In the world of motorsport and extreme preparation, Australia is not to be outdone, as we have already demonstrated on numerous occasions! Such is the case with the project involving Australian driver Kevin Weeks, the Supaloc Racing team and the spectacular Lamborghini Gallardo.
This Italian supercar served as the basis for an even more radical project, thanks to the intervention of the American tuner Underground Racing. On their website, they announce that they produce the “world's fastest road-legal Lamborghini biturbo”.
Kevin Weeks is an Australian driver who has competed in a variety of motorsport events, notably in GT classes. He has distinguished himself in a number of national and international events, notably in the Australian GT Championship. The Supaloc Racing team is an Australian structure which, like many private teams, combines participation in competitions, technical development of racing cars and special automotive projects around supercars.
The Lamborghini Gallardo: an iconic supercar
The Lamborghini Gallardo is one of the most important models in the modern history of Lamborghini. Produced between 2003 and 2013, it was the brand's best-selling model for many years. In the end, more than 14,000 examples rolled off the assembly line. The Gallardo features a naturally-aspirated V10 engine in a central rear position, all-wheel drive on many versions, and an aluminum chassis.
Over the years, Lamborghini developed several special versions of the Gallardo, including the LP570-4 Superleggera, which benefited from weight reduction and optimized aerodynamics, with massive use of carbon fiber (engine hood, rear diffuser, underframes, mirrors, central tunnel, door panels and seat shells). Polycarbonate replaced glass in some windows. All in all, nearly 100 kg were saved on the scales!
Underground Racing: Lamborghini twin-turbo specialist
This company specializes in twin-turbo conversions for supercars, including Lamborghini and Audi R8 models. Their preparation principle consists in adding two turbochargers to considerably increase the amount of air sent to the engine.
The modifications cover several aspects, including engine reinforcement: the V10 is completely dismantled and rebuilt with reinforced components to withstand much higher boost pressure.
- forged pistons
- high-strength connecting rods
- reinforced joints and studs
- complete motor balancing
The twin-turbo system includes :
- two high-performance 67mm turbochargers
- customized exhaust manifolds
- two wastegates and relief valves
- air-water intercooler for cooling compressed air
Turbos are generally installed at the rear of the engine, close to the exhaust line. The fuel system is also reinforced with high-performance fuel pumps and high-flow injectors. The very high power output also necessitates modifications to the transmission, with a reinforced triple-disc clutch, reinforced transmission components and an improved cooling system. The intake is in custom stainless steel with K&N filters. Engine management is provided by a MoTeC M1 ECU.
To top it all off, the Gallardo Supaloc raced in the Australian Hillclimb championship and featured a gigantic Pikes Peak-style rear spoiler to keep this monster as flat as possible on the ground, and a pie-scoop front spoiler. This rear spoiler evolved a few years later, with a more aerodynamic profile.
Spectacular performance
A Gallardo twin-turbo prepared by Underground Racing can reach impressive power levels. Depending on the track configuration, power ranges from 1,000 to 1,250 hp, or even 1,500 hp with special fuels. In race configuration, the 1000hp Garrett single-turbo version is preferred, for greater responsiveness and simplified maintenance. On their site, the ultimate stage, called “X”, can go up to 3000 hp. That's right!
These figures make it possible to achieve extraordinary performance:
- 0 to 100 km/h: approx. 2 seconds
- quarter mile: about 8 seconds
- potential maximum speed over 350 km/h
This performance is not without risks. Early in the project, around 2006, a broken fuel return line resulted in $40,000 in repair costs. “The damage was superficial and the engine wasn't affected, but when you're working on a Lamborghini, the bill can quickly mount up.»
Car preparation can transform a production car into a veritable war machine capable of competing with some of the world's fastest hypercars. Kevin Weeks must have spent many...weekends fine-tuning his machine!
English 
French 
Italian 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
German 
Japanese 
Turkish 
Dutch