Overview & Reviews

Although it's probably difficult for most people to think of a $200,000 automobile as "affordable," that's the position the Lamborghini Gallardo finds itself in within the Lambo product lineup. But no matter -- sports cars with exotic looks and the performance to match have a built-in ownership audience.

Since its introduction, the mission for this "baby Lamborghini" has been to maintain the style and attitude of Lamborghini's 12-cylinder cars but be more livable in everyday use. It's been a successful strategy, as there's been no shortage of takers who rightly lust after such a usable and alluring sports car. In fact, the Gallardo has become this Italian automaker's best-selling model ever.

It is true that the Gallardo lacks the outrageous spirit and flair so often associated with the company's more expensive or legendary offerings. But the trade-off of a little spirit for a lot of functionality has been a good one, and there's no doubt that the Gallardo is a true, world-class exotic.

Current Lamborghini Gallardo
The exotic Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is currently available in a coupe body style and as a spyder convertible. The name LP560-4 refers to its engine position ("longitudinale posteriore" or longitudinal rear), its European horsepower measurement (560 ps) and that all four wheels are powered. There are also two lightweight versions: the LP 570-4 Superleggera coupe and LP 570-4 Spyder Performante

The Gallardo LP560-4 is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 good for 552 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with gated metal shifter is standard, while an automated six-speed sequential-shift manual transmission known as e-gear is optional. The LP570-4 models benefit from some clever tuning to produce 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The e-gear transmission is standard. Expect 0-60 times in the high 3-second range for the LP560-4 and the low 3-second range for the LP570-4.

In terms of layout and design, the Lamborghini Gallardo is a true exotic. To keep weight down, the chassis is a composite blend of alloy stampings, extrusions and castings. And except for the traditionally opening steel doors (no scissors), the exterior is constructed of thermoplastic-formed panels. To further reduce weight, the Superleggera and Spyder Performante receive carbon-fiber exterior and interior components, polycarbonate rear and side windows and lighter 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the Gallardo's handsome furnishings sublimely marry form with function and offer a surprising level of comfort for a vehicle of this type. Credit is certainly due to the influence of parent company Audi, whose expertise with interior design has been of no small benefit since the Volkswagen Group purchased Lamborghini in the late 1990s. The impact is obvious given the precisely fitting leather and soft-touch materials.

Despite the fact that this is an exotic sports car, seating is comfortable enough to accommodate the occasional road trip. Though not as flamboyant as its extroverted exterior, the interior styling still befits a vehicle in this price range. Storage space is tight, though, with a minimal amount of room available behind the seats and in the nose-mounted trunk.

But once behind the wheel, you'll gladly leave everything behind in exchange for the sweet, sonorous symphony of its V10 at full throttle. With 500-plus horses at your command, the Gallardo is capable of spine-compressing speed in any gear. At wide-open throttle, the lusty V10 plays a veritable mechanical symphony in keeping with the car's Italian heritage. The big V10 and all-wheel-drive system add quite a bit of mass, but in return the AWD system gives Gallardo drivers extra traction when the road ahead is slick and unfamiliar.

Used Lamborghini Gallardo Models
The Lamborghini Gallardo debuted for 2004 in a coupe body style only. Originally, it was powered by a 493-hp version of the 5.0-liter V10. The same transmission options were available, although e-gear was improved over the years for better shift response. For 2006, the lineup expanded to include the spyder convertible with an automatic folding soft top, and a limited-production SE model featuring 520 hp, shortened gear ratios, revised suspension tuning, quickened steering, better tires, a new exhaust, special trim and two-tone color schemes. Other than the colors and trim, all the SE's mechanical improvements were made to the standard Gallardo later that model year. For '07, a change in horsepower measurement technique resulted in a lowering of hp to 512.

Produced only for 2008 was the Gallardo Superleggera. This coupe-only model was modified for even better performance. It featured 522 hp, slightly different suspension settings and an approximate 150-pound-lighter curb weight thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and reduced feature content. It would be a rare used car find.

For 2009, the current Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 arrived along with a number of updates. Compared to those that came before, it lost 45 pounds and gained 40 additional horses as well as quicker e-gear shift times. There was also revised exterior styling, particularly around the rear fascia and taillight area, which softened the Gallardo's angularity a bit. Chassis rigidity was also stiffened. Finally, the Gallardo LP560-4 differs from the previous Gallardo from rear suspension modifications adopted from its Audi R8 platform-mate, which enhanced the Gallardo's already otherworldly cornering capabilities.

There was no Gallardo Spyder for '09, but it was reintroduced for 2010 with the same changes made the previous year for the LP560-4. That year also introduced the 542-hp, rear-drive-only Valentino Balboni special edition (of only 250 examples) in honor of the noted Lamborghini test-driver's retirement. For the 2011 model year, the 570-4 Superleggera coupe and the 570-4 Spyder Performante convertible both debuted.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 27.00

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  just bought it and its great - 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By italiano - May 24 - 10:00 am

  the car is faster then any other car i own, it makes my 550 ferrari seem like a minivan i luv it

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  Spectacular Vehicle! - 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Perform2 - May 13 - 11:20 am

  Beats the Ferrari...Ive owned 2--no question about it. Improved horsepower, AWD and very exotic lines--a real head turner. Frankly, more fun to drive and the e-gear is a must! Design allows to be a daily driver if thats what you want. And last...the sound--there is nothing else like it and youll have to hear it to understand.

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  Not what I had hoped for.... - 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Upset buyer - April 4 - 4:00 am

  The new Gallardo did not in fact drive at my expectations. Lamborghini did not change anything.... The shifter gets stuck sometimes, which gets me very frustrated.

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  Lamborghini Gallardo - 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Patrick08 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is one Lamborghinis finnest cars yet! I, myself am a Lamborghini collector, and love this new sporty Gallardo! It may not be as fast or as expensive as the Murcielago but is still one of the best cars around. You might compare this to a Ferrari 360 or a Porsche 911! It is deffinatley up in the rankings! Trust me... you will not be disapointed with this new Bull!

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  Get one! - 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By stephen peters - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one car that people should think about getting. The smooth ride will blow you away.

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  a true drivers car - 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By edwardchistos - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i have two lamborghinis. a gallardo and a mercielogo. the gallardo does what its bigger brother cant. you cand drive it on the streets and race tracks unlike the mercielogo. truly this is an enthusiasts dream machine with proformance that will make your left foot shake

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  OMG Lamborghini-)) Thank you Italy - 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Zach Gallardo - February 28 - 7:37 pm

  I have owned many cars shelby saleen gt bmw! They do not COMPARE to Lambo. Incredible acceleration pure beast! Fun factor 10+. I have Tubi exhaust it sounds like NASCAR-) Every place you go feel like celebrity & its a Photo shoot!! Worth every penny. No going back im hooked on ITALY

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  OMG Lamborghini-)) Thank you Italy - 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Zach Gallardo - February 28 - 7:37 pm

  I have owned many cars shelby saleen gt bmw! They do not COMPARE to Lambo. Incredible acceleration pure beast! Fun factor 10+. I have Tubi exhaust it sounds like NASCAR-) Every place you go feel like celebrity & its a Photo shoot!! Worth every penny. No going back im hooked on ITALY

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  The Perfect Vehicle - 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Lamborghini Owner - July 15 - 3:36 am

  The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560/4 is the perfect automobile in every way! It runs great, and is significantly quieter than the previous Gallardo. The car also accelerates astoundingally, as the 552 hp powerplant is amazing. All in all, it is the perfect exotic vehicle in every sense!

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  Gallardo Ultimate Practical Exotic - 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Gallardoguy1 - May 2 - 8:03 am

  Have owned every brand of exotic car available. Many are more expensive than Gallardo, but I have never experienced a car that was so much fun to drive and so responsive! Acceleration figures in the press must be off. Gallardo definitely out accelerates anything in its class. Heard all wheel drive gave the car a strange feel. To the contrary, it makes the car more stable and able to handle turns far better. Put approximately 1500 miles on the car in less than a month, including track time, driving to grocery store, to dinner, and anywhere else I find excuse to drive it. First exotic I am comfortable using as every day car! German quality, Italian style - unbeatable combination!