Lamborghini Gallardo

Introduced in 2004, the Gallardo is the new entry-level racer in the Lamborghini lineup, a cheaper (for what that's worth) Murcielago that's also intended to be an all-round road-burner.

Meant to rival the Ferrari F430, the Gallardo has become Lamborghini's top-selling car in just four years on the market, easily outpacing the previous best-seller, the Diablo. The reason may be that the Gallardo gives drivers all the speed and racing action they desire, while throwing in some everyday comfort and practicality, like all-wheel drive, front and side airbags, and stability control.

Specifications

A lighter aluminum body helps offset the extra weight of the all-wheel drive, not compromising at all the mid-mounted 5.0-liter V10 engine. This V10 is new for Lamborghini and was originally rated at 492-hp, until it got a boost to 512 in 2007. It does 0-60 in just over 4 seconds.

The Gallardo is also the first Lamborghini to have 19-inch tires, compared to the Murcielago's 18-inch ones. Unlike the Murcielago, the doors are front-hinged. The Gallardo features more brittle angles, and even the folding side mirrors angle forward. Sitting only 18 inches off the ground, it is low-down and mean. An optional clear cover panel can be placed over the engine to show the beast lurking beneath.

Originally offered as a coupe, the Gallardo expanded in 2006 to a Spyder convertible, with a power-retractable soft top, and in 2007 offered a limited edition Nera coupe, with Alcantara leather seats and a menacing all-black exterior. Facing such a monster head to head, I'd put my money on the fighting bull. With its forward-leaning side mirrors and stern angular front end, the Lamborghini Gallardo is a fighting bull in every sense of the word, poised to unleash its V10 fury on a waiting world. Introduced in 2004, the Gallardo is the new entry-level racer in the Lamborghini lineup, a cheaper (for what that's worth) Murcielago that's also intended to be an all-round road-burner.

Meant to rival the Ferrari F430, the Gallardo has become Lamborghini's top-selling car in just four years on the market, easily outpacing the previous best-seller, the Diablo. The reason may be that the Gallardo gives drivers all the speed and racing action they desire, while throwing in some everyday comfort and practicality, like all-wheel drive, front and side airbags, and stability control. A lighter aluminum body helps offset the extra weight of the all-wheel drive, not compromising at all the mid-mounted 5.0-liter V10 engine. This V10 is new for Lamborghini and was originally rated at 492-hp, until it got a boost to 512 in 2007. It does 0-60 in just over 4 seconds.

The Gallardo is also the first Lamborghini to have 19-inch tires, compared to the Murcielago's 18-inch ones. Unlike the Murcielago, the doors are front-hinged. The Gallardo features more brittle angles, and even the folding side mirrors angle forward. Sitting only 18 inches off the ground, it is low-down and mean. An optional clear cover panel can be placed over the engine to show the beast lurking beneath.

Originally offered as a coupe, the Gallardo expanded in 2006 to a Spyder convertible, with a power-retractable soft top, and in 2007 offered a limited edition Nera coupe, with Alcantara leather seats and a menacing all-black exterior. Facing such a monster head to head, I'd put my money on the fighting bull.

Brakes & Tires

Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Driveline: All Wheel Drive
Tires F-R: 235/35 ZR19 - 295/30 ZR19

Engine

Displacement cu in (cc): 303 (4961)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 520(362) / 8000
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 376(510) / 4250
Type: V10

Exterior Dimensions & Weight

Length × Width × Height in: 167.7 × 74.1 × 45.4
Weight lb (kg): 3153 (1430)

Performance

Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 4.0
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): 9/15 (17.0)
Top Speed mph (km/h): 196 (315)