Italian state police use Lamborghini

The Italian version of the highway patrol has been recently armed by Lamborghini with the world's fastest police car, the New York Times reports. The automaker presented the latest version of its Gallardo LP560-4 sports car, all tricked out in law enforcement trim, to the Italian state police. This version of the 2009 Gallardo produces 560 horsepower and has a top speed of 203 mph. And what about gadgets and gizmos? The Gallardo has been outfitted with a video surveillance camera, gun racks, GPS, organ transplant cooler (in the luggage compartment) and a defibrillator.

Look for Locals

This section's ongoing feature, "Locals in Motion," showcases two shops this weekend that are dedicated to helping collector-car enthusiasts. Look in tomorrow's (Saturday) section for a feature on Premier Upholstery, which specializes in creating rehabbed interiors for vintage cars. Sunday, read about Theis Repair, which works collaboratively with local hot rod-types who prefer to get their hands dirty while working alongside a mechanic instead of just turning over a restorattion project. If you have an idea for a "Locals in Motion" story, send a note to Angelo Gentile, Cars section editor, at angelo.gentile@startribune.com.

A V-8 for Acura

Honda's upmarket Acura division will offer a V-8 engine within 18 months, Honda recently confirmed. Automotive News reports that a new, large luxury sedan, due out in 2011 or 2012, may be fitted with a V-8. However, the 18-month time frame suggests that the engine may be available as an option on the redesigned RL, which is due in 2010. The current RL boasts a potent 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-8 engine.