Not only do they wear the smartest uniforms of all police forces but a few lucky officers in Italy's State Police will also drive the coolest police car. That's thanks to Lamborghini, the Italian supercar maker donating a new
Gallardo LP560-4 to the Italian State Police to replace its previous Gallardo. It's one of two Gallardos the Italian police run, the new LP560-5 replacing a standard Gallardo that has covered 87,000 miles during almost four years in service.
The Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia provides an even greater deterrent to would-be offenders on Italy's roads thanks to even more power and a greater top speed than the regular Gallardo. With 552bhp under the highly polished right boot of the lucky policeman with the keys to the LP560-4 there's not much that will be able to outrun the 203mph supercar.
Like its predecessor, the Gallardo LP560-4 features the latest high technology police equipment. The cabin features a high-tech video recording system with real time retrieval, which combined with GPS data allows highly accurate recording of direction movement and speed.
With its ability to reach accidents first the Gallardo LP560-4 also features some crucial life saving equipment like a heart defibrillator and first aid equipment. In addition, the front luggage compartment features a specialised refrigeration system for the safe and rapid transportation of donor organs.
Inside, alongside the video screens and radios there's a classic array of police equipment including a gun holster and a 'Paletta' - the traditional hand-held stop sign used by the Italian police. Naturally, the exterior gets a police makeover too, with four sirens, flashing LED blue lights in the front and rear grilles as well as an aerodynamically optimised roof light.
Thirty police officers are permitted to drive the Lamborghini Gallardo Polizia, each having completed special training for use of the medical equipment as well as driver training with Lamborghini's test drivers. Its patrol beat will largely be based around the motorway between Salerno and Reggio Calabria in central and southern Italy. You've been warned…
Kyle Fortune - 24 Oct 2008