Lamborghini Gallardo: A budget bull with high potential |

For decades, the inventor of Miura, Countach & Co. he steered himself from bankruptcy to bankruptcy. The success of the Lamborghini Gallardo – developed with the help of Audi – ensured its survival and laid the foundation for a success story that continues to this day. This was followed by the Spyder, Superleggera and Supertrofeo Stradale with more powerful engines.

When the Lamborghini Gallardo debuted at the IAA in 2003, the brand from Sant’Agata Bolognese was still new to the Audi program. Without the help from Germany, increasing the range of the model downwards would not have been possible. Although the Murciélago and its predecessors are among the most expensive cars in the world, the company did not make any profit from them. On the contrary: Lamborghini was on the verge of financial collapse and changed ownership five times between 1972 and 1998. In addition, the technical problems of arch-rival Ferrari filled entire books.

With the speed of German engineering, the Lamborghini Gallardo becomes a kind of anti-Lambo. Because it is the first of its kind that convinces throughout and fulfills what it promises. The mid-engine sports car has excellent driving dynamics. The most rigid monocoque made of carbon fiber not only ensures a high level of crash safety, but also attracts the absolute rigidity of the body – torsion is not an issue here. This was the most successful model in Lambo’s history at that time. Also interesting: Tips for our products on Amazon

Leslie & Cars drive the Lamborghini Revuelto (2024) in the video:

Lamborghini Gallardo with up to 570 hp V10 engine

The Lamborghini Gallardo is originally powered by a five-liter V10, but from the 2008 facelift it’s a 5.2-liter. The naturally aspirated engine, which is designed as a high-speed concept, delivers 500 hp (368 kW) at 7,800 rpm in the base version. This means that the mid-engined sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and breaks the 300 km/h barrier with a top speed of 309 km/h. Later variants such as the stripped-down Supertrofeo Stradale with 570 hp (419 kW) and an acceleration of 3.4 s prove that there is still great potential in the engine Versions without wings even up to 325 km/h. When the party of speed begins directly behind the partition, goosebumps appear. However, all conversations are silent because of the acoustic fire. Pursuing the stability and stability of a straight line is ideal. Even at high speeds, the Gallardo grips like a board and creates incredible traction, which ensures a very high cornering speed even in the rain.

The steering works precisely – the Lamborghini Gallardo follows every change of direction. In stark contrast to the V12-engined Murciélago, which drives like a truck. The brakes also meet the highest standards in terms of control and deceleration. The Brembo system with perforated discs on all sides relies on eight pistons at the front and four at the rear wheels. A special feature is the transmission of the e-Gear, which at the time cost an additional 9,280 euros. Behind it is a six-speed sequential gearbox that can be operated manually using a paddle on the steering wheel and whose shifting speed can be adjusted. In the fastest mode, the Gallardo changes gears with lightning speed, and shifting is possible even under full throttle. In automatic mode, the transmission provokes a shaky and difficult engagement when driving.

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The Gallardo even beat the 911 Turbo S on the racetrack

As a regular coupe and as the lightest and fastest Superleggera, the Lamborghini Gallardo gave even the Porsche 911 Turbo S a place in the comparison tests conducted by AUTO ZEITUNG on the race track several times. Requirements suitable for everyday use, on the other hand, were less in the specification of the development team. Getting into the sports car, which is only 1.17 m long, requires a certain amount of flexibility. Headroom and space are also limited, as is the rear view. Suspension comfort must be subordinate to a rigid chassis setup, and noise insulation was not a priority either. In addition, the large turning circle makes driving painful And the fact that the Gallardo is not a good friend when traveling is made clear by the small trunk in front, which does not even fit a large crate of drinks.

A convertible called the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder with an electric hood, presented in 2005, is more suitable for everyday use. At least you don’t have to make your way under the roof to get in when it’s open. In the past, happiness cost at least 139,200 euros (coupe). Today, good used models are available for half as much (as of April 2024). In fact, because the Gallardo is now rarely used, you can expect gas negotiations during mandatory stops for refueling. Speaking of gasoline: with at least 17 liters per 100 kilometers, the Italian likes to dry the gas station with an empty tank. Later entries come in at under 14 liters if you drive carefully. So here the Gallardo is a typical Lamborghini.