Lamborghini->ke44 has unveiled today the first details on the new Gallardo GT3 FL2 racecar that is set to be used in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. The model is based on the 2013-model-year Gallardo->ke375 and has been developed in cooperation with Reiter Engineering.

The first details offered by Lamborghini reveal that the new GT3 FL2 will receive "24-hour" brakes, improved engine cooling and reduced fuel consumption. Because we are talking about a racecar, we will also see a highly efficient aero kit, including a new front splitter and a rear carbon diffuser based on the one developed for the Super Trofeo. Also, when compared to the Gallardo GT3, the new FL2 version will be about 55 pounds lighter.

So, is this Lambo prepared to take over where the outgoing Gallardo GT3 leaves off, or will it be buried amongst the Porsche and Ferrari racecars?

Click past the jump to read about the Gallardo GT3 FL2 and find out

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 FL2

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 FL2
  • Engine/Motor: V10
  • Horsepower: 550
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Automated Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

On the outside, the Gallardo GT3 FL2 retains a lot of the base Gallardo’s styling. Without all of the specifics, however, we can only speculate on exactly what it will feature. We expect to see an aggressive aero kit on the underside, starting with the front-lip spoiler, wrapping around the side and engine in a massive diffuser on the rear end.

One item that we do know will be a part of the GT3 FL2 is a monstrous rear spoiler that looks more like it belongs on a riced-out, base-model Civic. Fortunately, this spoiler does a lot more than just add ridiculous amounts of weight, as it likely creates a massive amount of downforce.

On the corners, we expect to see carbon-fiber wheels to help keep the unsprung weight as low as possible, thus enhancing its competence in the twist.

Lastly, we expect the glass to all be replaced by a plastic-based glass, which will help save a little weight. While we have yet to learn the exact dimensions of the Gallardo GT3 FL2, we do know that it’ll be 25 kg (55 pounds) lighter than the previous model. We also can safely assume that it’ll carry over all of the production-Gallardo’s basic dimensions, meaning it measures 171.1 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, 45.9 inches high and has a 100.8-inch wheelbase.

Anticipated Standard Exterior Features:

-Carbon-fiber aerodynamic kit

-Aluminum/carbon-fiber rear spoiler

-Carbon-fiber rear diffuser

-19-inch carbon-fiber racing wheels

-Lexan exterior glass

Interior

The inside is really a wildcard at this point, as Lambo hasn’t revealed anything on it. We figure that the GT3 FL2 will come with bare-minimum FIA-approved equipment. Things like a racing seat, high-end racing harness, racing steering wheel and a massive deletion of the Gallardo’s production features – A/C, audio, dashboard and much more – will all be a part of the package.

Anticipated Standard Interior Features

-FIA-approved racing seat

-FIA-approved racing harness

-Racing steering wheel

-Weight-saving feature delete

Drivetrain

Now for the really fun part: the engine and driveline. Lamborghini again skimped out on the details regarding what’s under the hood, but we do know that the engine will feature an improved cooling system to help keep it from overheating and reduced fuel consumption.

As for actual power, we are just going to have to make some educated guesses. The outgoing Gallardo GT3 had the same output as the bone stock model – 512 horsepower and 397 pound-feet of torque – so it is easy to assume that this pattern will carry into the 2013 racing season. Since the 2013 Gallardo has a bit more power, 38 horsepower more to be exact, we can expect the GTE FL2 to have the same.

In restricted racing, like the GT3 FL2 will race, the name of the game is using the power as effectively as possible, which translates to minimizing the inertial friction inside the engine – basically making it a more free-revving engine. This is achieved by upgrading the bearings, lightening the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons, and adding in a lighter flywheel.

Just like its predecessor, we expect the 2013 Gallardo GT3 FL2 to carry an all-wheel-drive setup.

The power and lightening should all add up to a 3-second 0-to-60 time and a top speed of about 185 mph, but these are not official numbers.

When racing, you also have to consider the amount of maintenance that will need to go into the car after each race. Per Lamborghini, the Gallardo GT3 FL2 requires only €9 to €12 per km ($19.65 to $26.20 per mile) in maintenance. So, if you were in a 500-mile-long race, you could expect a bill of $9,825 to $13,100 for the maintenance required – yeah, racing’s expensive.

Drivetrain Specifications:

Engine

5.2-Liter V-10 DOHC

Output

550 horsepower, 397 Pound-Feet of Torque

Transmission

Six-Speed Automated Manual

Driveline

All-Wheel Drive

Acceleration (0-60)

3 Seconds (Est.)

Top Speed

185 mph (Est.)


Pricing and Availability

Lamborghini has set the base price for the 2013 Gallardo GT3 FL2 at €320,000 plus taxes (around $430,000 at the current exchange rates). First deliveries to teams in Europe and Asia will commence in March 2013. The model will make appearances in the Blancpain Endurance Series, Asia Le Mans Series and Italian GT3 Championship.

Competition

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

In terms of competition, it is really hard to pinpoint any certain one, as these manufacturers are not too specific with what classes each car can compete in. You get to learn those details when you actually go to buy the racecar. In the interest of entertainment, we will consider the upcoming 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR as a close competitor.

We expect to see somewhere in the range of 480 horsepower from the 4.0-liter six-cylinder in the GT3 RSR’s engine compartment, unless Porsche decides to make some changes for the 2013 model year. From there, the rest of the details are super sketchy, so we will have to revisit this competition once the official details on the 2013 Porsche 91 GT3 RSR hit the wire. We can say with some certainty that it will price in at about €500,000 (about $678,000 at the current rates).

Conclusion

Well, what’s there not to love about this? It’s a Gallardo tuned for racing! It’s leaner, meaner and more athletic than the base model, plus it even has significant weight savings over the outgoing Gallardo GT3. On paper, we absolutely love it, despite the fact that the Gallardo’s aging body style is really dated.

CategoryRatingDetails
Driving TBD No one knows just yet…
Performance A The Gallardo rocks our socks, so we bet this is just as good!
Look B- The Gallardo is old and outdated, but its aero kit gives it some new life
Value C- That is a significant jump in pricing, but since it’s all approved for racing it is barely passable
Overall B+ We like it on paper, but things can really change once it hits the track. We’ll see how it all shakes out an let you know