Lamborghini Gallardo

Called the Super­leggera, this special-edition Gallardo is being given its world debut at this week's Geneva Motor Show.

Featuring an engine cover made of clear polycarbonate, a carbon fibre rear diffuser, plastic windows and a stripped-out cabin, the Superleggera weighs in at 1,470kg - that's 100kg less than the standard two-door.

However, Lamborghini has tweaked the Gallardo's 5.0-litre V10 to produce another 10bhp, taking total power to 530bhp. Combined with the weight saving, this enables the Superleggera to do 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds - two-tenths faster than the normal car.

Carbon fibre side skirts and an optional rear wing appear outside, while a suede-covered steering wheel is pretty much the only nod to comfort in the bare cabin.

The model is equipped with sports suspension, comprising stiffer dampers, to allow even higher cornering speeds, while performance options include ceramic brakes. Available in four colours - yellow, orange, grey or black - the Superlegerra also offers optional sat-nav, a CD changer and reversing camera to aid parking.

The Gallardo is being positioned as a rival to the Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale, which has similar upgrades. Both cars have been designed with the track day market in mind, and are set to go on sale before the end of the year, priced in excess of £130,000.