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 21 through 27 of 27.00

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  Ridiculously Awesome!!! - 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By mjeagent - July 16 - 11:14 am

  Ive had many, many, many cars. From R8s to M3s to 911s to XKRs. I couldnt imagine what i was in for when I test drove this car. There was no chance I couldnt buy it. The looks. What more can I say. It is a piece of art that you get to drive. The looks you get are priceless. It is definitely an attention getter - which isnt great sometimes. With Audi designing the interior of the car it is finally up to 2012 technological standards. Great audio system. Great shift and accelerator response. Fun to drive. Permanent smile for the rest of the day if you get a drive in with the top down.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Bonvillain - September 21 - 1:20 pm

  The 2008 is the last year of the original Gallardo, several deficiencies from earlier years were addressed and overall it is the greatest car I have ever owned. The e-gear is great (although not quite as good as the 09 560-4 that i recently drove) and I was always a 6-speed guy. Only real issue I have is all the attention it draws....but its a Lamborghini, so I suppose it comes with the territory. I am surprised by the one negative review, cause ultimately calling a 200k car a good deal seems flawed from the start...gas mileage stinks, they are largely impractical and wicked extreme in nearly every way...but its a Lamborghini!!! and its wonderful.

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  Value for money - 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Mr. Q - August 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for great value for money then look no further. The surefootedness of AWD coupled with side & head airbags makes this a safe year-round supercar. Not quite as refined as a Porsche Turbo or on par with the superb handling, sound, excitement and outright dazzling performance of the 360 CS, this still is a quite capable machine for all four seasons.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By riccardo - April 10 - 6:03 am

  This car is great. Ive owned this for 2 weeks and am extremly satisfied with this car. The handling is great, the power is awesome, this car is flaw less. I highly recommend that this be a car of your choice.

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  My car of my dreams - 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By alex allan - August 26 - 2:46 am

  When driving this car there is not another thing you can think about apart from pure driving pleasure. If you have got the money to afford a car like this there is not anything to compare it with. If you want a pure sports car with pure power, this is the one you are looking for. The lamborghini gallardo is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

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  Italian bull - 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By Nera 78 - July 6 - 7:30 am

  I bought the Nera Gallardo. Changed exhaust but now its too loud for any phone conversation inside! Goes over 150mph effortlessly. Brakes are amazing at high speeds but too hard at low speed. Ride is not harsh even for long drives. Not an everyday drive as one gets tired of all the attention and everyone from sports motorcycles to trucks want to race it. Gets around 12- 14 mpg (who cares). Corvette may be cheaper and numbers may be superior but how many of those do you see in a day?

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  Supercar - 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
  By recon40 - January 20 - 7:13 am

  My car had 6800 miles on it when I took delivery. It was a one-owner car. Ive yet to put a thousand miles on it but I already know what I like and dislike. Hitting bumps and even road seams is like being inside a drum, and it feels like there are no springs or shocks whatsoever. Also, in slow, tight turns such as in parking or turning into and out of my garage or driveway, the car makes a grinding noise and actually shudders. It feels horrible --like the transmission is going to fall out, yet everyone -- dealers and other owners -- say that all Gallardos do that. Its hard to believe a car of this quality can have such a worrisome, annoying characteristic.