The exotic 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (Longitudinale Posteriore, or mid-mounted engine, 560 hp, 4-wheel drive) sports car comes in two body styles, coupe and Spyder. With a new 560-horsepower, 5.2L V10 engine powering just 3,300 pounds, both body styles are among the fastest production vehicles on the market today. Lamborghini claims 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph. Things are fractionally slower with the Spyder.
The Gallardo's 5.2L V10 engine, mounted longitudinally over the rear wheels, follows a 90-degree design and utilizes variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder for optimum performance. Compression is up from the previous 11:1 to 12.5:1. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a standard 6-speed manual or optional "e.gear" transmission--an electronically controlled sequential gearbox. The system is completely revised for 2009 and shifts up to 40% faster than the previous transmission. Five modes are programmed: Normal, which allows manual gear selection; Sport, which makes faster yet sharper shifts; Corsa, a track-ready shift map; Thrust, for optimal launch control; 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 viscous traction all-wheel drive system, which at constant speed brings 70% 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. Carbon Ceramic discs are optional on the Gallardo and deliver much improved performance and reduced unsprung weight.
Dual-zone air conditioning, central locking, bi-xenon headlamps, and a 6-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 and retracts automatically, helps increase stability at high speeds by creating downforce.
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.
Lamborghini has introduced an owner customization program called Ad Personam, which allows owners to outfit their LP560-4 Gallardos exactly as they desire. The program's motto, "Think the Impossible," includes special matte colors like Nero Nemesis (black), Bianco Canopus (white) and Marrone Apus (brown).
Sexy Supercar Shape
All-wheel-drive Traction
Great V10 Sounds
Performance Bragging Rights
Lamborghini's popular Gallardo hits the ground running in 2009. Gone is the Superleggera, as well as last year's base model, and in their place is the Gallardo LP560-4 in both coupe and Spyder form. Their 5.2L, 553-horsepower V10 replaces the outgoing 5.0L unit and its 520 horses.
Suspension has been revised for an even sportier feel, and subtle styling treatment to the front and rear update the supercar's angular looks. The Lambo's slick semi-automatic transmission known as "e.gear" has been revised to deliver gear changes up to 40% faster, according to the manufacturer. The system now also incorporates a launch control called "Thrust Mode." Overall, the 2009 Gallardo weighs about 45 pounds less than its predecessor, and Lamborghini calls it good to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph.
The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo's sexy shape is reason enough for most prospective supercar buyers, along with performance that ranks among the best of any street-legal production vehicle. It's become one of the most popular supercars of this decade, with a shape that really does look like it's moving fast even when it's standing still. The addition of extra ponies while also reducing weight in 2009 makes the Gallardo even more attractive to those with a need for speed.
