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Lamborghini Gallardo

The long awaited Lamborghini Gallardo was introduced during the 2003 edition of the Geneva Auto Show, drawing a lot of attention. The styling of this new Lamborghini model was very refreshing, somewhat angular but very different from anything Automobili Lamborghini SpA ever offered in the past, Fabrizio Giugiaro (ItalDesign/Giugiaro) sketched the original design but Luc Donckerwolcke at the new Lamborghini Centro Stile did the final touches.

By using a rather long wheelbase and short overhang to both the front and rear, the initial impression of the Gallardo was rather muscular and dynamic, while retaining a ‘compact’ look.
The ‘forward leaning’ side view mirrors tend to create an impression of motion, even at a standstill. According to some sources, the design of the new Gallardo was actually inspired by modern fighter jets.

The front of the Gallardo remained rather similar to the Murcielago, the ‘big brother’ to this new model, with the same basic shape of the air intakes in the massive bumper/spoiler combination leading towards two water radiators and an oil cooler.

The headlights are razor-sharp looking, and when seen from the side, the most eye-catching items would be the air intakes and the special way the exterior mirrors were mounted. The Gallardo features large side intakes that start on the doors and cut deeply into the bodywork to allow fresh air into the engine compartment, additional intakes mounted on the wide shoulders ensures this mighty V10 engine gets the cool air it needs to breath.

Using a dry sump lubrication system, the engine could be mounted very low into the chassis, the actual center of gravity of the Gallardo is situated at only 46 cm from the ground, with four valves per cylinder, dual-length intake manifolds, variable control for both intake and exhaust valves, this new engine pumps out 500 Bhp at 7800 rpm, with a torque value of 510 Nm at 4500 rpm, 80 percent of which is already available at only 1500 rpm, driving sensations guaranteed... The doors on the Lamborghini Gallardo open in the traditional way, the impressive upward swinging doors remain reserved for the big V12 powered model, another way of distinguishing the Gallardo from the Murcielago, but just like on the latter, the Gallardo has a rear wing installed that changes its angle according to the speed of the car, at 130 Km/h it moves into the upward position resulting in nearly zero upward force at high speeds, while below 80 Km/h it would return to its original state, flush with the rest of the car.

The interior of the Gallardo also means business, very functional and finished in the finest materials, an optional E-gear will get rid of the gearshift lever on the central console, and adds two levers behind the steering wheel to control the sequential gearbox.

The cars with the optional e-Gear have a reprogrammed ESP system, allowing a more sporty way of driving because the threshold of activation for the ESP has been increased.

Now when it comes to the driving experience it’s the sound that grabs you: flatter, fatter, deeper, thrumming as no V-8 or V-12 would. Strange, yet wonderful. An undeniable sound of power. This new and unique motive force is but one factor that makes the Gallardo a different breed of bull. And something also quite different from its crosstown rival, Ferrari’s benchmark 360 Modena.

Floor the throttle and enjoy the Gallardo’s many aural pleasures. You’ll hear a trumpeting sound from its anti-aircraft-gunsize exhaust pipes, while the intake roar yields a different, reedy harmonic. Listen to the gentle mechanical whir from the 10-cylinder wonder just aft of your right shoulder. Cock your head, and you’ll pick up the faint, polished whine from the gearbox and all-wheel-drive system. De-freaking-licious.