It used to mean something to own a Ferrari or Lamborghini. They were cars for special occasions. Just to see one on the street was a talking point. Now they're everyday, usable machines that prowl certain bonus-riding, city-boy-ridden quarters of our country like rats. An F430 or Gallardo doesn't stand out any more. In the wealth centers of the world, a rusting Miata would grab more gazes. That's why Hamann Motorsport stepped in to give both cars some added plumage and flash, to reinstate the impact that's been lost to the mass market.
The Black Miracle F430 and Gallardo Victory widebody are hardly subtle. They sound more like the headline act in a local wrestling show and might offend more delicate sensibilities, but that's kind of the point. They also have the walk to back up the talk; both could crack 200 mph ... downhill, with a tailwind.
Hamann Gallardo Victory Widebody
LayoutLongitudinal mid-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine5.0-liter V10, dohc, 40-valve, Hamann stainless steel catalytic converter, 3.5-inch sport mufflers
BrakesSport brake systemEight-piston calipers, 15-inch rotors (f), Six-piston calipers, 14-inch rotors (r)
Wheels and TiresHamann Race Edition, 9.5x20 (f), 11.5x20 (r), Hankook S1 Evo235/30 (f), 325/25 (r)
ExteriorHamann lip spoiler, side skirts, roof scoop, four-piece rear wing, and diffuser
InteriorCarbon-fiber inserts, drilled pedal covers, kickplates, and carpets
PerformancePeak Power: 570 hp @ 7800 rpmPeak Torque: 410 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm0-60mph: 3.9 sec.Top speed: 199 mph
Hamann F430 Black Miracle
LayoutLongitudinal mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine4.3-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve, Hamann ECU remap, stainless steel sport exhaust
Wheels and TiresHamann Race Edition, 8.5x20 (f), 12.75x20 (r)Hankook S1 Evo, 235/30 (f), 325/25 (r)
ExteriorLip spoiler, side skirts, matte finish, foil covering
InteriorHamann carpets, pedal covers, kickplates
PerformancePeak Power: 540 hp @ 8500 rpmPeak Torque: 370 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm0-60 mph: 3.9 sec.Top Speed: 199 mph
Lamborghini Victory WidebodyThe original Gallardo is perfectly understated, a clean collection of angles that collude to a near-Germanic supercar. Worried that Audi had diluted the true Italian nature of Lamborghini legends like the Countach and Diablo after taking over in 1998, Hamann worked on its own homage to these heroes who went before.
If the additional parts were color-coded, this widebody creation would look melt-in-the-mouth gorgeous. But they aren't, so we must settle for sledgehammer-in-the-face instead. The wider front wheel wells are vented, a roof scoop leads to nowhere and an angular front splitter helps add menace to the front end. Then there's that racing rear spoiler with flip-up endplates and a huge rear diffuser, which could potentially bring a marginal improvement in downforce-but it would be a struggle to perceive that.
The brake upgrade is the only serious modification, offering bigger steel rotors that are infinitely preferable to the woeful and more expensive Lamborghini ceramics. These have more feel, stop the car just as well and don't give the sensation of being about to crash into the truck in front before standing the whole machine on its nose in an embarrassing display of on-off braking with nothing in between.
The scissor doors-so much the company's signature that they're sold on the open market as Lambo-style-are the crowning glory. The baby Lambo looked wrong, sold short by doors that merely open sideways with a bog-standard grab handle. We expect more from Sant'Agata, and thanks to Laupheim, Germany, we have it. Some might argue that Hamann has gone too far inside. With the orange carbon-fiber inserts, sunglasses are now essential safety equipment, but at least it isn't boring any more.