The Lamborghini Gallardo, an icon of the 2000s, gets a new lease on life at the hands of Tedson Motors. The Croatian company, known for its Porsche 911 restomods, presents the Etna, a modern and exclusive reimagining of the classic Italian sports car. Does this bold transformation justify the high price?
The Gallardo Legacy and Tedson’s Vision
The Gallardo, produced between 2003 and 2013, was a sales success for Lamborghini, with over 14,000 units. Despite being overshadowed by the Huracán, its timeless charm and V10 engine continue to attract enthusiasts. Tedson Motors, led by Goran Turkić, saw the Gallardo as having the potential for a restomod that combined classic looks with modern technology. The company had already demonstrated its ability with the Daydream, a reworked Porsche 964 with a 540 hp hybrid engine.
Turkić, a former physics student who built his own 1975 Porsche 911, applied his passion and knowledge to the Etna project. The idea is to preserve the essence of the original Gallardo, while modernizing it with high-performance components and an improved design. The Etna is not just a restoration, but a reinterpretation of the classic, with a focus on performance and exclusivity.
Technical Details and Design of the Etna
The Etna stands out for its attention to detail and significant modifications compared to the original Gallardo. The body is entirely constructed of carbon fiber, replacing the original sheet metal and resulting in a weight reduction of 450 pounds. This lightness, combined with a titanium exhaust, contributes to an even more exciting performance. The car is also wider and receives aerodynamic updates, maintaining a subtle and elegant aesthetic.
Under the hood, the 5.0-liter V10 engine is reworked to deliver 592 horsepower. Tedson offers the option of converting the transmission to a six-speed manual, a preference for many enthusiasts seeking a more engaging driving experience. The factory suspension is enhanced with components from Super Trofeo cars, and the brakes are also updated to ensure precise and safe braking.
Driving Experience and Classic Details
Despite the modernizations, the Etna preserves some elements that define the character of the original Gallardo. The power steering and the uniform firing order of the V10, preferred by some Lamborghini purists, are maintained. This combination of classic and modern elements creates a unique driving experience that balances the charm of the past with the performance of the present.
Tedson promises that each Etna will take about a year to build, with only 77 units planned. Customers will have the opportunity to customize their cars with various options, ensuring that each Etna is truly unique. However, this exclusivity comes at a price: almost US$800,000.
The Price of Exclusivity and the Future of Restomod
The price of the Tedson Etna raises the question: is it worth investing that amount in a modernized Gallardo? The Porsche 911 restomod market is saturated, and Tedson seems to be seeking a new market niche with the Etna. The combination of elegant design, enhanced performance and exclusivity may attract collectors and enthusiasts who seek something unique and special.
The Etna represents a new approach in the world of restomods, expanding the possibilities beyond classic Porsches. Tedson Motors bets on nostalgia and the desire for cars with character and personality, offering an alternative to modern and impersonal Supercars. It remains to be seen whether the market will respond positively to this bold proposal.
