There are few things as evocative in western society as the convertible sports car. With the top down, it's the automotive embodiment of fun, freedom, and the open road. Pretty much all the good parts of driving. Absolutely. But get behind the wheel of a great sports car and you'll find out very quickly that there is a whole lot truth behind the cliche. Two of the best to come out of Europe is the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. The Porsche 718 is the latest in the company's highly successful Boxster line of mid-engine sports cars. For years, it was seen as the 911's adorable little brother. But lately, Porsche has loosened the reigns on its entry-level sports car with the addition of turbocharging and a host of performance goodies. The Alfa Romeo 4C paved the way for the brand's return to the US market back in 2014. Now, Alfa Romeo is powering forward with a lineup led by its stunning Giulia sports sedan and Stelvio crossover SUV. The 4C is a bit of an odd-duck. There's really nothing else like it in the world. It's part pint-sized Ferrari, part Italian Lotus. And it's 100% fun. So the question must be asked? Which one is better? The raucous Italian or Stuttgart's finest?
The cars may not be modified during the season - all relevant components - engine, transmission and chassis - are marked accordingly. The title sponsor of the Super Trofeo is exclusive Swiss watch maker Blancpain. Lamborghini is offering the competition vehicles and replacement parts via its dealerships, with each car costing 200,000 Euro plus tax. Both professional and 'gentleman' drivers with an International Competition Licence (A, B or C) are free to enter the Super Trofeo, as are teams from Lamborghini dealerships. The factory will also enter its own car, and is lining up celebrity drivers for guest appearances at the wheel. During the race weekends, Lamborghini provides support to all drivers with an outstanding technology and parts service. In the paddock, drivers, sponsors and guests can relax and enjoy themselves in the stylish hospitality area, the Super Trofeo Village. The technical basis for the Super Trofeo is already a winner - no less than the Gallardo LP560-4, the brand's latest model.
The constructors took the basic design of its engine, transmission and chassis. They then carried out extensive detailed rework and refinement of all components to prepare them for racetrack performance - with the target of making the Super Trofeo the fastest one-make series in the world. As is the case for all Lamborghinis, the race car's engine is mounted longitudinally. Located amidships, the V10 was newly developed for the LP560-4 and has a displacement of 5,204 cm3. At 6,500 r/min, it generates 540 Nm of torque at the crankshaft and, at 8,000 r/min, a breathtaking 419 kW (570 hp). The increase of 7 kW (10 hp) against the series production model is the result of recalibrated engine management. The exhaust system was also specially developed for the task to be extremely lightweight. The V10 works with it to produce a technical symphony of powerful harmonics that builds up through the revs with a meaty crescendo to finish in a mighty fortissimo.
The naturally aspirated ten-cylinder is race engine perfection. Its number of cylinders forms the ideal synthesis of high performance, potent pulling power, light-footed high revving, low weight and compact dimensions. Its technical refinements include dry sump lubrication, which guarantees oil supply even under extreme lateral acceleration, while at the same time lowering the centre of gravity. The 90-degree cylinder angle on the crank case serves the same purpose. The block is cast in hypereutectic aluminium alloy, with the bore surfaces machined from solid. The connecting rods are made from forged steel and the pistons are aluminium. The V10 features direct injection- "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" - which fires the fuel through laterally-positioned injectors into the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 100 bar. Direct injection reduces knock sensitivity and provides a degree of internal cooling - thus enabling a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, which results in a mighty power output and high levels of fuel efficiency.