Lamborghini Gallardo

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Lamborghini Gallardo Manufacturer Lamborghini Parent company Audi AG Production 2003–present 6,801 built (2003–2007) [1] Assembly Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy Predecessor Lamborghini Jalpa Class Sports car Body style(s) 2-door coupé 2-door spyder Layout Mid-engine, four-wheel drive Engine(s) 5.0 L V10 Transmission(s) 6-speed manual 6-speed single clutch semi-automatic Wheelbase 2560 mm (100.8 in) Length 4300 mm (169.3 in) Width 1900 mm (74.8 in) Height 1165 mm (45.9 in) 1184 mm (46.6 in) (Spyder) Curb weight 1569 kg (3459 lb) Related Audi R8 Designer Luc Donckerwolke

The Lamborghini Gallardo (/ɡalˈlaɾdo/) (pronounced: guy-yar-doh) is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with 5,000 built in the first three years of production.^[2] It is less expensive than Lamborghini's larger, more powerful Murciélago.

The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull. The Spanish word gallardo (/ɡaˈʎaɾðo/) translates into "gallant," and from Italian into "striking".

Contents 1 Overview 2 Variants 2.1 Gallardo Spyder 2.2 SE 2.3 Nera 2.4 Superleggera 2.5 LP560-4 3 Specifications 4 Police car 5 Related information 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Overview

The Gallardo was designed as a competitor to the Ferrari 360, and now competes with its replacement, the Ferrari F430. The Gallardo has a rear-biased all-wheel drive system which differentiates it from its rear-wheel drive competitors. Lamborghini's parent company Audi^[3] is renowned for its Quattro AWD system, however Lamborghini uses a system of its own.

Unlike the Countach, Diablo, and Murciélago models, the Gallardo does not have scissor doors.

The Gallardo was designed by Luc Donckerwolke, who won the 2003 Red Dot Award for the design of both the 2003 Gallardo and 2002 Murciélago.

At current U.S. prices, a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo coupe costs USD $186,250 - $222,800, while a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder costs USD $201,595 - $263,595.

As of March 2008, the Gallardo is the only model to use the Lamborghini V10 engine.^{[citation needed]}

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 single-clutch sequential 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, and does not need to manually actuate the clutch.

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.

For the 2008 model year, 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, were added to the Gallardo.^[4]

[edit] Variants

[edit] 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 hp (388 kW) 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.

[edit] SE

In late 2005, the Gallardo SE (for Special Edition) was introduced. 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.

Mechanically, the SE addresses many of the criticisms of the original Gallardo; the steering is quicker and more responsive, the transmission gear ratios have been adjusted to better suit the V10, and the E-gear now has a "thrust mode" to optimize acceleration, and the car's power has been increased to 520 hp (388 kW). The SE has a higher top speed of 315 km/h or 196 MPH, and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Only 250 units of the Gallardo SE were built. All the mechanical upgrades of the SE, however, will be included in all 2006+ Gallardos (excluding the two-tone bodywork).

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 actually 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 Formula 1 race cars.

[edit] Nera

The Gallardo Nera (Special Edition) was introduced at Paris Motor Show. The Nera has a top speed of 314 km/h (195 mph), and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, as the engine and drivetrain are identical to the standard Gallardo. The car is meant to showcase the customization options available to the customer. The Nera features special matte black body panels, and is only available in two colours -- Serapis and Noctis. Brake calipers are painted a special silver, and the taillights are smoked to match the darker paint scheme. The interior is stiched from high-contrast black and white leather. Only 185 units of the Gallardo Nera will be produced and 60 are for the American market.

[edit] Superleggera

A special version of the Gallardo, dubbed the Superleggera was launched at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show supposedly in preparation for the next Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by around 70 kg (154 lb) - down to approximately 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) - thanks to the use of carbon fibre panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, and the engine cover. Even the wheel nuts are made of titanium instead of steel to save even more unsprung weight at each corner of the car. The intake, exhaust and ECU have been upgraded to release an extra 10 hp for a total of 530 hp (395 kW). The lightening and extra power result in a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the base Gallardo. The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a US$ 10,000 option, now comes as a standard. The full price for a Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $200,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007.^[5] In March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera.^[6]

[edit] LP560-4

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 was revealed at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show. It is powered by a new 5.2L V10 with FSI direct injection, generating 552hp and 398lb-ft of torque. The engine is heavily based on the new Audi RS6 V10. ^[7][8] 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 ^[9]. Also, a revised transmission and four wheel drive system as well as a 20kg weight loss are expected. The 4 at the end of the name refers to the Gallardo's permanent four-wheel-drive system. It also incorporates a new front bumper heavily influenced by the Lamborghini Reventon. Pricing of the Gallardo LP560-4 will start at around US$222,000. ^[10]

[edit] Specifications

		2003-2005	SE and 2006+	Superleggera	LP560-4
Performance
	Top speed	309 km/h (192 mph)	315 km/h (196 mph)	315 km/h (196 mph)	325 km/h (201 mph)
	0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)	4.2 s	3.9 s	3.8s	3.7s
	0 to 200 km/h (124 mph)	14.5 s	N/A	12.5 s	11.8 s
	Standing km	22.5 s	N/A	N/A	N/A
	1/4 mile	12.1 s @ 118 mph	11.5 s @ 125 mph	N/A	N/A
Engine
	Type	V10
	Displacement	5000cc			5200cc
	Power	500 PS (493 hp/368 kW)	520 PS (513 hp/382 kW)	530 PS (523 hp/390 kW)	560 PS (552 hp/412 kW)
	Torque	376 lb·ft (510 N·m)			398 lb·ft (540 N·m)

[edit] Police car

In December 2004, two Gallardos were donated by Lamborghini to the Italian police in honor of the force's 152nd anniversary.

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.

Yellow Gallardos have been "temporary" police cars for the Metropolitan Police in London, 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.

[edit] Related information

• The Gallardo coupe was road tested on the British TV show Top Gear. While co-presenter Jeremy Clarkson highly praised it for its power, agility and ease of use, he criticised parent company Audi AG for making it too civilized for a Lamborghini. In his words, the Gallardo lacked the "lunacy" or "idiocy" (namely outrageous looks and heavy reliability issues, among others) that defined a Lamborghini. However, later on, when he tested the SE Gallardo Spyder, he took back his remarks, He also announced during a cool wall session that he has replaced his Ford GT with a Gallardo Spyder.
• In 2004, a stock yellow Gallardo coupe was piloted to 200 mph on a highway as part of the Super Speeders "1 Lap of NYC" street/drag racing video, exceeding the manufacturer's top speed estimate.
• One of the most highly modified Gallardo's (aesthetically) is the IMSA Gallardo created by German designer Holger Mohr. Featured on the January/February 2007 cover of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine the widebody kit is made up of 18-pieces. A high-performance power package is in the works.^[11]
• Possibly the most powerful Gallardo in existence belongs to Wayne Skiles. The twin turbo V10 built by Florida tuner shop Heffner Performance makes 679 hp (506 kW) and 475 ft·lbf (644 N·m) of torque. It was featured in the July 2006 issue of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine.^[12] Wayne Skiles' Twin Turbo Lamborghini Gallardo Videos can be found on YouTube.^[13]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Lamborghini official website
• Gallardo GT3

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