Just yesterday some spy images appeared showing a mystery Lamborghini Gallardo out testing. Today, however, that mystery has been solved. Introducing the new all-wheel drive LP 570-4 Squadra Corsa, which will have its official live debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It’s nearly mechanically identical to the LP 570-4 Super Trofeo race car, only that it’s fully street legal. It may just be the greatest Gallardo ever built. It shares many key components with the Gallardo Superleggera, such as the 5.2-liter V10 that pumps out 570 horsepower, that big carbon fiber rear wing and the removable engine hood. The sole (read: no six-speed manual will be available) transmission is the familiar e-gear six-speed auto with paddle shifters. All told, the Squadra Corse weighs 2,954 lbs., which is 154 lbs. less than the standard LP560-4. Other features include carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber bucket seats with Alcantara center inserts, and Alcantara covering the underside of the dashboard. Overall, the car has a minimalist interior feel.
2014 Aston Martin DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial
When it comes to special one-off Aston Martins, the British automaker usually taps the service of one design house: Zagato.
We’ve seen over the years what a collaboration between the two companies can produce. Now that Aston Martin is in the middle of celebrating its 100th anniversary, it’s not surprising that Zagato has come back to build a pair of special one-off models to commemorate the occasion.
One of these models is called the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial, a special model based on the 2013 DB9 Volante convertible. Looking completely different from what we’ve come to know about the modern DB9 Volante, the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial does carry plenty of design inspiration, most notably from the 1994-2003 DB7 Zagato.
Equally fascinating is the way Aston Martin and Zagato went to giving the one-off model unique tastes of both companies. From Zagato’s double-bubble roof to Aston Martin’s unmistakable, albeit larger, grille and fender vents, the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial really does represent the best of both worlds.
One thing that did throw us for a little loop is the design of the round headlights, which does harken us back to the V8 Zagato of the 80’s but comes as a little out of place when built into the sharper and more streamlined look of the current DB9 Volante.
In any case, the DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial is still a treat to look at and noted American collector and Aston Martin enthusiast Peter Read is a pretty lucky man to being the recipient of this one-off ride.
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