LP560-4 2dr All-wheel Drive Coupe
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo

Since 2003, more than 8,500 Lamborghinis bearing the Gallardo name have been produced at their home facility in Sant'Agata, Bolognese. Technically, the Gallardo is considered to be an entry-level Lamborghini, and to date, it has become one of the most popular supercars of the 21st Century.

For 2010, the Gallardo comes in three trims: the LP560-4 Coupe, the LP560-4 Convertible Spyder, and the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni coupe. (LP stands for Longitudinale Posteriore, the 560 and 550 designate the horsepower and the -4 or -2 indicate all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, respectively.) All trims are 2-door and come with a 5.2L V10 engine, offering 560 horsepower at 8000 rpm (except for the Valentino Balboni, which offers 550 horsepower at 8000 rpm) and 540 pounds-feet of torque at 6500 rpm.

The Gallardo's engine is mounted longitudinally over the rear wheels, follows a 90-degree design and utilizes variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder for optimum performance. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a standard 6-speed manual or optional "e.gear" transmission, which is an electronically controlled sequential gearbox. Five modes are programmed: Normal, which allows for manual gear selection; Sport, which makes for 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. The Gallardo weighs about 3,300 pounds and has a top speed of 202 mph. Performance measures are fractionally slower for the Spyder.

Traction for all that power is assured, thanks to the standard viscous traction all-wheel drive system, which at constant speeds 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 un-sprung weight.

Just about everything imaginable and available for a vehicle comes as standard equipment on all Lamborghini Gallardos. Standard equipment on the Valentino edition also includes a navigation system, rear parking aid, backup camera and wireless hookup. Options across the lineup include a customized vehicle alarm, universal garage door opener, heated seats with lumbar and, as mentioned earlier, an automatic transmission with dual shift mode.

Standard safety includes antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, a full complement of airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, anti-skid, brake assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. Rollover protection is available only on the convertible Spyder.

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 deploys and retracts automatically, helps increase stability at high speeds by creating downforce.

The Spyder has a power-operated convertible …
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