LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO

Origins

Belgian automotive designer Luc Donckerwolke is the key architect of the Gallardo’s wedge shaped design, with original inspiration drawn from the 1995 Lamborghini Calà Concept designed by Italdesign Giugiaro. The resulting product has decidedly Lamborghini-esque design cues, but was also modernized with the latest technologies and refreshed with luxurious standard-setting appointments.

The Lamborghini Gallardo was designed and produced during the period when the automaker had just come under Audi ownership. The most notable byproduct of this relationship would be the Audi R8, with early versions of the model being closely based on the Gallardo. Over the years, the two cars would share certain components.

First Generation (2003-2008)

The very first Gallardo variant was the Coupé. It featured a 5.0L naturally-aspirated V10 engine which produced 493 hp @ 7,500 rpm and 376 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Gallardo came standard with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission dubbed “E-gear”, which could be operated manually using steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

As the sole offering, the original Coupé would remain unchanged until 2005 when the car would get its first major update, along with the new Spyder (convertible) and SE variants being released. At this juncture, all models would share an improved infrastructure based on the original car.

Focused primarily on improving the car’s performance characteristics, the Gallardo was given a power bump (to 513 hp), lower gear ratios, a retuned suspension and a new steering rack, helping to enhance driving feel and acceleration. Examples with E-gear also came with a “Thrust Mode”, which functions similarly to the launch technologies seen in many of today’s supercars. Due to popular demand, a brand new valved exhaust system was also fashioned to accentuate a more exotic persona, while having the option of being kept more quiet during city driving.

The 2007 model year would see two more variants added to the roster, with the Superleggera and limited edition Nera being introduced. The former model is focused on weight reduction, as its name - which means super lightweight - would suggest, shedding over 100 kg of mass with the extensive use of carbon fiber body parts. It also features a slightly more powerful 523 hp engine and comes standard with E-gear.

To promote Lamborghini’s “Ad Personam” program - which is the automaker’s department in charge of bespoke customer projects - the Gallardo Nera was introduced. The Nera was limited to just 185 units and was available exclusively in one of two matte black finishes. Aside from being able to personalize the car to one’s exact liking, it also featured unique interior colors and finishes not available on any other model.

Second Generation (2008-2013)

The second generation of the Lamborghini Gallardo was kicked-off by the arrival of the LP 560-4 Coupé, which was first unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. This Gallardo was a thoroughly refreshed version of its predecessor, featuring a myriad of improvements from the ground up. At the center of this would be a new 5.2L engine with direct fuel injection and a revamped E-gear transmission with Corsa (Race) mode.

This made for a drivetrain which was simply better all-around; it now produced 552 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 398 ft-lbs of torque at 6,500 rpm, while fuel consumption and emissions were simultaneously reduced by 18%. It shifted a lot quicker too - up to 40% faster in Corsa mode - while traction control systems were rejigged to become less intrusive without being stripped of their effectiveness in keeping things safe when needed. The end product resulted in the LP 560-4 being able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 325 km/h.

Featuring a newly constructed aluminum spaceframe, the car is also lighter and more rigid than ever before, while achieving an ideal 43%/57% weight distribution. Augmented by a redesigned suspension and braking system, the car’s handling and stability has been significantly improved upon and is also notably comfortable to drive in any circumstance.

On the outside the Gallardo had also taken on a new persona, with many of the new design cues being inspired by the Murciélago and Reventón. New headlights and taillights showcased enhanced and modern features, while a pointier and more streamlined silhouette gave the car an even more aggressive and exotic vibe. Thanks to the improvements in its design, the Gallardo was ultimately more effective at cooling, had a better aerodynamic shape and was a tad lighter (20 kg) than the first generation car.

To accommodate the increasingly higher industry standards for comfort and luxury, the second-gen car also came standard with high-tech amenities and features such as dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlights and electronically adjustable seats. Optional features such as navigation, a rearview camera and a front-axle lift system were also made available. The car could be further customized through the “Ad Personam” program.

Following the first generation blueprint, Spyder and Superleggera versions of the LP 560-4 were introduced shortly after, appearing in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The Superleggera weighed just 1,340 kg and also benefited from a 10 hp bump over the other models. In combination, this improved performance figures significantly, allowing the Superleggera to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, on its way to its top speed of 329 km/h.

Other standard models to be released during the second generation lifecycle included the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante and the LP 550-2 Coupé and Spyder. The former variant is essentially a convertible version of the Superleggera. The latter variant is a rear-wheel drive version of the Gallardo, which would also become the lowest-priced model in the range when it was introduced in 2010.

Special Editions / One-Off Models

Quite an extensive number of limited and special edition versions of the Gallardo were also released over the years, many of which were exclusively made for specific regions and markets. We’ll dive deeper into those cars in the “Variants” and “In Depth Guides” sections below.

End of Production

With a new successor - the Lamborghini Huracán - waiting in the wings and scheduled to debut in 2014, the Italian marque would close the curtains on the Gallardo’s storied appearance at the end of 2013.

For its swan song, a Rosso Mars LP 570-4 Spyder Performante was the last Gallardo to roll off the production line at the Santa’Agata Bolognese factory, and would immediately become part of a private collection.

It would mark the last of 14,022 units produced during the 10-year production run, of which approximately 69% were Coupés and 31% were Spyders. The Gallardo would also become the last Lamborghini production model to feature a manual transmission.

Motorsport

The first appearance by the Lamborghini Gallardo in a sanctioned motorsport series took place in 2007, when the car was entered into the FIA GT3 Championship that year. The car was converted to rear-wheel drive to satisfy competition rules and was fashioned with Brembo racing brakes and OZ Racing wheels. The Gallardo was also popular in the GT300 class of the Japanese Super GT Championship, where it was also converted to rear-wheel drive and featured an engine restricted to 296 hp and a twin-clutch sequential gearbox.

In 2009, Lamborghini created a one-make series exclusively for the Gallardo. The car used in the competition was known as the Gallardo LP 560-4 Super Trofeo, which was a stripped-down race version of its recently introduced LP 560-4 road car. It featured a reworked chassis, significant aerodynamic enhancements, and slight tweaks to the engine to make it perform better under the increased strain.

Prepared by the Reiter Engineering Group, all of these modifications could be purchased as a package via Lamborghini dealerships and added on to existing cars. The cost: US$284,300, with complimentary trackside support. The Super Trofeo would go on to compete in other series such as ALMS, Speed World Challenge and Race of Champions.

We’ll dive deeper into those cars in the “Variants” and “In Depth Guides” sections below.

Reception & Legacy

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the Lamborghini Gallardo lived up to all the hype. Afterall, it has the sales figures to back it up and still remains the automaker’s best selling car of all time - that pretty much says it all, right there.

And with that said, a car like the Gallardo was always destined to be more than just a commercial success for Lamborghini. The Gallardo has gone on to become a memorable figure in pop culture and automotive enthusiast circles alike, while serving as the benchmark for the great Lamborghini cars which followed; particularly the Huracán.

Within the Lamborghini hierarchy, there were also some concerns at the beginning that the Gallardo being exclusively all-wheel-drive, would hurt sales. This turned out not to be the case, and the company eventually produced a rear-wheel-drive variant in the LP 550-2 anyway.

The car is widely well-received amongst both influential and grassroot establishments, with automotive journalism powerhouse, Top Gear, naming it their “Dream Car of the Year” and “Car of the Year” in 2006 and 2009 respectively. They are typically a fixture in exotic car enthusiast clubs around the world, such as those which organize the popular “Cars and Coffee” meet-ups and events.

Over time, the Lamborghini Gallardo proved to be generally reliable and problem free, particularly when properly maintained and not abused. The most significant issue that has been documented is clutch failure (especially with E-gear) - usually the result of abuse - and they are very expensive to replace. Otherwise, ownership costs fall in line with other makes and models in its class.

There is however, one complaint about the Gallardo that seems to be universal. The doors. Yes, the doors. Thanks to pop culture, social media and even video games, there is a misguided expectation that all Lamborghini cars (at least ones that resemble the Gallardo) have scissor doors.

In fact, scissor doors have become so synonymous with the Lamborghini brand that they are often referred to simply as “lambo doors”, regardless of what brand or type of car they are on. The irony here of course, is that there are no scissor doors - and therefore, no lambo doors - on the Lamborghini Gallardo. Thankfully, there is no shortage of conversion kits out there to give your Gallardo the doors that it deserves.

Lamborghini Gallardo prices when new?

The very first Gallardo Coupé released in 2003 had a base price of US$165,900. The first generation cars would get more expensive over the years, but did also get refreshed with better components and significant upgrades in 2005, driving up prices for all trims closer to the $200k mark by 2008.

The second generation cars, beginning with the LP 560-4 Coupé in 2008, had a base price of US$198,000. When the LP 550-2 Coupé was released in 2010, it became the lowest priced Gallardo in the lineup, with a base price of US$187,900.

Similar to the first-gen models, prices would increase incrementally over the years to account for factors such as inflation, updates and the addition of more features. Due to the inherent nature of the limited edition models, most of them were sold at prices well in excess of US$1 million.

Lamborghini Gallardo prices currently (used market)?

It’s not difficult to find early first-gen examples of the Gallardo going for under $100k in the used market (US), even with lower mileage. Later examples of such cars will often creep above the $100k mark. This applies mainly to Coupé and Spyder variants - expect first-gen Superleggera examples to command a premium of at least $50k over the aforementioned.

Right now, low mileage second-gen examples - starting with early versions of the LP 560-4 - command about $120k to start. More rare variants - such as the Superleggera, Spyder Performante or the 2013 refresh models - will have a premium over those cars ranging anywhere from $50k to $100k.

If you are keen on something even more rare, like one of the cars listed in the “Limited Edition / One-Off Models” section, your best bet is to hit up auction sites such as RM Sotheby’s and Barret-Jackson and see what’s available or has been sold in the past. Expect such cars to fetch prices with six zeros behind them.

Lamborghini Gallardo top speed?

The 2003 Lamborghini Gallardo Coupé had a top speed of 192 mph. The car was capable of even greater limits with subsequent model years, updates and trims. At the end of its production run, the refreshed 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 could hit a top speed of 202 mph, matching that of the LP 570-4 Superleggera which had the highest top speed of all the production Gallardo variants.

Lamborghini Gallardo Oil Change Cost

An oil change for a Lamborghini Gallardo can be pricey compared to most standard vehicles due to the use of high-performance, specialized oil and the labor involved. An oil change could cost around $500 - $800, but prices may vary based on location, labor rates, and the exact type of oil used.

Lamborghini Gallardo Gas Mileage & MPG

The Gallardo is not known for its fuel efficiency. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2014 Gallardo (the last model year) was 13 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. These numbers could vary slightly depending on driving conditions and driving style.

Lamborghini Gallardo reliability and maintenance costs? (monthly payment)

Over time, the Lamborghini Gallardo proved to be generally reliable and problem free, particularly when properly maintained and not abused. Many owners have attributed this to “Audi reliability”.

The most significant issue that has been documented is clutch failure (especially with E-gear) - usually the result of abuse - and they are very expensive to replace (around US$10,000).

Otherwise, ownership costs fall in line with other makes and models in its class, which means you should be setting aside $1,000 to $1,500 every year for routine maintenance items. We suggest you strictly adhere to these schedules, as putting off regular servicing could be much more costly in the long run.

In 2012, Lamborghini issued a recall for around 1,500 Gallardo Coupé and Spyder models from model years 2004 to 2006. For these particular models, there was a possibility of power steering fluid leaking and causing fires. If you are shopping for a used example which falls into this category, be sure to complete your due diligence to ensure this issue has been rectified.

Lamborghini Gallardo Monthly Payment

A used Gallardo might cost between $100,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on the model, year, and condition. For example, if you bought a Gallardo for $150,000, put 20% down ($30,000), and took out a 60-month loan at a 4% interest rate, your monthly payment would be around $2,220. But remember, actual prices and rates could be different now.

Lamborghini Gallardo competitors and rivals?

Ferrari F430, Porsche 911 Turbo (996, 997), Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Lamborghini Gallardo 0-60 times?

First generation Coupé and Spyder models were capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in the low 4-second range, while the Superleggera did so in 3.8 seconds.

With the improved 5.2L engines, the second generation LP 560-4 Coupé and Spyder models broke into the mid-to-high 3-second range, with the former being the quicker of the two. The Superleggera and Spyder Performante were the fastest in the range, capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive LP 550-2 variants were just as quick to 60 mph as their all-wheel-drive counterparts thanks to having less weight, which countered the traction disadvantage.

Lamborghini Gallardo 1/4 Mile Time

• 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo: The original model could do a quarter-mile in approximately 12.1 seconds.

• Lamborghini Gallardo SE: This special edition model produced in 2005 had a reported quarter-mile time of around 12.0 seconds.

• Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder: The convertible version of the Gallardo, released in 2006, had a quarter-mile time around 12.2 seconds.

• Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4: Introduced in 2008, this updated Gallardo could do a quarter-mile in approximately 11.8 seconds.

• Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera: The high-performance model of the Gallardo, released in 2010, was capable of running the quarter-mile in about 11.6 seconds.

• Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante: The high-performance convertible, released in 2011, had a quarter-mile time around 11.7 seconds.