Lamborghini Gallardo
Encyclopedia
The Lamborghini Gallardo (icon; ɡaʎˈʎardo) is a sports car
built by Lamborghini
. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production. The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull.
The Gallardo offers two choices of transmissions, a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission
, and an advanced six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic
robotized manual
, which Lamborghini abbreviates to "E-gear". The "E-gear" allows the driver to make shifts much faster than a manual transmission would. The driver shifts up and down via paddles behind the steering wheel, but can also change into automatic mode.
For the MY2006 (launched in late 2005) Lamborghini introduced many changes to the car to counter some criticisms garnered from the press and owners. These were derived from the limited edition Gallardo SE. The exhaust system was changed to a more sporty one (including a flap to make it quieter around town), the suspension was revised and a new steering rack was fitted, the engine power was increased by 20 bhp to a maximum of 512 bhp, the biggest change was an overall lowering of the gearing especially in 1st to 5th. The result was a much improved car; it handled and turned better, sounded better under full throttle and the extra power and lower gearing turned an already fast car into a seriously quick one.
The Audi R8 sports car, launched in early 2007, is based on the Gallardo platform
, and uses a 4.2 litre V8 in place of the Gallardo's V10 to avoid competing directly with the Gallardo. In December 2008, Audi unveiled a V10 Audi R8, with a detuned version of the Gallardo's engine, placed between the R8 V8 and the Gallardo.
For the 2008 model year, features added to the Gallardo included an onboard computer, iPod
connectivity with USB, heated mirrors, Q-citura stitching that originally could only be found on the Nera model, and a beige soft-top on the Spyder.
, Head of Lamborghini Design.
The car was unveiled in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show.
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Gallardo SE (Special Edition) is a limited (250 unit) version introduced in late 2005. The SE is distinguished from the regular Gallardo externally by having a black-roofed two-tone color scheme as well as specially-designed "Callisto" rims shod with Pirelli
tires. Note that the Gallardo SE could only be ordered in a very small selection of exterior colors: two grey shades as well as white (Balloon white), yellow (Giallo Midas), Orange (Arancio Borealis) and green (Verde Ithaca)
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The Gallardo SE comes with a two-tone interior. All piping and stitching on the ultra-quality leather are executed in the same color as the bodywork of the car. The mid sections of the seats are finished in color-coded upholstery and even the black floormats have a color coded borders.
A rear-view camera is also standard issue on the Gallardo SE, as is a multimedia system and a navigation system. The sport suspension and an exclusive cover also came with the car but there are still several other options available, like the E-gear, which featured a 'thrust' mode to offer even more impressive acceleration by improving the gearchange through the different gears.
This "thrust" mode automatically revs the car to 5,000 rpm, drops the clutch
engaging all four wheels in a controlled burnout
, and ensures the car performs maximum acceleration. This "launch" only requires the driver to engage the "thrust" mode and step on the gas pedal, similar to the launch technology in the BMW M3, Ferrari 360 F1 and F430, as well as pre-2008 Formula 1 cars.
Gallardo Nera (Special Edition) is a limited (185 unit) version of contemporary Gallardo coupe introduced at the Paris Motor Show
. The car was designed to showcase the customization options available to the customer in the Ad Personam program.
The Nera features special matte black body panels, and is only available in black—actually a combination of Nero Serapis and Nero Noctis. Brake calipers are painted a special silver, and the taillights are smoked to match the darker paint scheme. The interior is stitched from high-contrast black and white leather
in the Q-Citura (lozenge shaped) fashion. The glass engine cover remained an option, even on the Nera.
Among the produced Gallardo Nera, 60 were destined for the American market and 91 were sold in Europe.
The production spyder
model of the Gallardo was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is considered by the company to be an entirely new model, with 520 PS and a lower-ratio six-speed manual transmission
. The soft top is fully retractable
.
Aerosmith
drummer
Joey Kramer
was the first person in North America to take delivery of the Gallardo Spyder.
Top Gear
presenter Jeremy Clarkson
announced on 18 February 2007 that he had bought a Gallardo Spyder, replacing his Ford GT
.
' Championship in the GT300 class, the lower of the two classes in the series.
The FIA GT3 car was built with help from German motorsport specialists Reiter Engineering, who previously made the Murcielago GT1 and the Diablo GTR Super Trophy racers. All the extra aerodynamics were bolt-on parts, conforming with cost-effective regulations that meant the finished car had to closely resemble its road-going counterpart. Brembo racing brakes and OZ Racing wheels were also added. It remained All-Wheel-Drive. It produced 512 bhp @ 7800rpm and 376.2 lb.ft of Torque @ 4500 rpm, barely more than the road car, and only as a result of adding an unsilenced racing exhaust system and better cooling.
The SUPER GT car had to conform to rather different regulations. It could produce no more than 300PS (295 bhp/224 kW) and must be Rear-Wheel-Drive. The power is limited by air restrictors placed in the engine bay. The gearbox is a sequential 6-Speed twin-clutch setup. The rules regarding aerodynamics are far looser than those in FIA GT, meaning the SUPER GT car has more advanced aero, including a much bigger rear wing. It took a while to be competitive, only being consistently at the top this 2009 season.
LP560-4 Super Trofeo (2009-)
Lamborghini introduced what it calls the 'Fastest one-make series in the world', featuring a 570 bhp, All-Wheel-Drive race-prepared version of the newer Gallardo LP560-4. The series supported European race series such as Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), FIA GT Series and the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), featuring 18 races overall and having a 30-car grid consisting of privateer teams as well as Lamborghini dealer teams and one factory team featuring guest drivers.
The engine's improved intake, exhaust and ECU added 10 PS for a total of 530 PS. The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a US$ 10,000 option, now comes as a standard. A 6-speed manual gearbox was still offered as a no cost option.
The Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by 100 kg (220.5 lb) (70 kg (154.3 lb) in US model) from 1430 kg (3,152.6 lb) via the use of carbon fibre panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, engine cover; titanium wheel nuts, carbon fibre sports seats with Alcantara.
Colour choices include Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Auto Show.
The full price for a Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $260,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007.
In March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera. During its production life, 172 were produced, with 10 in white, 34 in grey, 37 in black, 45 in yellow, 46 in orange and 1 was custom painted in pink.
It is powered by a new 5.2L V10 with direct injection
, with improved power and torque. Unlike the precedent engine, this engine no longer has split crankpins, so it is not even firing, but Lamborghini says that due to the stiffer crankshaft
it has less vibrations than the previous engine.
Transmission choices include six-speed manual or a six-speed E-gear, with E-gear revised to change gears by a rotational selector instead of a fore/aft movement, which offers 40% quicker shifts. E-gear also added Corsa setting and Thrust Mode launch control system.
The car was also 20 kg (44.1 lb) lighter than 2008 base Gallardo. Other changes include a new front bumper influenced by the Murcielago and exterior lights influenced by the Lamborghini Reventón
.
Gallardo LP 560-4 has base price of US$205,000, but can go over $220,000 with e-gear, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon interior package, navigation and other options. Other factory options are available with Ad Personam program. The British version has MSRP of £147,330.00 ($235,730 USD), including NavTrak vehicle tracking system and delivery package.
The vehicle was unveiled at 2008 Geneva Auto Show.
In an episode of Top Gear, the LP 560-4 managed a lap of 1:19.5, faster than the Ferrari F430
Scuderia.
The first production LP560-4 was built with help of an Automobile Magazine
journalist.
The first US car was sold in 16th Annual Race to Erase MS charity auction for $270,000 to former True Religion Jeans co-founder/co-creator Kymberly Gold and music producer Victor Newman.
The convertible roof comes in 4 colors.
The Super Trofeo race car is based on the Gallardo LP 560-4 sports car, but with a reworked chassis and a direct injection V10 engine rated 570 PS with higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, variable valve timing. The car has dry weight of 1300 kg (2,866 lb). E-gear transmission is standard.
The Super Trofeo car and parts package cost €200,000 (US$284,300) plus tax, available via Lamborghini dealerships, with support and parts sales trackside.
The car set the fastest lap time at the Vallelunga Circuit, with Giorgio Sanna as driver.
. The engine was rated at 550 PS. The vehicle has dry weight of 1380 kg (3,042.4 lb). Unlike the contemporary line-up, this model is rear wheel drive (because the standard all-wheel drive system was removed). It is the first Gallardo ever to use 2 wheel drive.
The CORSA ESP setting allows greater drift angles over regular models.
Other features include re-calibrated optional e-gear transmission, redeveloped 45% limited slip differential, full leather black upholstery with white colour strips, Polar white centre console, a stripe down the centre of the car, and a badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.
The Lamborghini LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni can reach a top speed of 199 mph and reach 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The vehicle has MSRP of €162,000 (Europe), £137,900 (UK), $219,800 (US).
In 2009, the car was voted Top Gears car of the year; Richard Hammond deadpanned: "We were impressed with its stripe, its V10 engine, its rear wheel drive, the savagery of its exhaust, and its stripe."
The 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 562 horsepower, and can travel from zero to 100 kilometre per hour in 3.4 seconds, up to a 202 mi/h top speed. It is also faster than the Ferrari 458 Italia.
Using the same 562 horsepower 5.2-litre V10 from the LP 570-4 Superleggera, the Spyder goes from zero to 100 kilometre per hour in only 3.9 seconds.
to replace the Murcielago
, rumours of replacing the Gallardo is high on the agenda. Lamborghini announced that the Gallardo would be replaced with a car named the Cabrera which may pack a V10 packing a possible 592 bhp. The Cabrera will also feature Carbon Fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts that will help to reduce the car’s total weight. Four-Wheel drive is also being considered. The clarified name would be 'Cabrera LP600-4'.
police
in honour of the force's 152nd anniversary, one came from Automobili Lamborghini SpA while a second was donated by an independent organization.
The Gallardo Police Cars are used by the traffic police (Polizia Stradale
) during emergencies and alarm situations on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway, also under the powers of the special safety operative which is already being employed along that tract of highway and, above all, for the transport of body organs destined for transplantation.
In October 2008, a private ceremony was held at the Viminale Palace where Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated the newest Gallardo, the LP560-4, to the head of the Italian State Police, Prefect Antonio Manganelli. The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia will replace its predecessor to fulfill roles with the Lazio Highway Police Department.
Yellow L140 Gallardos have been "temporary" police cars for the Metropolitan Police
in London
, England
, one in 2005 and one in 2006, for specific publicity events. The 2006 vehicle was seen at the start of the 2006 Gumball Rally
. Both vehicles were lent by Lamborghini London and were fitted with yellow and blue battenburg markings
, police logos and a small blue lightbar.
Image:Lamborghini Polizia.JPG|Italian State Police
Gallardo.
Image:Lamborghini Gallardo British police 1.JPG|London's Metropolitan Police
Gallardo.
File:Auto patrulla Lamborghini de la Policía Nacional de Panamá (2011).jpg|National Police of Panamá.
GT Series, driven by Dan Pastorini and Chip Herr.
The Super Trofeo car was also used in the 18-race Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make racing series, with Swiss watch maker Blancpain
as sponsor.
Reiter Engineering
supported the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Strata of White Hot Motor Sport who won the 2009-2010 Australian Targa Championship, including the famous closed public road rally Targa Tasmania
, with driver Jason White and co-driver John White. White Hot Motorsport have previously won Targa Tasmania with an N1 version of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II, before upgrading to various specifications of the Lamborghini Gallardo.
West Racing campaigned an LP560 GT in the GT class of the American Le Mans Series
for certain races of the 2011 season. However, as of July, 2011, the team announced that they were developing a new car and by implication would no longer race the LP560.
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
built by Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production. The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull.
The Gallardo offers two choices of transmissions, a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
, and an advanced six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic
Semi-automatic transmission
A semi-automatic transmission is an automobile transmission that does not change gears automatically, but rather facilitates manual gear changes by dispensing with the need to press...
robotized manual
Electrohydraulic manual transmission
Electrohydraulic manual transmission is a type of semi-automatic transmission system, which uses an automated clutch unlike conventional manual transmissions where the driver operates the clutch. The clutch is controlled by electronic computers and hydraulics...
, which Lamborghini abbreviates to "E-gear". The "E-gear" allows the driver to make shifts much faster than a manual transmission would. The driver shifts up and down via paddles behind the steering wheel, but can also change into automatic mode.
For the MY2006 (launched in late 2005) Lamborghini introduced many changes to the car to counter some criticisms garnered from the press and owners. These were derived from the limited edition Gallardo SE. The exhaust system was changed to a more sporty one (including a flap to make it quieter around town), the suspension was revised and a new steering rack was fitted, the engine power was increased by 20 bhp to a maximum of 512 bhp, the biggest change was an overall lowering of the gearing especially in 1st to 5th. The result was a much improved car; it handled and turned better, sounded better under full throttle and the extra power and lower gearing turned an already fast car into a seriously quick one.
The Audi R8 sports car, launched in early 2007, is based on the Gallardo platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
, and uses a 4.2 litre V8 in place of the Gallardo's V10 to avoid competing directly with the Gallardo. In December 2008, Audi unveiled a V10 Audi R8, with a detuned version of the Gallardo's engine, placed between the R8 V8 and the Gallardo.
For the 2008 model year, features added to the Gallardo included an onboard computer, iPod
IPod
iPod is a line of portable media players created and marketed by Apple Inc. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the compact iPod Nano, and the ultra-compact iPod Shuffle...
connectivity with USB, heated mirrors, Q-citura stitching that originally could only be found on the Nera model, and a beige soft-top on the Spyder.
Lamborghini Concept S (2005)
This is a concept vehicle based on the contemporary Gallardo, but without a roof. The car was designed by Luc DonckerwolkeLuc Donckerwolke
Luc Donckerwolke, is a Belgian car designer now Design Director of Volkswagen since 22 July 2011.-Background:...
, Head of Lamborghini Design.
The car was unveiled in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show.
SE (2005)
Pirelli
Pirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
tires. Note that the Gallardo SE could only be ordered in a very small selection of exterior colors: two grey shades as well as white (Balloon white), yellow (Giallo Midas), Orange (Arancio Borealis) and green (Verde Ithaca)
A rear-view camera is also standard issue on the Gallardo SE, as is a multimedia system and a navigation system. The sport suspension and an exclusive cover also came with the car but there are still several other options available, like the E-gear, which featured a 'thrust' mode to offer even more impressive acceleration by improving the gearchange through the different gears.
This "thrust" mode automatically revs the car to 5,000 rpm, drops the clutch
Clutch
A clutch is a mechanical device which provides for the transmission of power from one component to another...
engaging all four wheels in a controlled burnout
Burnout
Burnout or burn-out may refer to:*Burnout , a psychological term for a syndrome characterized by long-term exhaustion and diminished interest, especially in one's career*Burnout , when a vehicle's tires are spun so they smoke...
, and ensures the car performs maximum acceleration. This "launch" only requires the driver to engage the "thrust" mode and step on the gas pedal, similar to the launch technology in the BMW M3, Ferrari 360 F1 and F430, as well as pre-2008 Formula 1 cars.
Nera (2007)
Mondial de l'Automobile 2006
The 2006 Paris Motor Show took place from September 30 to October 15, 2006, in Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.- Introductions :* Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione* Audi A3 1.8 TFSI* Audi A4 2.8 FSI* Audi R8...
. The car was designed to showcase the customization options available to the customer in the Ad Personam program.
The Nera features special matte black body panels, and is only available in black—actually a combination of Nero Serapis and Nero Noctis. Brake calipers are painted a special silver, and the taillights are smoked to match the darker paint scheme. The interior is stitched from high-contrast black and white leather
Leather
Leather is a durable and flexible material created via the tanning of putrescible animal rawhide and skin, primarily cattlehide. It can be produced through different manufacturing processes, ranging from cottage industry to heavy industry.-Forms:...
in the Q-Citura (lozenge shaped) fashion. The glass engine cover remained an option, even on the Nera.
Among the produced Gallardo Nera, 60 were destined for the American market and 91 were sold in Europe.
Gallardo Spyder (2006-2008)
Roadster
A roadster is a two-seat open car with emphasis on sporty handling and without a fixed roof or side weather protection. Strictly speaking a roadster with wind-up windows is a convertible but as true roadsters are no longer made the distinction is now irrelevant...
model of the Gallardo was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is considered by the company to be an entirely new model, with 520 PS and a lower-ratio six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
. The soft top is fully retractable
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
.
Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Joey Kramer
Joey Kramer
Joseph Michael "Joey" Kramer is the drummer for the American hard rock band Aerosmith....
was the first person in North America to take delivery of the Gallardo Spyder.
Top Gear
Top Gear (current format)
Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine show. Over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous style...
presenter Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson is an English broadcaster, journalist and writer who specialises in motoring. He is best known for his role on the BBC TV show Top Gear along with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May...
announced on 18 February 2007 that he had bought a Gallardo Spyder, replacing his Ford GT
Ford GT
The Ford GT is a mid-engine two-seater sports car. Ford Motor Company produced the Ford GT for the 2005 to 2006 model years. The designers drew inspiration from Ford's GT40 race cars of the 1960s.- Development :...
.
Racing (2007-)
In 2007, a Lamborghini Gallardo was entered in FIA GT3, as well as the Japanese 'SUPER GTSuper GT
The Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
' Championship in the GT300 class, the lower of the two classes in the series.
The FIA GT3 car was built with help from German motorsport specialists Reiter Engineering, who previously made the Murcielago GT1 and the Diablo GTR Super Trophy racers. All the extra aerodynamics were bolt-on parts, conforming with cost-effective regulations that meant the finished car had to closely resemble its road-going counterpart. Brembo racing brakes and OZ Racing wheels were also added. It remained All-Wheel-Drive. It produced 512 bhp @ 7800rpm and 376.2 lb.ft of Torque @ 4500 rpm, barely more than the road car, and only as a result of adding an unsilenced racing exhaust system and better cooling.
The SUPER GT car had to conform to rather different regulations. It could produce no more than 300PS (295 bhp/224 kW) and must be Rear-Wheel-Drive. The power is limited by air restrictors placed in the engine bay. The gearbox is a sequential 6-Speed twin-clutch setup. The rules regarding aerodynamics are far looser than those in FIA GT, meaning the SUPER GT car has more advanced aero, including a much bigger rear wing. It took a while to be competitive, only being consistently at the top this 2009 season.
LP560-4 Super Trofeo (2009-)
Lamborghini introduced what it calls the 'Fastest one-make series in the world', featuring a 570 bhp, All-Wheel-Drive race-prepared version of the newer Gallardo LP560-4. The series supported European race series such as Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), FIA GT Series and the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), featuring 18 races overall and having a 30-car grid consisting of privateer teams as well as Lamborghini dealer teams and one factory team featuring guest drivers.
Superleggera (2007-2008)
A version of the Gallardo, dubbed the Superleggera (super light), was launched at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show supposedly in preparation for the next Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The Superleggera paid tribute to the first Lamborghini production model, the famous 350GT, which was designed and built by the Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, a coachbuilding company that recently restarted its activities. The Lamborghini Gallardo doesn't have a Superleggera style constructed body, only the name.The engine's improved intake, exhaust and ECU added 10 PS for a total of 530 PS. The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a US$ 10,000 option, now comes as a standard. A 6-speed manual gearbox was still offered as a no cost option.
The Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by 100 kg (220.5 lb) (70 kg (154.3 lb) in US model) from 1430 kg (3,152.6 lb) via the use of carbon fibre panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, engine cover; titanium wheel nuts, carbon fibre sports seats with Alcantara.
Colour choices include Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Auto Show.
The full price for a Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $260,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007.
In March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera. During its production life, 172 were produced, with 10 in white, 34 in grey, 37 in black, 45 in yellow, 46 in orange and 1 was custom painted in pink.
LP 560-4 (2008-)
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
, with improved power and torque. Unlike the precedent engine, this engine no longer has split crankpins, so it is not even firing, but Lamborghini says that due to the stiffer crankshaft
Crankshaft
The crankshaft, sometimes casually abbreviated to crank, is the part of an engine which translates reciprocating linear piston motion into rotation...
it has less vibrations than the previous engine.
Transmission choices include six-speed manual or a six-speed E-gear, with E-gear revised to change gears by a rotational selector instead of a fore/aft movement, which offers 40% quicker shifts. E-gear also added Corsa setting and Thrust Mode launch control system.
The car was also 20 kg (44.1 lb) lighter than 2008 base Gallardo. Other changes include a new front bumper influenced by the Murcielago and exterior lights influenced by the Lamborghini Reventón
Lamborghini Reventón
The Lamborghini Reventón is a mid-engine sports car that debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is the most expensive Lamborghini road car to date, costing one million euros . Its top recorded speed was recorded in Dubai, UAE at...
.
Gallardo LP 560-4 has base price of US$205,000, but can go over $220,000 with e-gear, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon interior package, navigation and other options. Other factory options are available with Ad Personam program. The British version has MSRP of £147,330.00 ($235,730 USD), including NavTrak vehicle tracking system and delivery package.
The vehicle was unveiled at 2008 Geneva Auto Show.
In an episode of Top Gear, the LP 560-4 managed a lap of 1:19.5, faster than the Ferrari F430
Ferrari F430
The Ferrari F430 is a sports car that was produced by the Italian automaker Ferrari from 2004 to 2009, as a successor to the 360. It debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show...
Scuderia.
The first production LP560-4 was built with help of an Automobile Magazine
Automobile Magazine
Automobile magazine is an automobile magazine in the United States and is owned by Source Interlink. It was founded by a group of former employees of Car and Driver magazine, led by that publications’s former editor, David E. Davis, and originally published by News Corporation...
journalist.
The first US car was sold in 16th Annual Race to Erase MS charity auction for $270,000 to former True Religion Jeans co-founder/co-creator Kymberly Gold and music producer Victor Newman.
LP 560-4 Spyder (2008-)
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder was unveiled at 2008 LA Auto Show. The LP560-4 Spyder has a slightly more limited top speed than the LP560-4 coupe. The drop-top limits this version's top speed to around 322 km/h.The convertible roof comes in 4 colors.
Super Trofeo (2009)
It is a limited (30 units) version designed for Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make racing series. The series began in May 2009.The Super Trofeo race car is based on the Gallardo LP 560-4 sports car, but with a reworked chassis and a direct injection V10 engine rated 570 PS with higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, variable valve timing. The car has dry weight of 1300 kg (2,866 lb). E-gear transmission is standard.
The Super Trofeo car and parts package cost €200,000 (US$284,300) plus tax, available via Lamborghini dealerships, with support and parts sales trackside.
The car set the fastest lap time at the Vallelunga Circuit, with Giorgio Sanna as driver.
LP 550-2 Balboni (2009)
This is a limited (to 250 units) version named after Lamborghini test driver Valentino BalboniValentino Balboni
Valentino Balboni is the former chief test driver of Lamborghini, a manufacturer of sports cars in Italy. He retired in October 2008 due to Italian government work regulations, after having served the company for 40 years....
. The engine was rated at 550 PS. The vehicle has dry weight of 1380 kg (3,042.4 lb). Unlike the contemporary line-up, this model is rear wheel drive (because the standard all-wheel drive system was removed). It is the first Gallardo ever to use 2 wheel drive.
The CORSA ESP setting allows greater drift angles over regular models.
Other features include re-calibrated optional e-gear transmission, redeveloped 45% limited slip differential, full leather black upholstery with white colour strips, Polar white centre console, a stripe down the centre of the car, and a badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.
The Lamborghini LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni can reach a top speed of 199 mph and reach 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The vehicle has MSRP of €162,000 (Europe), £137,900 (UK), $219,800 (US).
In 2009, the car was voted Top Gears car of the year; Richard Hammond deadpanned: "We were impressed with its stripe, its V10 engine, its rear wheel drive, the savagery of its exhaust, and its stripe."
LP 570-4 Superleggera (2010)
In March 2010, Lamborghini announced the release of the LP 570-4 Superleggera - a lightweight and more powerful version of the Gallardo LP 560-4. Carbon fiber is used extensively inside and out to reduce weight to only 2954 lb (1,339.9 kg) - enough to make the LP 570-4 the lightest road-going Lamborghini in the range.The 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 562 horsepower, and can travel from zero to 100 kilometre per hour in 3.4 seconds, up to a 202 mi/h top speed. It is also faster than the Ferrari 458 Italia.
LP 570-4 Spyder Performante
In November 2010, Lamborghini announced the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante - a convertible version of the LP 570-4 Superleggera. As usual, the convertible parts make the Spyder Performante heavier than the Superleggera coupe (up to 3275 lb (1,485.5 kg) from 2954 lb (1,339.9 kg) in the Superleggera,) but Lamborghini has taken extra steps to ensure the Spyder is still 143 lb (64.9 kg) lighter than the standard Gallardo Spyder.Using the same 562 horsepower 5.2-litre V10 from the LP 570-4 Superleggera, the Spyder goes from zero to 100 kilometre per hour in only 3.9 seconds.
Bicolore edition
The latest version of the Gallardo, released in late 2010, is the Bicolore edition featuring a unique two-tone paint job. The car is available only in orange, yellow, silver, white or blue with a black roof with unique Skorplus alloy rims. The car is powered by the same V10 engine in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations.Replacement
With the launch of the AventadorLamborghini Aventador
The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is a two-door, two-seater sports car publicly unveiled by Lamborghini at the Geneva Motor Show on 28 February 2011, five months after its initial unveiling in Sant'Agata Bolognese. Internally codenamed LB834, the Aventador was designed to replace the ten-year-old...
to replace the Murcielago
Lamborghini Murciélago
The Lamborghini Murciélago is a two-door, two-seat sports car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 2001 and 2010. Successor to the Diablo and flagship of the automaker's lineup, the Murciélago was introduced as a coupé in 2001. The automaker's first new design in eleven years, the car...
, rumours of replacing the Gallardo is high on the agenda. Lamborghini announced that the Gallardo would be replaced with a car named the Cabrera which may pack a V10 packing a possible 592 bhp. The Cabrera will also feature Carbon Fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts that will help to reduce the car’s total weight. Four-Wheel drive is also being considered. The clarified name would be 'Cabrera LP600-4'.
Specifications
| Models | Coupe 2003-2005 | SE (2005) | Spyder 2006-2008 | Nera (2007), Coupe 2006-2008 | Superleggera (2007–2008) | LP 560-4 | LP 560-4 Spyder | LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni rear wheel drive | LP 570-4 Superleggera |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||||||||
| Type | 4961 cc V10 40 valves DOHC | 5204 cc V10 40 valves DOHC | |||||||
| Power@rpm | 500 PS@7800 | 520 PS@8000 | 530 PS@8000 | 560 PS@8000 | 550 PS@8000 | 570 PS@8000 | |||
| Torque@rpm | 509.8 newton metre@4500 | 509.8 newton metre@4250 | 539 newton metre@6500 | ||||||
| Performance | |||||||||
| 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) (sec) | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.7 3.2+ (R&T) |
4.0 | 3.9 | 3.4 |
| 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) (sec) | 14.0 | 13.6 | 14.3 | 13.6 | 12.4 | 11.8 | 13.1 | ? | 10.2 |
| 1/4 mile | 12.4 s @ 118 mph (189.9 km/h) | 12.1 s @ 120 mph (193.1 km/h) | - | 12.1 s @ 120 mph (193.1 km/h) | 11.7 s @ 123 mph (197.9 km/h) | 11.2 s @ 129.5 mph (208.4 km/h) (R&T) 11.9s @ 120.5 mph (193.9 km/h) (MT) |
- | 11.5s @ 126.7 mph (203.9 km/h) (R&T) 11.5s @ 125.6 mph (202.1 km/h) |
- |
| Top speed | 309 km/h (192 mph) | 314 km/h (195.1 mph) | 314 km/h (195.1 mph) | 314 km/h (195.1 mph) | 315 km/h (195.7 mph) | 325 km/h (201.9 mph) | 324 km/h (201.3 mph) | 320 km/h (198.8 mph) | 325 km/h (201.9 mph) |
Police cars
In December 2004, two L140 Gallardos were donated to the ItalianItaly
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
police
Polizia di Stato
The Polizia di Stato is one of the national police forces of Italy.It is the main police force for providing police duties and it is also responsible for patrolling motorways , railways , airports , customs as well as certain waterways, and assisting the local police...
in honour of the force's 152nd anniversary, one came from Automobili Lamborghini SpA while a second was donated by an independent organization.
The Gallardo Police Cars are used by the traffic police (Polizia Stradale
Polizia Stradale
The Polizia Stradale is the national Highway patrol of Italy and is a sub-directorate of the Italian State Police.The Polizia Stradale patrols the 7,000 kilometers of motorways in Italy and the main highways and arterial roads outside towns...
) during emergencies and alarm situations on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway, also under the powers of the special safety operative which is already being employed along that tract of highway and, above all, for the transport of body organs destined for transplantation.
In October 2008, a private ceremony was held at the Viminale Palace where Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated the newest Gallardo, the LP560-4, to the head of the Italian State Police, Prefect Antonio Manganelli. The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia will replace its predecessor to fulfill roles with the Lazio Highway Police Department.
Yellow L140 Gallardos have been "temporary" police cars for the Metropolitan Police
Metropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, one in 2005 and one in 2006, for specific publicity events. The 2006 vehicle was seen at the start of the 2006 Gumball Rally
Gumball 3000
The Gumball 3000 is an annual international road rally which takes place on public roads, with a different route around the world each year. Founded in 1999 by Maximillion Cooper, it sees an annual entry of 120 cars, which are mostly exotic and powerful sports cars. However, more unusual entries ...
. Both vehicles were lent by Lamborghini London and were fitted with yellow and blue battenburg markings
Battenburg markings
Battenburg refers to a pattern of high-visibility markings used to maximise conspicuity, primarily used on vehicles of the emergency services, but also in other applications such as uniforms...
, police logos and a small blue lightbar.
Image:Lamborghini Polizia.JPG|Italian State Police
Polizia di Stato
The Polizia di Stato is one of the national police forces of Italy.It is the main police force for providing police duties and it is also responsible for patrolling motorways , railways , airports , customs as well as certain waterways, and assisting the local police...
Gallardo.
Image:Lamborghini Gallardo British police 1.JPG|London's Metropolitan Police
Metropolitan police
Metropolitan Police is a generic title for the municipal police force for a major metropolitan area, and it may be part of the official title of the force...
Gallardo.
File:Auto patrulla Lamborghini de la Policía Nacional de Panamá (2011).jpg|National Police of Panamá.
Production
| Year | Units | Gallardo | Gallardo Spyder |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 933 | 933 | |
| 2004 | 1294 | 1294 | |
| 2005 | 972 | 947 | 25 |
| 2006 | 1651 | 626 | 1025 |
| 2007 | 1951 | 936 | 1015 |
| 2008 | 1787 | 1206 | 581 |
| 2009 | 922 | 462 | 460 |
| 2010 | 1064 | 817 | 247 |
| Total | 10,574 | 7,221 | 3,353 |
Racing
DP7 Racing has currently entered two Gallardos in the Speed World ChallengeSPEED World Challenge
The Pirelli World Challenge is a North American auto racing series that is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America . Founded in 1985, it consists of four classes: grand touring, touring car, a "GTS" class since 2010, and a "touring car B-spec" since 2012...
GT Series, driven by Dan Pastorini and Chip Herr.
The Super Trofeo car was also used in the 18-race Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make racing series, with Swiss watch maker Blancpain
Blancpain
Blancpain is a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer, founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jaques Blancpain. Blancpain went into bankruptcy and stopped production for a long period but was saved by Jean-Claude Biver, an executive with Omega. Blancpain is owned by the Swatch Group. Since 2002, Marc Hayek, the...
as sponsor.
Reiter Engineering
Reiter Engineering
Reiter Engineering GmbH & Co Kg is a German racing team founded in 1994. The company is named after engineer and founder Hans Reiter. In 2000, Reiter entered a Lamborghini in the FIA GT Championship with its own Diablo GT built by the team...
supported the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Strata of White Hot Motor Sport who won the 2009-2010 Australian Targa Championship, including the famous closed public road rally Targa Tasmania
Targa Tasmania
Targa Tasmania is a tarmac-based rally event held on the island state of Tasmania, Australia, annually since 1992. The event takes its name from the Targa Florio, a former motoring event held on the island of Sicily...
, with driver Jason White and co-driver John White. White Hot Motorsport have previously won Targa Tasmania with an N1 version of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II, before upgrading to various specifications of the Lamborghini Gallardo.
West Racing campaigned an LP560 GT in the GT class of the American Le Mans Series
American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
for certain races of the 2011 season. However, as of July, 2011, the team announced that they were developing a new car and by implication would no longer race the LP560.
Receptions
In a test drive of LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, the test driver bearing the name of the car said he was against E-gear because it takes some amount of vehicle control away from the driver, and all-wheel drive Lamborghinis from the beginning, and the company was divided over AWD cars. In that review, a LP550-2 with E-Gear was tested.Awards and recognition
- 2006 Top Gear Dream Car of the Year
- 2009 Top Gear Dream Car of the Year - Lamborghini LP 550-2 Balboni
External links
- Lamborghini.com, official website