This is the first installment in a series of reports on how the automotive industry organizes launches for new cars.
When a new model comes out, most manufacturers decide to rent a hotel or venue for 2 to 3 weeks, and invite groups of journalists from around the world for a couple of days each. Obviously they tend to choose sunny and picturesque places, and there is an unspoken competition to out-do each other with the most lavish and original program.

For the launch of their new Gallardo LP 560/4, Lamborghini chose Las Vegas, and put us up in THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. Spectacular view from the bar:

The new taillights are the most noticeable design change from the previous generation Gallardo, and a great improvement I think:

Lamborghini erected a minimalist tent in a car park, in which they hosted a dinner on a specially-designed table with a catwalk running through the middle. Rather unusual for a car event. First the CEO, Stefan Winkelmann, gave us a speech, his shiny brogues only inches from our entrées:

Then we had interludes between each course, with risqué fashion shows, ninja-clad acrobats somersaulting, showgirls dancing lasciviously, and an opera singer to top it off. Lamborghini does clothes, but we only had a few seconds to look at the coats before they came off:

The morning after we all flew in a fleet of 7 Lambo-stickered helicopters to the Las Vegas Speedway:

Where we drove around the track:

I then borrowed Mr. Winkelmann’s matt black car for the rest of the day. I have been a huge fan of matt black and primer grey cars for years now, and to my knowledge this is the first time a car manufacturer offers a fully matt paint as a factory color. Simply amazing, especially on such a stealthy-looking car:

Look for a full report in the next issue of Intersection.

Then, on my final evening, I hooked up with the Las Vegas fixed gear crew and we rode the strip.. Who would have thought kids would start cycling in such a city - I guess that’s the positive side of this whole trend.