Italian police have been getting behind the wheel of specially adapted Lamborghini supercars to transport life-saving organs to patients across the country.
The luxury carmaker gifted two Huracan models to the country's police force for use in emergencies.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police Highway Patrol, Matteo Salvarani, says that while the car is worth $250,000, for them it's priceless.
"The car is equipped with a special compartment for a medical fridge that allows us to transport organs, blood and urgent pharmaceuticals to patients across the country," he said.
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It's one of two Lamborghinis used as part of a joint venture that started in 2004. One is based in the capital and another in the country's north.
"Every time a new model is released, Lamborghini substitutes the car for a new one. Officers must take part in a special driving course." explains Salvarani.
Since the collaboration began, the specially adapted police Lamborghinis have taken part in more than 200 missions.
A Lamborghini Huracán police car that's used by Italian police to transport life-saving organs to patients across the country./CGTN Europe/
Among the most recent was the delivery of two kidneys to donor patients hundreds of kilometers apart, from Padova to Rome, just before Christmas.
State Police Inspector Danilo Pennacchia says it's a task that fills him with pride.
"I feel emotional because it is a privilege and an honor to be a part of the Lamborghini group… and there are only 10 of us who can drive the car.”
Assistant Chief Coordinator of Police Highway Patrol Giuseppina Nardecchia is the only female officer in that select group.
"You need a lot of concentration, and it is a big responsibility because it is a car that represents the state police force, so we must pay attention. It is a great privilege."
The Huracan has a top speed of 325 kilometers per hour and the capacity to reach 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.2 seconds. It's a speed that can make a lifesaving difference.
Massimo Cardillo is the Director of the National Transplant Center and says it's often a race against time to ensure a transplant is a success.
"This is a fundamental collaboration, because a high-performance vehicle guarantees us the fastest possible transportation to work with ischemic time periods, especially when the donor and the recipient are located at a great geographical distance."
The icon of Italian speed and style is set to continue its sprint around the country to save lives, with an increasing number of organ transplants carried out in Italy each year.
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