Skip to main content

A twin turbo Lamborghini Superleggera takes on the Bugatti Veyron in a half-mile drag race

We’re usually drawn to supercars because they offer the power and performance that our run of the mill rides can’t match, but for some, even that isn’t enough. Take this Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, for example. The owner thought the 562 horsepower coming out of the 5.2-liter V10 wasn’t cutting it, so a stage 3 tuning by Underground Racing, including a twin turbo system, brings things up to a staggering 1,250 horsepower.

What do you do when you’ve got that much horsepower on tap? You drag race a Bugatti Veyron, naturally.

The Bugatti’s 8.0-liter W16 engine outfitted with four turbochargers has an output of 1,001 horsepower. Top speed? 253 mph. It also has a 0 to 60 time of under 2.5 seconds whereas the Superleggera does it in… well, we imagine it has to be pretty fast, too.

Underground Racing Lamborghini Superleggera
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Put side to side, the tuned Lambo sees how it fares against the Bugatti in a half mile sprint from a rolling start.

You’ll see that the Bugatti is in front until the turbos on the Superleggera get up to speed, when it then pulls ahead of the Veyron by a few car lengths at the end.

So the Lamborghini, with its smaller displacement, fewer cylinders, and half the turbos neatly stepped over the renowned Veyron. Does this mean Bugatti needs to go back to the drawing board? Probably not.

Bugatti Veyron
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Credit where it’s due, the guys who tuned up the Superleggera made it awe-inspiringly quick. Let’s not forget, though, that the Superleggera is more for track day fun and not record breaking top speed. Bugatti designed the Veyron to not only be capable of reaching its phenomenal top speed, but to do so without melting or exploding immediately after. Also, we don’t know what’s been done to the tires and brakes of the Lamborghini, but we’re sure that the Veyron is easier to stop at high speeds just as its probably easier to control on the climb up.

Still, having a Lambo in the garage that can school a Veyron would be a pretty big chip on our shoulder.

Alexander Kalogianni
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more