By Camilo Alfaro

In 3.8 seconds, you blast to 60 mph, and the needle moves faster than holiday shoppers do on Christmas Eve. Shift into third gear, the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera enters triple digits while screaming down the expressway at 115 mph.

Knowing I will never see my drivers license again, the V-10 engine pumps with all its mighty soul while the tachometer needle reaches redline at 8,000 rpm. With just a click on the paddle-shifter, which is located on the steering wheel, I shift to fourth gear. Easing off the gas while the electronic-gear engages into fourth and then floor it again. Climbing to a buck-thirty, 140 mph and shift into fifth gear. One-fifty, 160 and, at the moment, I squeeze the steering wheel as if my life depended on it, as if I am dangling off the ledge of the Sears Tower.

Hitting 170 mph, the dashed lines on the highway become a long, straight one. That’s my calling, downshifting and gently applying the brakes, bringing the charging bull back to 100 mph, which feels more like 55 mph. I quickly look at the emblem staring back at me on the steering wheel, with a grin that I will not be able to erase for hours to come. I start thinking how this Gallardo Superleggera derived from what was once a tractor.

Legend has it that, in 1963, Ferrucio Lamborghini, a successful tractor manufacturer, purchased a Ferrari from the man himself, Enzo Ferrari. Ferrucio’s Ferrari broke down often, so Ferrucio confronted Enzo. Enzo told Ferrucio that the driver, and not the car, needed serious assistance. That day, an angered Ferrucio Lamborghini pledged he would build a better, faster car. He founded Lamborghini Automobili in Sant’ Agata Bolognese, Italy.In 1966, the Lamborghini Muira showed the world that Lamborghini was a serious exotic sports car manufacturer, but it wasn’t until 1973 that the infamous Countach knocked everyone’s socks off with its modern, futuristic aggressive styling and performance.

"This (Countach) is truly revolutionary car, starting with its line that left everyone at the Geneva Auto Show speechless with admiration," stated an automotive journalist.

I say the same thing while driving the Superleggera down Michigan Avenue.

Troubled with financial woes, the company always thought that a "Baby Lamborghini" could save the day, and was placed in the backburner for years. At the 2003 Geneva Motor show, Gallardo, the new ‘Baby Lamborghini’ was unveiled. Powered by a V10 engine, the Gallardo featured an all-wheel drive system, as in all Lamborghinis since the 1993 Diablo VT.

To add further interest and fuel the Ferrari rivalry, a lightweight (100 kilos less) more powerful (10 horsepower more and 0.2 seconds faster than a Gallardo) version introduced at the 2007 New York Auto Show, the Gallardo Superleggera.

Similar to the Countach and all Lamborghinis, the Superleggera has an in-your-face, spectacular, forceful exterior styling that stops traffic. At any moment, a dozen or more pedestrians take out their cell phones to capture an image of the Superleggera. Most of them try to get a picture of the spectacular Lamborghini engine, visible through a glass bonnet. Forget about the South Beach diet, this Superleggera runs on a high carbon fiber diet. Carbon fiber trim includes: side mirror housing, front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser and wing. A Superleggera decal sweeps from the wheel well to remind you that this is one special Gallardo.

Upon closing the Lamborghini door, you notice the interior door panel is also carbon fiber. Alcantara abounds the dash and headliner. The interior matches the aggressive exterior styling and conveys that you are in a speeding bullet versus a high-performance vehicle. Audi electronic components such as the navigation, audio and gauges are used. The seats go back, allowing room for a six-feet-plus driver to sit comfortably. The interior could use more storage compartments to make it more rider-friendly. No pushbutton start; just turn the Audi-style key-fob and hear the engine ignite like Luciano Pavarotti returning for an encore.

When the tenacious 530 horsepower V10 engine fires-up, buildings shake, windows buckle and passersby immediately stop dead in their tracks after hearing the rumble of the dual exhaust system. The V10 produces 376 pound-feet of torque and attains a top-speed of 196 mph via an all-wheel-drive system through an optional six-speed manual transmission with paddle shifters and an electronic-gear system.

When driving the Superleggera, you must be on your best behavior. Going over high curves requires you to push a button on the dash, elevating the front of the vehicle so you don’t bang it up. It likes to be driven smooth; so no shifting under 3000 rpm or the car will jiggle. The Superleggera has lighting speed acceleration and sounds like an Italian symphony. The engine is mid-mounted behind the driver creating a nearly perfect weight balance.

The Superleggera hypnotizes us with its stunning beauty and agile performance leaving everyone thunderstruck, which I believe was Ferrucio's plan.