The Lamborghini Gallardo (/ɡalˈlaɾdo/) 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".
 | |
| 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 |
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 4WD 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 2004 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.
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 (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. 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)
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 (62 mph) 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 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 pre-2008 Formula 1 race cars.
[edit] Nera
The Gallardo Nera (Special Edition) was introduced at the Paris Motor Show. The Nera has a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph), and it accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 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 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 stiched from high-contrast black and white leather in the Q-Citura (lozenge shaped) fashion. Only 185 units of the Gallardo Nera were produced and 60 were destined for the American market. Note that the glass engine cover remained an option, even on the Nera.
[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. According to the original Press Release issued by the factory the superleggera was available in four colors only : Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black, however at least one white Superleggera has been built.
The intake, exhaust and ECU have been upgraded to release an extra 10 hp (7.5 kW) for a total of 530 hp (395 kW). The lightening and extra power result in a 0-100 km/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] In August 20, 2008 was published information about lawsuit filed by Swiss-based Touring Superleggera Markenverwaltungsgesellschaft AG against several companies including Lamborghini on trademark infringements.[7] The company owns the trademarks of the Carrozzeria Touring.
[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 552 hp (412 kW) and 398 ft·lbf (540 N·m) of torque. The engine is heavily based on the new Audi RS6 V10.[8][9] 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.[10] Also, a revised transmission and four wheel drive system as well as a 20 kg (44 lb) 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 Reventón. Pricing of the Gallardo LP560-4 will start at around US$222,000.[11]
[edit] Specifications
| 2004, 2005 | SE, Nera and 2006-2008 | Superleggera | LP560-4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | |||||
| Top speed | 309 km/h (193 mph) | 314 km/h (195 mph) | 315 km/h (196 mph) | 325 km/h (201 mph) | |
| 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) | 4.1 s | 4.0 s | 3.8 s | 3.5 s | |
| 1/4 mile | 12.4 s @ 118 mph (190 km/h) | N/A | 11.7 s @ 123 mph (198 km/h) | 11.4 s | |
| Engine | |||||
| V10 | |||||
| Displacement | 5000 cc | 5200 cc | |||
| 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 to the Italian police in honor 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.
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] References
- ^ http://www.audi.de/etc/medialib/cms4imp/audi2/company/financial_information/pdf_0803.Par.0017.File.pdf and other Annual Reports on www.audi.de.
- ^ ""Automobili Lamborghini starts the year with production record of five thousandth Gallardo"". lambocars.com (January 22, 2007).
- ^ Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A.
- ^ Lamborghini releases 2008 model year changes - Autoblog
- ^ Car & Driver: 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera - Auto Shows
- ^ Lamborghini ceases production of Gallardo Superleggera - Autoblog
- ^ "TOURING SUPERLEGGERA MARKEN AG: Suit Following Trademark Infringements". reuters.com. Retrieved on 2008-08-21.
- ^ REPORT: new Lamborghini Gallardo to be called LP560-4 - Autoblog
- ^ Motor Authority » Lamborghini LP560-4 hits the floor at Geneva
- ^ Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 | evo News | News | evo
- ^ 2008 Geneva Auto Show: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
[edit] External links
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