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Model biography
The Gallardo fulfilled the vision identified by Audi in 1998, which recognized the need for a second model range to ensure industrial continuity and support the sale of the V12-powered models. The new ownership shared that vision and believed that it would make the product line more robust. In practice, what was needed was a Lamborghini that retained all the classic characteristics of the brand, but which was smaller, more practical and easier to manage than a 12-cylinder super sports car. With these design targets in mind, the Gallardo was created in 2003. The extraordinary commercial success of the car opened the doors to its descendants, the Huracan and Temerario.
Model biography
The Gallardo fulfilled the vision identified by Audi in 1998, which recognized the need for a second model range to ensure industrial continuity and support the sale of the V12-powered models. The new ownership shared that vision and believed that it would make the product line more robust. In practice, what was needed was a Lamborghini that retained all the classic characteristics of the brand, but which was smaller, more practical and easier to manage than a 12-cylinder super sports car. With these design targets in mind, the Gallardo was created in 2003. The extraordinary commercial success of the car opened the doors to its descendants, the Huracan and Temerario.
The Gallardo, with its 5-liter V10 engine that produced 510 horsepower (at the time of its debut), was fun to drive in all conditions, but it particularly excelled on the fast, winding roads that normally were the natural home of the V12. The Gallardo was launched as a four-wheel drive car, but it could also be produced with rear wheel drive only. Options including both manual and automatic gear shifting, and an open or closed roof. Performance increased until it eventually produced 570 CV from its 5.2-liter engine. When it went out of production at the end of 2013, more than 14,000 units had been produced.
Design
The shape of the Gallardo started from a one-off design created by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Italdesign, the Calà project. It was then delivered to Lamborghini’s Centro Stile under Luc Donckerwolke to develop the project and define the final shape. Despite its small size, the Gallardo is easily recognizable even at first glance as a Lamborghini. During its 10 years of production, the Gallardo evolved into numerous special series, identifiable by specific technical or stylistic characteristics. Two of them, the Gallardo Superleggera (2007) and the 560-4 (2008) bore the stylistic signature of Filippo Perini who, had taken over as head of the Centro Stile.
Technical features
The Gallardo was the first Lamborghini to be equipped with a 10-cylinder engine, which was mounted longitudinally at the rear. The engine was designed with a 90-degree vee angle and a dry sump lubrication system. Both design features lower the center of gravity. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The engine featured advanced direct injection technology. The four-wheel-drive system used the viscous coupling system while the gearbox was a 6-speed manual or, on request, a sequential E-gear.
Technical features
The Gallardo was the first Lamborghini to be equipped with a 10-cylinder engine, which was mounted longitudinally at the rear. The engine was designed with a 90-degree vee angle and a dry sump lubrication system. Both design features lower the center of gravity. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The engine featured advanced direct injection technology. The four-wheel-drive system used the viscous coupling system while the gearbox was a 6-speed manual or, on request, a sequential E-gear.
To meet the specific needs of an ever-growing number of buyers, the Gallardo had to evolve—both in terms of design and mechanical features. The Gallardo Superleggera had a weight reduction of 100kg compared to the standard car, which immediately became apparent when driving the car. The Tecnica was a further development of the Superleggera, delivering 570 CV with a weight of 1340kg. That gave it a weight-power ratio of 2.35 kg/ CV. The Gallardo starred in multiple music videos including a hit released in India, entitled "Lamberghini", where the "e" is not a mistake, but is read as an "o". It was also featured in an episode of the cartoon "The Simpsons". Today, the Gallardo is one of the most popular collector's cars, thanks to its combination of style and performance and a build quality and reliability. Among the favorites, regardless of the type of body or the specific version, are the cars equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. Although these were not as fast as the sequential shift cars, they are rarer and considered more engaging to drive.
To meet the specific needs of an ever-growing number of buyers, the Gallardo had to evolve—both in terms of design and mechanical features. The Gallardo Superleggera had a weight reduction of 100kg compared to the standard car, which immediately became apparent when driving the car. The Tecnica was a further development of the Superleggera, delivering 570 CV with a weight of 1340kg. That gave it a weight-power ratio of 2.35 kg/ CV. The Gallardo starred in multiple music videos including a hit released in India, entitled "Lamberghini", where the "e" is not a mistake, but is read as an "o". It was also featured in an episode of the cartoon "The Simpsons". Today, the Gallardo is one of the most popular collector's cars, thanks to its combination of style and performance and a build quality and reliability. Among the favorites, regardless of the type of body or the specific version, are the cars equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. Although these were not as fast as the sequential shift cars, they are rarer and considered more engaging to drive.
