One simple word at Lamborghini’s invitation to the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show should have given us a clue about the kind of car the Sant’ Agata manufacturer would unveil at this year’s IAA. The key word was “racing”, and that is exactly what Lamborghini will present, the most hardcore Gallardo ever built. And it doesn’t get any more hardcore than a street-legal version of a racing car.

Named the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale, the special edition model is based on the race cars that participate in the one-make Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship.

Of course, we’ve lost count of the limited editions of the Gallardo that we’ve seen in the past couple of years. So what makes this one different from the rest, apart from the fact that it will be produced in only 150 units?

Well, for starters there is the engine: the V10’s output reaches 570HP at 8,000 rpm and 540 Nm (398.2 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, while the different firing order of the cylinders is said to make the engine sound like a thoroughbred racing unit.

The Super Trofeo Stradale’s uprated V10, along with a reduced weight of 1,340 kg, enables the latest version of the Gallardo to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and 200 km/h (125 mph) only 10.4 seconds later, while its top speed is rated at 320 km/h (200 mph).

Like the racecar, the street version uses an electronically controlled six-speed semi-automatic gearbox controlled by steering-wheel mounted paddles that powers all four wheels that are wrapped around Pirelli P-Zero Corsa-shod. The Trofeo Stradale also features a “Thrust Mode” for maximum acceleration from a standstill – in other words, Lamborghini’s version of a launch control system.

Like the Superleggera, the Trofeo Stradale’s suspension and steering are tuned for giving the driver the closest experience to a racecar possible. Braking is taken care by 365 and 356 mm front and rear discs respectively, with 380 and 356 mm carbon-ceramic brakes. A tubular roll cage, four-point seat belts and a fire extinguisher also feature on the options list.

On the outside, the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is finished in a brand new “Rosso Mars” red paint that is said to symbolize Italy’s traditional racing red of the beginning of last century’s motor racing when different colors stood for different nations. If you don’t like red there’s also “Grigio Telesto” grey and “Bianco Monocerus” white and, as an option, you can have the roof in gloss black paint.

The Trofeo Stradale also features a matte black finish on the large, race-inspired rear spoiler, the easily removed engine hood and the air intakes while the rear diffuser, mirror housings and rocker panels are made of carbon fiber.

Further allusions to motorsport include the carbon fiber seats and the Alcantara-sweathed interior that covers almost everything, from steering wheel to the underside of the dashboard, but there are also optionally available amenities like a satellite navigation with Bluetooth connection for mobile phones, an anti-theft system, and a lifting system that raises the front axle.

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