Hyundai Elantra Launch Review
American Honda Civic Sedan spied for the first tim...
Jaguar to preview 2012 XK with Paris concept
Audi Downsizes
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo Sports Car – First Drive Review
The high-performance Lamborghini Gallardo represents the essence of exotic ultra-luxury. Unlike other Lamborghinis, the Gallardo is intended to perform well as an everyday driver as well as a racing machine. After extensive exterior and mechanical upgrades for 2009, the Gallardo adds a new limited-edition Valentino Balboni version for 2010.
The 2010 Gallardo — dubbed LP 560-4 — is available as a coupe or Spyder convertible. The Balboni edition is dubbed LP 550-2. The Gallardo competes with the Ferrari F430 and Audi R8.
With the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini has created a driving experience like absolutely no other – fascinating design, breathtaking performance and extreme handling characteristics come together with all the sensual intensity and open-air pleasure that only a soft top super sports car can deliver.
Exterior
The 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4’s exterior was refreshed last year with changes that left reviewers mostly impressed. The new car’s styling is at once more aggressive and more elegant than before. Unlike the Murcielago’s scissors-style doors, the Gallardo has conventional front-hinged doors. The body sits low to the ground and has big side scoops and sharp edges and curves. The cab-forward cockpit is integrated into the body, giving it a wedge-shaped profile.
- Bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps
- Rear spoiler automatically deploys at high speeds
- Power soft-top on Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder operates in about 20 seconds
- 19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires
- Balboni edition has unique paint, custom suspension
Interior
Though the Gallardo is a performance-oriented car, it isn’t without its luxuries. The cabin seats two, and an Ad Personam program allows customers to choose any interior color and trim combination.
- Standard leather upholstery; optional Alcantara upholstery and headliner
- Standard dual-zone climate control
- Optional heated seats, navigation system
- Optional carbon fiber trim
- Trunk located under the hood, with 3.9 cubic feet of cargo space
Under the Hood
Built with an aluminum body and space frame, all Gallardos but the Valentino Balboni have all-wheel drive.
- 5.2-liter V-10 withdirect-injection
- 552 horsepower, 398 pounds-feet of torque
- All-wheel-drive system distributes 30 percent of power to the front wheels; system can be adjusted as needed
- Rear-wheel-drive Valentino Balboni edition has 543 hp, 398 pounds-feet of torque
- Six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual
- Optional ceramic brakes
- Zero to 60 mph in under 4 seconds
Engine
The engine of the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is a completely new development. All that remains is the number of cylinders, – that magical ten – which provides a perfect synthesis of high-revs, pulling power, athletic agility, compact dimensions and low weight that is unique within this performance class.
According to Lamborghini, the 2010 Gallardo LP560-4 coupe has a top speed of 202 mph and can blast from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It handles well in twists and turns too.
An even more powerful engine, permanent all-wheel drive and an all-new chassis mean that the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers yet another significant increase in performance against its predecessor. With its innovative design, the new LP 560-4 Spyder takes the unique Lamborghini styling ethic to the next level; the Spyder displays this powerful and elegant design language with even greater distinctiveness, making it all the more unmistakable. The bodyshell also incorporates the highest levels of passive safety. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder even fulfills European directives for pedestrian protection that are not yet mandatory. Furthermore, the geometry of the entire front end of the car has been optimized, with a special combination of materials behind the front bumper that serve to absorb impact forces.
Unlike most Lamborghinis from the past, the Gallardo is pretty driver-friendly, with a civilized and comfortable cabin, top-notch materials and tasteful design. By comparison, many precious Lamborghinis were saddled with hot and stifling cockpits, poor visibility and questionable ergonomics.
Whichever Gallardo tickles your fancy, there’s no doubt that this futuristic wedgelike supercar will attract attention and deliver jaw-dropping performance. At its stratospherically high price, there are a few other exotics that compete against the Gallardo.
Such extreme power must be delivered to the road safely. The driver of a Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder can thus rely on the viscous traction permanent all-wheel drive system – the number 4 in the model name serves as a reminder of this. Located in the driveline is a central viscous coupling, which requires no electronic control. In this Lamborghini-specific configuration, driving power is distributed between front and rear at a standard ratio of 30:70, adapting to variations in road conditions within a matter of milliseconds. A mechanical differential on the rear axle providing up to 45% limited slip, and an electronic differential lock at the front complete the all-wheel drive system.
The new brake system comes with brutal stopping power. At the front, eight-cylinder Brembo calipers grip 14.37 in (365 mm) diameter discs, while four-cylinder callipers and 14 in (356 mm) discs take up the rear. The new disc ventilation also improves brake fade under extreme load conditions.
Highly stable carbon fibre ceramic discs are available as an option. At the front the CCB (Carbon Ceramic Brake) discs measure 15 in (380mm) diameter and at the rear 14 in (356mm). They deliver improved performance with reduced weight. The CCB system significantly reduces weight, which improves dynamics and comfort.
It’s a fantasy, but only to people who don’t have gobs of hedge-fund money. Those with the cash will be satisfied with the reality.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore revealed
The new Bicolore will have a color scheme similar to that of the earlier-generation Gallardo Special Edition, with roof, engine cover and rear spoiler painted in “Noctis Black.” The rest of the vehicle can be sprayed in one of five colors: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum.
Satellite navigation, rearview camera, carbon-ceramic disc brakes and heated seats are some of the many options customers can add to their special-edition Gallardos.
“With the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore, Lamborghini demonstrates once again the extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian nature of our brand,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The super sports cars from Lamborghini combine volcanic energy with design that is as unique as it is stylish.”
The Bicolore is the latest in a long line of variations for the Gallardo LP, preceded by the LP 560-4, the LP 560-4 Spyder, the LP 550-2 Balboni Edition, the LP 570-4 Blancpain Edition, the LP 570-4 Superleggera and the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante.
More than 10,000 Gallardos have rolled out of the Italian production facility, which makes it the most-produced vehicle from Lamborghini in the company’s history.
While the Bicolore Edition is at the Qatar show, it might join the company display at the Geneva motor show in March, where Lamborghini plans to unveil to the public its new flagship, the LP 700.
Lamborghini Reventon 2009
Lamborghini, is known for its dynamic looks, force and power of its monstrous engine, and of course by its value. This year, Lamborghini Motors has produced another monster, the Lamborghini Reventon. A new model of Lamborghini has been promoted and presented on the market. It is called Reventon and it is said to be the most outrageous Lamborghini ever made. Its production is limited to 20 models and it was sold out before the cars were even made.
The cost of owning the Lamburghini Reventon is 1,000,000 Euros (1.6 million dollars). It has the most power Lamborghini engine and it is the fastest Lamborghini out there. It has a powerful 640 bhp V12 engine which enable it to accelerate from from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 secs and reach a top speed of 211 mph. Everything about the car, from the LCD dials in the dash to the angled carbon-fiber body, was inspired by fighter jets.
The V12 engine is a masterpiece of Italian engineering. Two chains drive its four camshafts that, in turn, operate the 48 valves. Together with the three-phase adjustable intake manifold, the variable valve timing delivers a meaty torque build-up. Dry sump lubrication ensures that the hi-tech power unit has a constant supply of oil, even under heavy lateral acceleration. The absence of the oil sump means a low mounting position – benefitting the car’s outstanding handling characteristics.
The twelve-cylinder engine that powers the Reventón Roadster is a Lamborghini icon – and the technical feature that defines the character of the car. It is one of the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated engines. With a compression ratio of 11 : 1 and a displacement of 6496 cc (396.41 in3,) it generates 670 PS (493 kW) at 8,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) kicks in at 6,000 rpm.
The car resembles the Murcielago with it’s acute and obtuse angles. The front intakes and the rear cluster are extended so that it gives the car a new look which make the car looks like a batmobile. The Lamborghini Reventon has a two-tone Alcantara interior. Another marvelous characteristics that this car has are the electronic instruments: G-Force-Meter- is the one that gives this car am incredible drive force, longitudinal acceleration.
The powerful arrowhead form at the front, the mighty air intakes pulled way forward, the broad side skirts, the upwards opening scissor doors and the rear end with its menacing edges – the Roadster is clad in a design of maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Details set stylish accents, such as headlamps featuring bi-xenon units with LEDs forming the daytime running lights and indicators. The rear lamps are also equipped with LEDs.
The wheels of the Reventón Roadster also incorporate the interplay of matt and glossy elements. The five spokes of the rims each bear a Y-form, and on each spoke are mounted small crescent-shaped wings made from matte carbon. These provide not only an unusual visual impact, but also a turbine effect that further improves cooling of the mighty ceramic brake discs.
2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 Superveloce
Lamborghini at 2009 Geneva Motor Show – hits back with it’s 2010 Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the fastest and most pure sports car ever the made. It indicates that car will pick up the ‘LP 670-4’ designation, suggesting it will output 670hp (500kW) and retain an AWD system. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Coupe 2009
The 2009 Gallardo is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury sports car, available in one trim only, the LP560-4 Coupe. The Gallardo is equipped with a standard 5.2-liter, V10, 552-horsepower engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2009 Gallardo is freshened for 2009.
