The exotic Lamborghini Gallardo sports car comes in two body styles for 2007--coupe and Spyder. With a 520-horsepower, 5.0L V10 engine powering less than 3,500 pounds, both body styles are among the fastest production vehicles on the market today. The Spyder can accelerate to 62 mph in only 4.3 seconds and can go 195 mph with the top up.
The Gallardo's V10 engine, mounted over the rear wheels, follows a 90-degree design and has features such as variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder for optimum performance. Power is delivered through a standard six-speed manual or optional "e.gear" transmission--an electronically controlled sequential gearbox. The e.gear system comes with three modes: normal, which allows manual gear selection; sport, which makes faster yet sharper shifts; and automatic, for smoother shifts more like a conventional automatic.
Traction for all that power is more assured than might be expected, thanks to the standard VT (viscous traction) all-wheel-drive system, which at constant speed brings 70 percent of engine power to the rear wheels but varies the ratio for best traction and stability. A mechanical limited-slip differential is used in back, and an electronic one is used in front.
The Gallardo comes from the factory ready for the track, with a power-steering cooler, Z-rated Pirelli tires, a performance driving mode for the stability control system, and powerful Brembo brakes with eight pistons in front. The braking system can pull 1.1 g on dry surfaces, according to Lamborghini.
Dual-zone air conditioning, central locking, bi-xenon headlamps, and a six-CD sound system, are all on the standard-equipment list. Head and thorax side air bags are standard, too. Notable options include heated mirrors, a navigation system, a video rearview camera, a garage door opener, and an onboard computer.
The Gallardo's design was heavily influenced by contemporary aircraft construction. The cockpit is far forward within the car, and the windshield is one of the most sharply raked in any vehicle. A rear spoiler, which automatically deploys at about 75 mph and retracts when speed lowers to about 55 mph, helps increase stability at high speeds by creating down force.
The Spyder has a power-operated convertible soft top that can be fully opened or closed in about 20 seconds, along with a fully retractable glass window, which can serve as a wind deflector with the top open. And when the top is open, it stows within a special carbon-fiber engine hood. The Spyder's eye-catching and different design is enhanced by the absence of roll bars--pop-up safety bars are deployed when a rollover is anticipated.
Sexy Supercar Shape
All-wheel-drive Traction
Performance Bragging Rights.
Two new body colors are available for the Lamborghini Gallardo for 2007--Celeste Phoebe and Verde Picus--and a new interior scheme is now offered with Marrone Janus (brown) and Bianco Polar contrasts along with coordinated Marrone Janus carpets. Silver "Callisto" or titanium "Cassiopea" wheels are now available as part of the "Privilegio" customization program, plus yellow or silver brake calipers. Also, the special-edition "Nera" is being offered in a limited edition of 185 vehicles worldwide; it includes a special matte-black exterior, black-and-white interior, and several special features such as a height-adjustable suspension.
Also, later in the model year, the Spyder will be available in new top colors other than black, including blue, gray, and beige.
The 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo's sexy supercar shape is reason enough for most people thinking of buying a Gallardo, along with performance that ranks among the best of any street-legal production vehicle. It's become one of the poster cars of this decade, with a shape that really does look like it's moving fast even when it's standing still.
