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Friday, November 7, 2008

TALK.... TALK....

What do you think they are talking about?

Photo taken by Fernando A. Mascaro in Milano Maritima (Italy)


Photo taken by Fernando A. Mascaro in Venice (Italy)



Photo taken by Fernando A. Mascaro in Venice (Italy)

Click on photos to enlarge


Thursday, November 6, 2008

Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 VT (AUTOart)

In 1990, a new bull was born from the design work of once again, Marcelo Gandini. This was named the Diablo (devil in Spanish) and was created in replacement for the aging Countach. It reigned as Lamborghini's flagship from 1990 to 2001. The first Diablo was powered by a 5.7 liter, 492bhp, V12, 48valve engine, with a top speed exceeding 200mph. The first Diablo was followed by different variants. Such were, Diablo VT (Viscous Traction, all-wheel drive), SE30 (Special Edition 30th Anniversary), SE30 Jota, VT Roadster, SV (Sport Veloce), SV-R, GT, 6.0 and the GTR. The 6.0 VT and the GTR were conceived under Audi’s ownership since they bought the company in 1998. The 6.0 VT cars were produced from 2000-2001. Engine has been increased to 6.0 liter, 550bhp. It also received a face lift and changes on the sides and rear. The interior and dashboard was completely re-designed with touches on carbon fiber panels. Overall weight has also been reduced.

The 6.0 was their first (and last) truly intensive redesign of the car, meaning that it was more than just a cosmetic update to the existing model. Heavy styling changes both inside and out were made; the front bumper, ait intakes and nose as well as the entire dashboard, seats and switchgear were changed and improved. Displacing 6.0 litres and based on the motor that powered the Diablo GT, which in itself was essentially a modified version of the 5.7, the motor had updated ECU software in addition to new intake and exhaust systems and a refined variable valve timing system with slightly less aggressive camshafts had been used in the earlier versions.

Although the Diablo has been replaced by newer models, it holds the name “Bad Boy” of among the Lamborghini automobiles.






Additional details:

- added wirings and hoses on the engine
- installed throttle rod and levers.
-installed high tension wires
- installed braided fan belts over the plastic ones
- installed chrome belt holders for hoses
- installed radiator filler cap
- added few engine parts
- added door lock mechanisms






Lamborghini Diablo GTR (AUTOart)

After campaigning the Diablo SV-R for four years in the Diablo Supertrophy Lamborghini launched a completely new car for the 2000 season. This Diablo GTR is a modified version of the 6 liter GT version of the Diablo launched in 1999. In comparison with the Diablo GT, GTR most important features are a modified chassis frame with integrated roll bar, improved suspensions, central fixing nut for the rims, race braking system, additional radiators for transmission oil cooling, very high performance rear wing (directly bolted to the chassis), simplified interiors and weight reduction. The engine is basically the same V12, 6 litre, of the Diablo GT which thanks to the adoption of a specially tuned exhaust system, without catalyser, delivers 590 hp (440 kW/600 PS) (575 in the GT model).
The engine management system is based on the proprietary Lamborghini LIE electronic engine control system tuned for racing. Fuel injection is sequential multipoint and ignition is static with individual coils. Lamborghini Data Acquisition System, LDAS, and diagnostic functions are integrated in the engine electronic management system.

For the engine cooling, two water radiators in parallel are side mounted to the engine and an engine oil cooler is front mounted as in the Diablo GT. Additional coolers for gearbox and differential oil are installed in order to better match the racing overloads.
The transmission is on the rear wheels through a Lamborghini 5 speed gearbox with one basic gear ratio option and an alternative option for a shorter 5th gear ratio. The gear box lever is in an asymmetric position on the central tunnel in order to be closer to the steering wheel, for better control. The steering system is power assisted.

The tubular chassis frame integrates the roll bar and is directly connected to the rear wing. The front suspension is modified for racing. Shock absorbers and anti-roll bars are adjustable. The rims are lightweight magnesium alloy with central fixing nut and they accept racing type tyres. A special racing fuel tank with fast filling system has been installed. The braking system is based on the Diablo GT high performance module. New racing brake calipers have been adopted to better match the very severe racing conditions.
Most of the body is carbon fibre made, except for the roof, which is made of steel for torsional rigidity, while the doors are made of aluminium, for safety reasons.

The cockpit fittings are simplified to meet racing requirements. The driver seat has been moved towards the longitudinal axle of the car, reducing the size of the central tunnel, to ensure a better driving position. Racing switches for ignition and for other functions have been adopted instead of the series push buttons. The fire extinguisher system is installed on the right side of the cockpit with activating switch on the tunnel. The driver's seat is of racing type with a six-point safety belt and the steering wheel is also racing type.
A production run of 30 cars was planned at the launch of the car at the 1999 Bologna Motorshow, but at the end of the run 40 cars were built.










Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A NICE PLACE TO ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF SUNSET

Love this restful place to sit, relax and read a book. It's a nice place to enjoy the lovely shadow and the scent of the cedars.




Photos taken by myself at my property's entrance




Update: Yesterday I received the Super Sweet Shots Award through Paz from Paz's New York Minute. Thank you so much Paz, I am honored and glad to have this Award from you.

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera & Spyder (Maisto)

Gallardo

The Gallardo was designed as a competitor to the Ferrari 360, and now competes with its replacement, the Ferrari F430. The Gallardo has a rear-biased all-wheel drive system which differentiates it from its rear-wheel drive competitors. Lamborghini's parent company Audi[3] is renowned for its quattro 4WD system, however Lamborghini uses a system of its own.
Unlike the Countach, Diablo, and Murciélago models, the Gallardo does not have scissor doors.
The Gallardo was designed by Luc Donckerwolke, who won the 2003 Red Dot Award for the design of both the 2004 Gallardo and 2002 Murciélago.

The Gallardo offers two choices of transmissions, a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission, and an advanced six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled 'semi-automatic single-clutch sequential manual', which Lamborghini abbreviates to "E-gear". The "E-gear" allows the driver to make shifts much faster than a manual transmission would. The driver shifts up and down via paddles behind the steering wheel, and does not need to manually actuate the clutch.

The Audi R8 sports car, launched in early 2007, is based on the Gallardo platform, and uses a 4.2 litre V8 in place of the Gallardo's V10 to avoid competing directly with the Gallardo.
For the 2008 model year, an onboard computer, iPod connectivity with USB, heated mirrors, Q-citura stitching that originally could only be found on the Nera model, and a beige soft-top on the Spyder, were added to the Gallardo.

Gallardo Superleggera

A special version of the Gallardo, dubbed the Superleggera, was launched at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show supposedly in preparation for the next Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by around 70 kg (154 lb) - down to approximately 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) - thanks to the use of carbon fibre panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, and the engine cover. Even the wheel nuts are made of titanium instead of steel to save even more unsprung weight at each corner of the car. According to the original Press Release issued by the factory the superleggera was available in four colors only : Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black, however at least one white Superleggera has been built.

The intake, exhaust and ECU have been upgraded to release an extra 10 hp (7.5 kW) for a total of 530 hp (395 kW). The lightening and extra power result in a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the base Gallardo. The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a US$ 10,000 option, now comes as a standard. The full price for a Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $200,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007. In March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera. The Superleggera paid tribute to the first Lamborghini production model, the famous 350GT, which was designed and built by the Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera in Milan, a coachbuilding company that recently restarted its activities.

Additional details:

- repainted silver rings on A/C vents
- repainted foot pedals and paddle shifts
- repainted disc brakes
- installed carpet on the flooring
- added carbon fiber to the back on the seats and top of side air intakes
- added wirings, hoses, chrome belt holders
- repainted some parts on the engine, added wires, hoses and tubings
- replaced reflector stickers on the front-side fender lights
-modified the seatbelts with ribbon type


Gallardo Spyder (N3A Sport Tuned)

The production spyder model of the Gallardo was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is considered by the company to be an entirely new model, with 520 hp (388 kW) and a lower-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The soft top is fully retractable.

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer was the first person in North America to take delivery of the Gallardo Spyder.

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson announced on 18 February 2007 that he had bought a Gallardo Spyder, replacing his Ford GT.





Additional details:

-fabricated the front chin, side skirts and rear wing
-added rear window
-repainted the interior to two toned (black with white accent). Seats, door sidings and dash board.
-added seat belts and photo-etched buckles
-redid the disc brakes by wrapping it with aluminum tape to replicate photo-etched discs.
-swapped the wheels from the Superleggera and repainted it to gun-metal gray.
-replace the instruments to white.
-repainted some details in the dash board
-detailed and modified the engine

- repainted foot pedals and paddle shifts
- installed two-tone carpet on the flooring and sides of center console
- fabricated soft top
- replaced reflector stickers on the side fender lights
-detailed and modified the engine with repaints, wirings, hoses and tubings