Best Lamborghini Gallardo Models Ever Produced!

The Lamborghini Gallardo emerged as the first notable supercar from the Raging Bull marque under Audi’s stewardship, quickly establishing itself as a standout model. Although its initial versions had room for improvement, the Gallardo evolved over time into a highly coveted ‘baby Lambo.’ Launched in 2003, the Gallardo experienced two significant updates during its production span. Marking Lamborghini’s return to ‘entry-level’ models nearly 15 years after the Jalpa’s discontinuation in 1988, the Gallardo was instrumental in integrating Audi engines into Lamborghini’s lineup. This was a departure from the purely Italian engines seen in predecessors like the Diablo and Murcielago. In November 2013, the final Gallardo was produced, making way for the remarkable Huracan.

The Gallardo boasted two V10 engine variants throughout its life. The initial version, sold from 2003 to 2008, was equipped with a 5.0-liter V10, delivering about 500 horsepower. A 2005 upgrade boosted this to 513 horsepower, along with improved acceleration dynamics. The later model, available from 2008 to 2013, featured a new 5.2-liter V10 developed by Audi. This engine, still in use, enhanced Gallardo’s design significantly, incorporating Audi’s FSI technology for more efficient fuel management, thereby improving performance and fuel economy.

For our readers, we have also compiled a list of the Best Lamborghini Gallardo Models Ever produced:

Model	Year(s)
Gallardo LP 550-2	2010-2014
Gallardo LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica	2012-2013
Gallardo LP 560-4	2005-2014
Gallardo Spyder LP560-4 Spyder	2009-2014
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera	2007
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition	2012-2013
Lamborghini Gallardo Polizia	2004
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale	2011
Lamborghini LP570-4 Squadra Corse	2013-2014
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni	2009-2013

10. Gallardo LP 550-2

Despite being beyond the budget of most, the Gallardo has its most accessible variant in the 2011 LP 550-2. Following the rear-wheel-drive Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, the standard LP 550-2 stands out as an exhilarating drive. Its combination of rear-wheel drive and a six-speed gated manual transmission, despite having slightly less power than other second-generation models, makes it one of the most enjoyable Gallardos to drive.

9. Gallardo LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica

As Lamborghini’s bestseller, the Gallardo exceeded 13,000 sales between 2003 and 2012. The “Edizione Tecnica” (Technical Edition) 570-4, launched in 2012, was a culmination of Lamborghini’s skill in crafting special editions like the Superleggera, Valentino Balboni, Bicolore, and Gold Edition. These models, including the Edizione Tecnica, often featured distinct external designs and colors, with some offering performance enhancements. The Edizione Tecnica stood out with its fixed wing, special color combinations, and advanced carbo-ceramic brakes for superior performance.

8. Gallardo LP 560-4

The 560-4 variant, introduced in 2012, represented a significant evolution under Audi’s management, maintaining a familiar exterior but with substantial improvements. Unlike its predecessors, which were extreme and not suited for everyday driving, the Gallardo was user-friendly and capable of high performance on roads and tracks. This model saw widespread popularity, partly due to its 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission option.

The 2012 version featured a refined interior, including details like the Alcantara-wrapped dashboard and a new infotainment system, differing from Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. Performance-wise, it replaced the older 5.0-liter V10 with a new 5.2-liter engine, achieving better results than the 2010 Gallardo Superleggera, thanks to its new firing order and direct-fuel injection system.

7. Gallardo Spyder LP560-4 Spyder

What made the Gallardo Spyder LP560-4 Spyder special was the fact that it weighed 20kg less than its predecessor and was 18 percent more fuel efficient. Of course, you get four-wheel drive and Lambo’s northern-sounding ‘e-gear’ transmission.

The Gallardo Spyder featured a fabric roof for the Gallardo. Powered by a hydraulic pump and electric motors, it’ll retract in 20 seconds, the carbon fiber engine cover lifting up and the rear screen dropping down to give it room to fold away. The roof can be fitted in any one of four colors – black, blue, grey, or beige.

6. Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera (2007)

In 2007, prior to the global financial crisis, Lamborghini unveiled a more exclusive version of the Gallardo – the Superleggera. Emphasizing a track-oriented experience, this model underwent significant weight reduction, becoming a more agile and performance-focused variant. Despite its racing enhancements, it remained capable of handling everyday driving conditions.

Aesthetically, it closely resembled the standard Gallardo but featured distinctive elements such as matte black door designs blending into the side air intakes, optional carbon-fiber rear wing, and unique light-alloy wheels, revealing its carbon-ceramic brakes. The interior stripped away the luxurious elements of the standard model, replacing them with sports seats, racing seat belts, and extensive Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim. The technological advancements included a lighter frame, enhanced engine and gearbox performance, and a stiffer suspension, making the Superleggera the preferred choice for track enthusiasts who also valued road usability.

5. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition, released in late 2010, is a lesser-known but remarkable model in the Gallardo lineup. Limited in production, this edition drew inspiration from the Blancpain Super.

Trofeo racing cars showcase an aggressive design with a new front end, rear wing, rear diffuser, and engine cover. Mechanically identical to the LP 570-4 Superleggera, its distinct styling and racing-influenced features made it a standout offering in the Gallardo range, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a blend of track performance and exclusivity.

4. Lamborghini Gallardo Polizia (2004)

In December 2004, Lamborghini celebrated the 152nd anniversary of the Italian police force by donating several Gallardo supercars for use as police vehicles. Designated for traffic police duties on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway, these Gallardos were equipped for emergency responses and high-speed pursuits, including organ transport for medical emergencies.

Featuring a 5.0-liter V10 engine delivering 500 bhp and 376.2 ft-lbs of torque, these Gallardos were not only a testament to Lamborghini’s engineering but also a symbolic gesture of support to Italian law enforcement. Following this, Lamborghini continued the tradition by donating other models like the Huracan, Aventador, and Urus.

3. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale (2011)

Marking the evolution of the Gallardo, Lamborghini introduced the LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale in late 2011. This limited series of 150 units was essentially a street-legal version of their race cars from the one-make racing series. With significant weight reduction through carbon fiber and aluminum use and aerodynamic enhancements like a massive adjustable rear wing, this model was a near-race car experience on the road.

The interior featured racing seats with harnesses, an Alcantara dashboard, and a roll cage, focusing on performance over luxury. Its mechanical base was shared with the Gallardo Superleggera, boasting a V10 engine and a six-speed automated gearbox.

2. Lamborghini LP570-4 Squadra Corse (2013-2014)

Debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Gallardo 570-4 Squadra Corse was Lamborghini’s street-legal version of its Super Trofeo series race cars. Intended as one of the final limited editions of the Gallardo, it was more accessible than the extremely limited LP 560-4 Macau GP.

The Squadra Corse featured design and performance elements similar to the Superleggera version but with unique modifications. These included an adjustable front spoiler for increased downforce and a race-derived adjustable rear wing. The engine cover also had a quick-release system for easy access during races. Offered in four distinct colors, this edition emphasized lightweight construction, incorporating carbon-fiber trims and shedding additional weight compared to its regular counterpart. Inside, it offered racing bucket seats as standard, with the option for more comfortable seats. The car’s V10 engine, distinguished by its unique firing order, provided a distinctive sound and robust performance, complemented by a six-speed robotized gearbox and carbon-ceramic brakes, ensuring impressive acceleration and stopping power.

1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Celebrating the retirement of chief test driver Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini released the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, a special edition model and the brand’s first rear-wheel-drive offering since the Diablo. This model was lighter than the standard LP 560-4, featured a redesigned limited-slip differential, and was notably available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Its limited production run, distinctive livery, and unique wheels underscored its exclusivity. The interior was adorned with black leather seats featuring a white stripe, a Polar white leather-covered center console, and an aluminum badge with Balboni’s signature. The car’s rear-wheel-drive setup, manual transmission option, and specially tuned suspension and differential made it a standout in the Gallardo lineup, with only 250 units produced.