Lamborghini Gallardo

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Lamborghini Gallardo

Manufacturer	Lamborghini
Parent company	Audi AG
Production	2003–present 8,588 built (2003–2008)[1][2]
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 5.2 L V10
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual 6-speed single clutch electrohydraulic manual transmission
Wheelbase	2,560 mm (100.8 in)
Length	4,300 mm (169.3 in)
Width	1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Height	1,165 mm (45.9 in) Spyder: 46.6 in (1,183.6 mm)
Curb weight	1,569 kg (3,459 lb)
Related	Audi R8 Lamborghini Concept S
Designer	Luc Donckerwolke

The Lamborghini Gallardo (Spanish pronunciation: [ɡaˈʎaɾðo]) is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 5000 on first three years of production .^[3] Each car costs about $180,000 to $210,000. The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull. The Spanish word gallardo translates into "gallant," and from Italian into "striking".

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 and cannot manually actuate the clutch.

For the MY2006 (launched in late 2005) Lamborghini introduced many changes to the car to counter some criticisms garnered by 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 20bhp to a maximum of 520bhp, 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 in 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, placed between the R8 V8 and 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]

Contents 1 Variants 1.1 Lamborghini Concept S (2005) 1.2 Gallardo Spyder (2006-) 1.3 SE (2005) 1.4 Nera (2006) 1.5 Superleggera (2007-2008) 1.6 LP560-4 (2009-) 1.7 LP560-4 Spyder (2009-) 1.8 Super Trofeo (2009) 2 Specifications 3 Police cars 4 Racing 5 Awards and recognition 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Variants

[edit] Lamborghini Concept S (2005)

It is a concept vehicle based on contemporary Gallardo, but without roof. The car was designed by Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Lamborghini Design.

The car was unveiled in 2005 Geneva Motor Show.^[5]

[edit] Gallardo Spyder (2006-)

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 (513 hp/382 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 (2005)

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)

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 (2006)

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. Note that the glass engine cover remained an option, even on the Nera.

Among the produced Gallardo Nera, 60 were destined for the American market, 91 were sold in Europe.

[edit] Superleggera (2007-2008)

It is 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.^{[citation needed]} The Superleggera paid tribute to the first Lamborghini production model, the famous 350GT, which was designed and built by the Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera in Milan, a coachbuilding company that recently restarted its activities. The Lamborghini Gallardo doesn't have Superleggera style constructed body, it has only the name.^[6]

The engine's improved intake, exhaust and ECU added 10 PS (10 hp/7 kW) for a total of 530 PS (523 hp/390 kW). The 6-speed e-gear transmission, usually a US$ 10,000 option, now comes as a standard.

The Superleggera is lighter than the base Gallardo by 100 kg (220 lb) (70 kg (154 lb) in US model) from 1430 kg (3153 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 fiber sports seats with Alcantara.

Colour choices include Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black.^[7]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Auto Show.^[8]

The full price for a Superleggera with everything on it runs for over $200,000. Lamborghini began offering the Gallardo Superleggera in June 2007.^[9]

In March 2008, Lamborghini announced that they had ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera.^[10] During its production life, 172 were produced, with 10 in white, 34 in grey, 37 in black, 45 in yellow and 46 in orange.^[11]

[edit] LP560-4 (2009-)

It is powered by a new 5.2L V10 with gasoline direct injection, with improved power and torque. The engine is heavily based on the new Audi RS6 V10.^[12][13] 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.^[14]

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 Lamborghini Reventón.

Gallardo LP560-4 has base price of US$198,000, but can go over $422,000 with e-gear, carbon ceramic brakes, navigation and other options.^[15] Other factory options are available with Ad Personam program.^[16] British version has MSRP of £147,330.00 ($288,943 USD), including NavTrak vehicle tracking system and delivery package.^[17]

The vehicle was unveiled at 2008 Geneva Auto Show^[18].

In an episode of Top Gear, the LP560-4 managed a lap of 1:19.5, faster than the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, the Nissan GT-R, and its counterpart, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640.^[19]

The first production LP560-4 was built with help of Automobile Magazine journalist.^[20]

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.^[21]

[edit] LP560-4 Spyder (2009-)

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder was unveiled at 2008 LA Auto Show.^[22][23][24]The LP560-4 Spyder has a rather more limited top speed than the LP560-4 coupe. The drop-top limiting this version's top speed to around 200 mph.

[edit] Super Trofeo (2009)

It is a limited (30 vehicle) 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 (562 hp/419 kW) with higher compression ratio of 12.5:1, variable valve timing. The car has dry weight of 1300 kg (2866 lb). e.gear transmission is standard.

The Super Trofeo car and parts package cost €200,000 plus tax, available via Lamborghini dealerships, with support and parts sales trackside.

The car set the fastest lap time in Vallelunga Race Track, with Giorgio Sanna as driver.^[25]

[edit] Specifications

Models	2003-2005 coupe	SE	Spyder	Nera, 2006-2007 coupe	Superleggera	LP 560-4	LP 560-4 Spyder
Engine
Type	5 L (4961 cc, 303 cu in) V10					5.2 L (5204 cc, 318 cu in) V10
Power@rpm	500 PS (493 hp/368 kW)@7800	520 PS (513 hp/382 kW)@8000			530 PS (523 hp/390 kW)@8000	560 PS (552 hp/412 kW)@8000
Torque@rpm	510 N·m (376 lb·ft)@4500		510 N·m (376 lb·ft)@4250			540 N·m (398 lb·ft)@6500
Performance
0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) (sec)	4.2	4.0	4.3	4.0	3.8	3.7, 3.2+ (R&T)[26]	4.0
0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) (sec)	14.0	13.6	14.3	13.6	12.4	11.8	13.1
1/4 mile	12.4 s @ 118 mph (190 km/h)	12.1 s @ 120 mph (193 km/h)	-	12.1 s @ 120 mph (193 km/h)	11.7 s @ 123 mph (198 km/h)	11.2 s @ 129.5 mph (208 km/h) (R&T)	-
Top speed	309 km/h (192 mph)	315 km/h (196 mph)	315 km/h (196 mph)	315 km/h (196 mph)	315 km/h (196 mph)	325 km/h (202 mph)	324 km/h (201 mph)

[edit] Police cars

In December 2004, two 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.

On 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.^[27]

Yellow 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.

[edit] Racing

DP7 Racing has currently entered two Gallardos in the Speed World Challenge GT Series, driven by Dan Pastorini and Chip Herr (respectively).^[28]

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.

[edit] Awards and recognition

• 2009 Best New Exotic, duPont REGISTRY^[29]
• 2006 Top Gear Car of the Year

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lamborghini Gallardo

• Lamborghini official website
• Gallardo GT3

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