Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale: Review, Test drive

The tech specs of the Super Trofeo Stradale are similar to that of the Superleggera. The mid mounted monsterous V10 pumps out 570 horses at 8000 rpm. Max torque figured stand at 540 Nm at 6500 rpm. With the kind of weight loss on the STS, you can be assured of staggering performance. The STS flies past the 100 kph mark in 3.4 seconds and goes on to do a top whack of 320 kph. Lamborghini’s 6 speed e-gear with paddles is standard. While it is pretty smooth are low and normal speeds, the shifts get violent once you start giving it the beans. The STS also has something known as ‘Thrust Mode’ which is essentially Launch Control to give you maximum acceleration of the line. Each shift comes with a jolt which hits you hard but puts a smile on your face at the same time. The chassis is brilliant and since this is an AWD, handling is excellent and you don’t have to think twice before pushing it into a corner. The Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres offer fantastic grip with 235/35 ZR 19 in the front and 295/30 ZR19 at the rear. But at this point I must say that the LP550-2 was surely more fun. Why? Because it was a rear wheel drive. I have still not come to terms with the pedal placement on the Lamborghinis. My right foot always clashes with the left that is on the dead pedal when Im braking. Im guessing owners would get used to this with a lot of driving over a period of time.

The STS sounds pretty docile in normal comfort mode which is perfect for city driving but if you are in the mood to wake up the city, all you need to do is press the SPORT button. The instant growl from behind is an indication the Sport mode is active and that also translates all to of your 32 teeth breaking into a wide and wicked grin. The CORSA mode is best reserved for track use in my opinion. The suspension is race derived and consists of an aluminum double wishbone setup at both the front and the rear. Ride quality does not feature here at all. Combine that with the hard racing seats, and your back is going to be cursing you every time you go over uneven or bad roads and Mumbai has plenty of those. Braking is really impressive with a good amount of feel to the pedal. The STS has power vacuum brakes with aluminum alloy calipers. Front dual stage air bags for the driver and co driver are standard while you also have the option of ordering head thorax side air bags as well. On another note race cars don’t have cameras and parking sensor so you wont find any of that here either. Rear view is not that great and having to see that huge spoiler through the rear window doesn’t help things. But I admit that its a good point of reference while reversing. However the side rear view mirrors are of a good size offer good visibility.

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