LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO 2010: OVERVIEW

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

The 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo (guy-YARD-oh) should not see many major changes. This all-wheel-drive exotic should remain the Italian company’s entry-level car. The car should come in LP560-4 hardtop and LP560-4 Spyder convertible versions. The Spyder convertible has a power-folding soft top. Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program, new last year, should remain available. This program allows personalization of the car with new paint finishes and interior materials. All Gallardos should remain all-wheel drive and use the LP560-4′s direct-injection 560-hp 5.2-liter V10. Transmission choices should include the 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic that includes steering-wheel paddles for manual gear selection. Most structural and body components should continue to be made of aluminum or lightweight carbon fiber. Available safety features should be unchanged, including ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that cover the head and torso. Other available features should include a navigation system with TV reception, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, and carbon-ceramic brakes. We have not yet tested an LP560-4.

For 2009, Lamborghini today took the wraps off a more potent version of its Gallardo coupe, called the LP560-4. The car delivers 560 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 398 ft-lbs of torque at 6,500 rpm via a 5.2-liter V10 engine. The car is capable of hitting 62 mph in an amazing 3.7 seconds. The sprint to twice that speed — 124 mph — takes just 11.8 seconds.

The 560 portion of the car’s name reflects its horsepower, while the “4″ designation indicates all-wheel-drive. The “4″ was likely added to the name in anticipation of the forthcoming rear-wheel-drive variant, which will likely end in “2.”

The engine not only gains power and displacement, it also features a new “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” direct injection system. Despite its clearly increased output, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent. With the improved fuel efficiency the LP560-4 is capable of 12/20 city/highway mpg.

The enlarged and clearly redesigned cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine. The front spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.

The redesigned four-wheel-drive system, an improved suspension design, and optimized aerodynamics all contribute an improved driving experience. A weight reduction of 44 lbs and decreased friction between the components also enhance performance.

The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not yet obligatory European pedestrian safety regulations, without compromising the look of the car.

The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned for the LP560. Gear change time reduced by 40 percent, and the driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs. The most performance-oriented “CORSA” setting not only affects shift speed — it also directs the engine for maximum acceleration. The ‘Thrust Mode’ ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are optimized.

An optional carbon-ceramic-disc braking system makes use of eight-piston Brembo calipers up front, and four-piston calipers at he rear. Rotor size is 14.4 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear.

Bi-Xenon headlights provide plenty of illumination at night, while LED daytime running lights give the car a more aggressive and high-tech look.