Lamborghini Gallardo
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| Manufacturer | Lamborghini |
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| Production | 2003–present |
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| Assembly | Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy |
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| Predecessor | Lamborghini Jalpa |
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| Class | Sports car |
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| Body style | 2-door coupé
2-door spyder |
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| Layout | Mid-engine, four-wheel drive
Mid-engine, rear wheel drive (Balboni Edition) |
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| Engine | 5.0 L V10
5.2 L V10 |
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| Transmission | 6-speed manual
6-speed single clutch electrohydraulic manual transmission |
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| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm (100.8 in) |
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| Length | 4,345 mm (171.1 in) |
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| Width | 1,900 mm (74.8 in) |
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| Height | 1,165 mm (45.9 in)
Spyder: 46.6 in (1,183.6 mm) |
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| Curb weight | 1,520 kg (3,351 lb)
LP 560-4: 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) |
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| Related | Audi R8
Lamborghini Concept S |
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| Designer | Luc Donckerwolke |
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The
Lamborghini Gallardo (
/ɡaɪˈjɑrdoʊ/;
Italian: [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 brake horsepower (382 kW), 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, and sounded better under full throttle.
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.
Lamborghini Concept S (2005)Variants
This is a concept vehicle based on the contemporary Gallardo, but without a roof. The car was designed by Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Lamborghini Design.
The car was unveiled in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show.
SE (2005)
2006 Verde Ithaca Gallardo SE on Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles.
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)
2006 Verde Ithaca Gallardo SE Interior.
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.
Nera (2007)
Lamborghini Gallardo Nera
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.
Gallardo Spyder (2006-2008)
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
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 (382 kW; 513 hp) 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.
Racing (2007-)
In 2007, a Lamborghini Gallardo was entered in FIA GT3, as well as the Japanese 'SUPER 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 brake horsepower (382 kW) @ 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.
LP 560-4 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 LP 560-4. 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 (7 kW; 10 hp) for a total of 530 PS (390 kW; 523 hp). 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 lb) (70 kg (150 lb) in US model) from 1,430 kg (3,200 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, 173 were produced, with 10 in white, 34 in grey, 37 in black, 45 in yellow, 46 in orange and 1 was custom painted pink and 1 was customed white and carbon owned by Arabazo, both owned in London.
LP 560-4 (2008-)
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4
It is powered by a new 5.2L V10 with direct injection, with improved power and torque. The previous engine used a crankshaft with split crankpins for opposite cylinders in order to give even firing intervals with the 90° angle Lamborghini deems necessary to keep the centre of gravity low. However, the crankshaft design wasn't very rigid causing vibrations that the evenly-spaced firing intervals were meant to stop. The Gallardo's opposite cylinders share a common crankpin, like those of a typical V8.
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 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 LP 560-4 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.
LP 560-4 Spyder (2008-)
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder was unveiled at 2008 LA Auto Show. The LP 560-4 Spyder has a slightly more limited top speed than the LP 560-4 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 (419 kW; 562 hp) with higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, variable valve timing. The car has dry weight of 1,300 kg (2,900 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 Valentino Balboni (2009)
Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni at the 2010 Montreal International Auto Show.
This is a limited (to 250 units) version named after Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni. The engine was rated at 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp). The vehicle has dry weight of 1,380 kg (3,000 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 Gear's 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 its weight to only 2,954 lb (1,340 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 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, up to a 202 mph (325 km/h) top speed.
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 3,275 lb (1,486 kg) from 2,954 lb (1,340 kg) in the Superleggera), but Lamborghini has taken extra steps to ensure the Spyder is still 143 lb (65 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 km/h (62 mph) 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 Aventador 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 supercharged V10 packing a possible 592 brake horsepower (441 kW; 600 PS). 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 LP 600-4'.
Specifications
Models | Coupe 2003-2006 | ! 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 |
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| Engine v10 |
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| Type | 4,961 cc (4.961 L; 302.7 cu in) V10 40 valves DOHC | 5,204 cc (5.204 L; 317.6 cu in) V10 40 valves DOHC |
| Power@rpm | 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)@7800 | 520 PS (382 kW; 513 hp)@8000 | 530 PS (390 kW; 523 hp)@8000 | 560 PS (412 kW; 552 hp)@8000 | 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp)@8000 | 570 PS (419 kW; 562 hp)@8000 |
| Torque@rpm | 509.8 N·m (376.0 lb·ft)@4500 | 509.8 N·m (376.0 lb·ft)@4250 | 539 N·m (398 lb·ft)@6500 |
| Performance |
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| 0 to 100 km/h (62 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 (120 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 (190 km/h) | 12.1 s @ 120 mph (190 km/h) | - | 12.1 s @ 120 mph (190 km/h) | 11.7 s @ 123 mph (198 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 mph) | 314 km/h (195 mph) | 314 km/h (195 mph) | 315 km/h (196 mph) | 325 km/h (202 mph) | 324 km/h (201 mph) | 320 km/h (200 mph) | 325 km/h (202 mph) |
Police cars
In December 2004, two L140 Gallardos were donated to the Italian 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 LP 560-4, to the head of the Italian State Police, Prefect Antonio Manganelli. The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 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.
Italian State Police Gallardo.
London's Metropolitan Police Gallardo.
National Police of Panamá.
Production
| Year | Units | Gallardo | Gallardo Spyder |
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| 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 entered two Gallardos in the 2009 Speed World Challenge GT Series. They were 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 LP 560 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 LP 560.
Reiter Engineering has since produced numerous versions of the Gallardo for use in the FIA GT3 European Championship and related GT3 series. The Gallardo GT3 is proving to be very popular in the ADAC GT Masters series. The current model is the Gallardo LP600+ GT3, and it is scheduled to partake in the FIA GT1 World Championship under Reiter.
Receptions
In a test drive of LP 550-2 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 LP 550-2 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
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