Lamborghini has announced it is developing a new Gallardo race car with GT3 partner Reiter Engineering that will be finished in time for the 2013 racing season. Reiter Engineering has been building race-spec Lamborghinis since 2000, but the GT3 FL2 marks the first time that it is working directly with Lamborghini on developing a GT3 race car.
Based on the new Gallardo MY13, the GT3 FL2 is being designed with an eye toward endurance races. The fuel consumption will be reduced with the help of a 55-pound (25 kg) weight reduction over the previous Gallardo GT3. The new car will have "24-hour" brakes and improved engine cooling.
Aero enhancements includes a carbon rear diffuser based on the one developed for the Super Trofeo and that huge rear wing that you could see from the window seat of an airplane. On the other end, a new front splitter will slice the oncoming air.
In addition to Reiter Engineering co-designing the new Gallardo racer in cooperation with Lamborghini's R&D motorsport department, Lamborghini made a five-year agreement with Reiter, naming it its exclusive partner for development and supply of GT3 cars.
"We are committed to supporting racing in Europe and Asia in 2013 with expansion into the USA in 2014," said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "GT3 racing, together with our highly successful mono marque Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series in Europe, Asia and this year the USA, are a clear fit with the Lamborghini brand, where we take the prowess of our super sports cars from the road to the track."
The €320,000 (approx. US$434,000) Gallardo GT3 FL2 will start finding its way to teams in Europe and Asia this coming March. It will participate in series such as the Blancpain Endurance Series, the Asia Le Mans Series and the Italian GT3 Championship.
Beginning next year, Lamborghini plans to host a comprehensive, progressive racing package. The new "Esperienza" series will give enthusiasts and prospective racers the opportunity to test-drive a Lamborghini. They can also hone their skills on track and ice through The Lamborghini Academies. From there, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series provides a feasible first-race experience, and the Lamborghini GT3 provides a venue for more experienced, competitive drivers.
Source: Lamborghini
