection, an Automobili Lamborghini Official Licensed
Distributor.
Visit their website at
www.LamborghiniCollection.com
or call them directly at
949-715-0542 P.S.T. (Pacific Standard Time)
60 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LIFEstyle
GALLARDO CAP
This cotton Gallardo Cap features the Gallardo stylized lettering and silhouette rendering embroidered on the front and the stylized Automobili Lamborghini script on the rear.
All stitching is in an attractive silver-grey contrasting color. The bill is covered in suede
to add even more drama to this unique cap. One adjustable size fits all.
All these original Lamborghini items directly from the Lamborghini Collection, the Automobili Lamborghini Official Licensed Distributor.
Visit their website at
www.LamborghiniCollection.com
or call them directly at
949-715-0542 P.S.T. (Pacific Standard Time)
LIFEstyle I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 61
AUTOmobilia
AUTOmobilia
LAMBORGHINI IN PRINT
Some of the official Club Newsletters
Text Mark Smeyers
There are only a handful of Newsletters on Lamborghini available worldwide,
some of the more important Clubs actually publish them on a regular basis.
We’ll take a look at those created by the Lamborghini Club America, the German ILOC, the Lamborghini Club UK and finally the Australian club magazine.
Probably due to the rather important overhead costs, the very time consuming
work that goes into them, and the rather limited market for them, Lamborghini
Magazines are only available in very limited numbers.
I have started this new Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine to try and fill this
void, but next to real, regularly published magazines on exotic or super cars in
general, there are only a handful publications available on this legendary make,
these are mostly official Lamborghini Club Newsletters.
Possible one of the earliest Club Newsletters was published in the United
States, their first issue was available in December 1975, still a plain black and
white gathering of articles and
news on the Raging Bull make, but
it was a start.
Over the years, as both the clubs
and the Lamborghini make grew
to much larger proportions, the
Newsletter became bigger and better, and today the Lamborghini Club America publishes the Matador’s
Chronicle, a very nice, full color magazine, nicely saddle-stitched and
printed on high quality glossy
paper.
So what will the Lamborghini Club America write
about, well for one those world famous events in
the United States, we all know these are massive,
with literally dozens of Lamborghini’s each time, the
Running of the Bulls, the Club meeting at Monterey
and the various get together events where the members show these amazing cars.
Naturally they also take a more detailed look into some
of these great automobiles, photo galleries on the most
amazing Bulls found in the United States, combine this
with several Lamborghini related adds, links to the more
important internet sites on our preferred make and you’ve
got a very nice Newsletter, that is published on a regular
basis and sent out to the Lamborghini Club America members. More information on : www.lamborghiniclub.com
62 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I AUTOmobilia
One of the other clubs that publishes their own newsletter is the Lamborghini
Club UK, open to both owners and enthusiasts, you can subscribe to this UK
based club from all over the world, and they have regular events, either on their
own, or combined with those other major festivals in the United Kingdom.
You will find Lamborghini Club UK owners during the Goodwood Festival of
Speed and the Auto Italia at Brooklands, to name but a few, and naturally during this years Supercar Celebration, where over 100 Lamborghini’s from all
over the world gathered together to celebrate the amazing Raging Bull marque.
Recently the name of their official newsletter was changed to ‘Revista Veloce’, a very
catching name for such a publication.
Their Summer 2006 issue, which naturally
held a review on the Lamborghini Supercar
Celebration was their largest publication
ever, containing reports from Brooklands,
Stanford Hall, Knockhill 06 and much more.
If you would like to receive this amazing, full color publication, please take a
look at the official Lamborghini Club UK website : www.lamborghiniclub.co.uk
A third Lamborghini Club that offers a newsletter named the Bull’s Roar is the
Australian Club. They have a really nice, glue bound publication, in the early
days only the cover was full color, with a
black and white content, but it was still very
nicely finished.
Covering as usual the latest and greatest from Sant’Agata combined with
specific news for the Australian market scene, there may not be that many
Lamborghini’s in Australia, but the club still is alive and kicking, with handful of
new Lamborghini’s being imported each year.
On a regular basis there are Lamborghini gatherings ‘down under’, so it would
be wrong to forget about this nice little market for the make of the Raging Bull. I
don’t have an internet address for the Lamborghini Club of Australia, but if you
would like to contact them just take a look at our ‘Lamborghini Clubs’ listing on
the Lamborghini Cars, enthusiast site for a postal address and an e-mail address.
One of the biggest newsletters created by a Lamborghini Club is the one
published yearly by the ILOC E.V., the International Lamborghini Owner’s Club
based in Germany.
Germany is the second biggest markets for
Autombili Lamborghini SpA, just behind the United States, and therefore the
ILOC is also one of the largest clubs in the world. Their ‘Magazin’ is also one of
the most impressive to say the least.
A full color, high gloss print on heavy paper and nicely bound, the ‘Magazin des
International Lamborghini Owner’s Club E.V.’ counts a large number of pages
each year, ranging from about 60 to over 120 pages for their ‘1999-2000 Jubiläums Edition’
Not only will you find reports on those big German events, during which you’ll
be able to admire some of the most impressive Lamborghini collections in the
world, but the Magazine also covers tests, which are reprints from the major
German auto magazines. But also in depth articles on some of the more important Lamborghini mdels made at Sant’Agata, and interviews with the people at
Sant’Agata, like Mr. Stephan Winkelmann, during which the latest news from
AUTOmobilia I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 63
AUTOmobilia
LAMBORGHINI online
the Magazine’s links to the internet ...
Italy is unveiled, together with photographs of the latest prototypes that could
one day be presented to the public.
The ILOC E.V. was founded back in 1979 in Offenbach am Main, and recently
published their 25th anniversary Magazin, the Club has several meetings
each year, both in Germany and in the countries surrounding them, like the
Netherlands or Switzerland ... even a club drive to Italy is a regular event they
organize, combining a visit to the famous
Automobili Lamborghini SpA factory at
Sant’Agata with an amazing holiday in some
of the best Italian hotels.
The ILOC E.V. Magazin is sold at various
events, so it is not only available to the club
members, but also to enthusiasts from all
over the world, if you’re looking into obtaining one of their yearly books, do take a look
at their new site : www.iloc-ev.de
You see there are some publications on Lamborghini available in the world,
but these are mostly related to one of the official Lamborghini clubs, a true
magazine dedicated to the Raging Bull marque is yet unseen I think, so please
support the Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine.
With a little help I’ll be able to publish this Magazine every two months, bursting
with photographs and articles on these legendary automobiles, giving you an
inside look at owning and driving these Bulls, if you interesting in tuning your
car, you’ll be able to find the best companies out there that will turn you own Lamborghini into an even more exotic
road car.
For a list of the sites mentioned in this article, please take a look at our ‘Interesting sites’ section in this Magazine.
INTERESTING SITES
The most important Lamborghini related sites available
Are you looking for more information an something you’ve seen inside the Magazine, or would you just like to get
some details on the cars found in this issue ?
In that case, this list of interesting online sources is the place to go looking for an answer to all your questions :
Premium Lamborghini sites
Lamborghini Tuning sites
Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Reiter Engineering
The Official Automobili Lamborghini SpA site
www.lamborghini.com
Lamborghini Cars, the enthusiast site
Lamborghini Cars, the enthusiast site, the very site I created over eight years ago to share the amazing Raging Bulls with fellow enthusiasts from all over the world.
www.lambocars.com
A highly professional Lamborghini tuner and the only Lamborghini racing team in the 2006 FIA GT3
Championship.
www.reiter-engineering.com
SP Engineering
��
If you are looking into tuning your Lamborghini and you’re located in the United States, this is a great place to browse around.
www.sp-power.com
Lamborghini Collection
Lambo Racing
The largest authorised distributor of official Lamborghini Merchandise in the world !
www.lamborghinicollection.com
KLD Concept
Michael’s Lamborghini site, an amazing source for photographs on Raging Bulls.
www.kldconcept.com
Edo Competition
Lamborghini Registry
Looking for an extensive list of chassis numbers on Lamborghini’s ? This is the place to be.
www.lamborghiniregistry.com
They entered a Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 into the VLN 24h races in Germany.
www.lambo-racing.de
A rather new tuner on the market, but their Gallardo tuning package is very impressive.
www.edo-competition.de
Hamann Motorsport GmbH
One of the best known tuners in the world, recently started tuning Lamborghini’s too.
www.hamann-motorsport.com
Lamborghini Countach Web
A site dedicated to the most amazing sportscar ever built, the Countach.
www.countach.ch
Official Lamborghini Club sites
Lamborghini Club Nederland
The official Dutch Lamborghini owners club.
www.lamborghiniclub.nl
Lamborghini Club UK
Lamborghini Club UK is open to both Lamborghini drivers and non-owner enthusiasts.
www.lamborghiniclub.co.uk
Lamborghini Club America
The Lamborghini Club also publishes their own
magazine.
www.lamborghiniclub.com
ILOC E.V.
64 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I AUTOmobilia
The International Lamborghini Owners Club E.V. is based in Germany.
www.iloc-ev.de
LAMBORGHINI online I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 65
LAMBORGHINI online
NEXT time
the Magazine’s links to the internet ...
You can’t have a Magazine without an index ...
Lamborghini Parts
WHAT WILL BE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE ?
Lambo Stuff
Restoring a classic Lamborghini or looking for parts to get your own Bull back in top shape, look no further. Parts, accessories and after market.
www.lambo-stuff.com
Next to this we will also offer you various brand new feature articles, together with details on these exotic cars
to make you dream even further about them.
Supercar photo collections
Naturally we will cover the latest and greatest events again in the JAN/FEB 2007 issue, with various photographs depicting the Lamborghini’s that were shown during these events.
Auto Foto
The Belgian reference site for photographs on exotic and rare supercars.
www.autofoto.be
Swiss Car Sightings
A Swiss based enthusiast created a massive collection of photographs on the most amazing exotics cars in and
around Switzerland.
www.swisscarsightings.com
Super Car France
Lamborghini’s naturally, a lot of new photographs on the most amazing Raging Bulls ever produced, but that
will only be the beginning.
A French based enthusiast site with an ever growing collection of photographs on the most amazing exotics.
www.supercarfrance.com
Would you like to have your own Lamborghini featured in Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine ? That is possible,
just send me an e-mail and we’ll take a look at it, with a bit of luck you’ll see your very own supercar in our big
New Year’s celebration issue.
Of course our usual features will be back, the PHOTO album, the PIT LANE, the TUNING corner, SpotLIGHT,
Quick LOOK, LIFEstyle and not to forget those beautiful AUTOmobilia that we can most likely afford better than
the ‘real deal’
So for now, please enjoy our very first edition of Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine, and we’ll be back with our
second issue on January 1. 2007 ... which, as a ‘Holiday Special’ will be larger than our current issue !
Mark Smeyers
editor
Lamborghini related events
Magazine.LamboCars.com
Auto Moto Italia
��
Probably the largest Italian Car related event in The Netherlands
www.auto-moto-italia.nl
Do you want even more links ?
Our Lamborghini Cars, the enthusiast site has a
massive collection on Lamborghini related links, so if
you want even more links than presented here, take
a look at out online selection.
www.lambocars.com
How to get your site listed ?
If you would like to have your Lamborghini related
site listed on these pages, please feel free to contact
us and we’ll review your site, probably adding it in
our next issue.
Mark Smeyers
Editor
[email protected]
66 I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I LAMBORGHINI online
NEXT time I Lamborghini Cars, the Magazine I 67

PIT LANE - LamboMAG

Transcription

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