Extraordinary places bring together extraordinary events. The Bonneville Salt Flats was a lake that covered one-third of the state of Utah some 15,000 years ago. Now it is a vast plain against the backdrop of mountains that spans 30,000 acres, covered with a snow-white, hard-packed crust of salt. It is a setting best described as an alien world that has seen many land speed records set by the likes of Sir Malcolm Campbell, Craig Breedlove and Gary Gabelich’s rocket car, the “Blue Flame.”

Today, with the wind gusts almost finishing their yearly task of drying the lake bed after the winter rainfalls, the Bonneville Salt Flats again plays the role of another unusual meeting point. After months of searching and waiting, R&T Design Director Richard M. Baron, photographer John Lamm, racing legend and Contributing Editor Phil Hill and I are finally here tiptoeing around on the salty earth for a sunset photo shoot. Standing just a few feet away is a brand-new, sparkling red Ferrari Enzo that appears almost as alien as the salt flats itself. Needless to say, we are looking forward to our drive in the incredible Enzo in the next few days. And all this is made possible by a generous owner, Richard Losee.

While it may appear that we gathered at Bonneville strictly for photography, really it is Phil Hill who provides the link between this hallowed ground for speed records and the newest prancing horse supercar. Phil set a record of 254.91 mph for MG in 1959 at this very location, and won the Formula 1 World Championship for Scuderia Ferrari in 1961. So it is fitting that I begin my excellent long-distance adventure in the passenger seat of the Enzo, with Phil at the helm, leaving the salt flats as the sun dips below the horizon.

For 2009, Lamborghini today took the wraps off a more potent version of its Gallardo coupe, called the LP560-4. The car delivers 560 horsepower at 8,000 rpm via a 5.2-liter V10 engine. The car is capable of hitting 62 mph in an amazing 3.7 seconds. The sprint to twice that speed — 124 mph — takes just 11.8 seconds.

The 560 portion of the car’s name reflects its horsepower, while the “4″ designation indicates all-wheel-drive. The “4″ was likely added to the name in anticipation of the forthcoming rear-wheel-drive variant, which will likely end in “2.”

The engine not only gains power and displacement, it also features a new “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” direct injection system. Despite its clearly increased output, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent.

The enlarged and clearly redesigned cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine. The front spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.

The redesigned four-wheel-drive system, an improved suspension design, and optimized aerodynamics all contribute an improved driving experience. A weight reduction of 44 lbs and decreased friction between the components also enhance performance.

The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not yet obligatory European pedestrian safety regulations, without compromising the look of the car.

The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned for the LP560. Gear change time reduced by 40 percent, and the driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs. The most performance-oriented “CORSA” setting not only affects shift speed — it also directs the engine for maximum acceleration. The ‘Thrust Mode’ ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are optimized.

An optional carbon-ceramic-disc braking system makes use of eight-piston Brembo calipers up front, and four-piston calipers at he rear. Rotor size is 14.4 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear.

Bi-Xenon headlights provide plenty of illumination at night, while LED daytime running lights give the car a more aggressive and high-tech look.