Lamborghini's Updated Bull
By Stuart Schwartzapfel, Team Speed Editor
Post Date: 12/03/08

• Base Vehicle Price: $198,000
• Engine: 5.2L V10
• Power: 560HP, 398 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: 6-Speed MT or E-Gear
• Drive Type: Permanent 4WD with viscous traction system
• Curb Weight: 3307 lbs.
• EPA Fuel Economy Estimates [City/Highway]: 14/20 MPG (E-Gear)

Fast Fact: The Gallardo debuted in 2003 and is the most successful Lamborghini of all time with 7,100 produced to date.

Hey Speed Freaks,

Heaps of stereotypical imagery springs to mind when envisioning the typical super car owner. Male and decidedly self-assured, most likely. 40-50 year old Hedge fund manager, seems logical. Has a trophy wife that has seen more cuts than a movie set, sounds about right. And while this 26-year-old journalist's annual salary likely resembles the aforementioned guy's monthly Amex bill, Lamborghini was still eager to get my feedback on their latest and greatest offering, the 2009 Gallardo LP560-4 [denotes the HP rating and AWD].

As far as exotic vehicles go, Lamborghinis are pretty damn flashy. Their razor sharp bodywork, gaping air damns and super loud color choices make them the couture cousin to more "functional" offerings from fellow countrymen at Ferrari. Hey, nobody is denying that Ferraris are utterly beautiful machines, but your respect for them really stems from a heritage rooted in technological prowess and racetrack capability. But while Enzo Ferrari viewed the production of street cars as a fundraiser for racing endeavors, Ferruccio Lamborghini regarded racing as a costly exercise that demanded too much company time and energy. This stark difference in beginnings likely accounts for the contrasting personalities between the two premier Italian brands. Put quite simply, the Gallardo doesn't need to go racing because it looks and plays the part just fine.

After taking delivery of my $255,690 test car, the plan was to blast out to the Hamptons for a weekend of fun with what I was told to be, at the time, the only LP560-4 in NY. Any Lamborghini owner will quickly learn how to pack light for road trips. The trunk, which is actually up front, can barely swallow a gym bag. And despite its impressive performance credentials, like a top speed of 202 MPH, this Gallardo is packed with luxurious amenities like a rear view camera, GPS Navigation and Blue-tooth connectivity. A suede-like material called Alcantara is pleasing to the touch and bathes most of the interior as well. All in, the worth of my tester's options exceeded $55K, about the cost of a brand new BMW M3 sedan.

This second generation Gallardo builds off of the success of the original with, amongst other changes, revised styling to the front and rear and numerous upgrades to the engine. Although subtle, the styling changes do wonders in updating Gallardo's fashion forward persona. Tailpipes are now integrated into the rear valence and the front end pays homage to sibling Reventon. The extra power [HP is up 40] can be attributed to lighter weight [down 44 pounds], a new direct injection system and upgraded variable valve timing. My test car was fitted with the E-gear transmission, a $10,000 option, which has been completely redesigned for the LP560-4 [shift times are down 40%]. The Gallardo LP560-4's aerodynamic efficiency has also been increased by 31%, which aids it in reaching a top speed 202 MPH.

But all the fancy frills were of no use to me as the only soundtrack that mattered was the one coming from the dual exhaust pipes in back. The mid mounted V10, which produces 560 HP at 8,000 RPM, positively wails as you bury the needle deeper and deeper into the tach. To say the car is quick doesn't quite cover it. It's stupid, violent, crazy fast. And as you rapidly negotiate through the quick shifting E-Gear transmission [a $10,000 option], it is easy to forget that 124 MPH comes in less than 12 seconds [0-60 MPH in 3.7 seconds]. It’s not like your inconspicuous or anything; my test car was bright orange for Christ sake. Lamborghini calls the special paint, a $3,390 option, "Arancio Borealis". So if you would like to remain out of handcuffs, don't forget to utilize the optional Carbon Ceramic brakes [a $15,600 option], which provide 1.2 g's of stopping power.

Until next time

 

Nice write up as always Stuart!

 

beautiful pictures, nothing looks better than Lambo Orange!

 

That Lamborghini makes me forget what year it is. Great pictures thanks for sharing.

 

Great write-up!

 

Awesome writeup! I can't believe the options list alone was $55K!!! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

 

Thanks for the great read. This car is growing on me slowly...still not a fan of the rear.

 

Excellent write up and pics

 

Great writing is why Stu works for Business week

 

Great write up.