Review: Lamborghini L140 Gallardo (2003-13)

Review: Lamborghini L140.I Gallardo (2003-05)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the Lamborghini L140 Series I (L140.I) Gallardo was initially available as a all-wheel drive, two-door coupe. Manufactured in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, the L140.I Gallardo was powered by a mid-mounted 5.0-litre V10 petrol engine that was mated to either a six speed manual or semi-automatic ‘E-Gear’ transmission (with steering wheel gearshift paddles).

Engine

The 5.0-litre V10 engine was developed by Lamborghini but shared many technologies with other Audi-developed engines. As such, the 90 degree V10 engine had chain-driven double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing for intake and exhaust valves, a compression ratio of 11.0:1 and dry sump lubrication.

Dimensions

Compared to the related Audi R8 , with which the Gallardo shared elements of its aluminium space frame chassis, the Gallardo was 131 mm shorter (at 4300 mm), 4 mm narrower (1900 mm), 87 mm lower (1165 mm) and had a 90 mm shorter wheelbase (2560 mm).

Suspension

The Gallardo had double wishbone suspension front and rear with self-adjusting Koni FSD dampers.

Viscous Traction system

With the exception of the rear-wheel drive LP550-2 variants, the Gallardo was fitted with a ‘Viscous Traction’ system which provided permanent four-wheel drive with a 30:70 front/rear torque split in normal conditions. However, a viscous coupling centre differential and independent control circuit could adjust the distribution such that up to 100 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to either axle. The Gallardo was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Lamborghini Gallardo included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control. Spyder models – available from 2006 -were also fitted with automatically deploying pop-up roll-over bars.

Brakes

The Gallardo had a Brembo braking package which consisted of 365 mm front disc brakes with eight-piston calipers and 335 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the Lamborghini L140.I Gallardo included 19-inch alloy wheels, a three-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, bi-xenon headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and power folding mirrors.

Review: Lamborghini L140.II Gallardo (2006-13)

Overview

Released in 2006, the L140.II Gallardo introduced a more powerful 5.0-litre V10 engine, a new steering rack for more precise steering, revised suspension, a bi-modal exhaust system and shorter gearing ratios for the first five gears. The Gallardo range was also expanded with a Spyder variant which was fitted with a fully-automated, electro-hydraulic fabric roof which could stow away beneath the carbon-fibre engine cover.

A lightweight Superleggera coupe variant followed in 2007, while the range was revised in 2008 as the original coupe was discontinued and a new 5.2-litre V10 engine was introduced for the LP560-4 variant. The rear-wheel drive LP550-2 was released in 2009, with the LP570-4 Superleggera following in 2010. The full range is given in the table below.

Features

Compared to its L140.I predecessor, standard features for the L140.II Gallardo were largely unchanged. However, the Gallard was updated for the 2008 model year, receiving iPod/USB connectivity, ‘Q-citura’ stitching for the leather upholstery, heated mirrors and an on-board computer. The Spyder models were also fitted with a beige soft-top roof.

2006 Gallardo SE

Arriving in early 2006, the limited-run SE was distinguished by its ‘Calisto’ alloy wheels with painted brake calipers, tinted tail-lights, black finish for the bonnet, spoilers and door mirrors. Inside, the SE had a reversing camera and colour-matched piping and stitching, with Lamborghini shields embossed on the front seat head restraints.

Gallardo Superleggera

In October 2007, the Superleggera variant was released. Compared to the standard Gallardo coupe, the Superleggera was fitted with a more powerful engine and the extensive use of carbon fibre – for the rear underbody, door panels, central tunnel covering, seats and rear wing mirrors – and polycarbonate in place of glass reduced its weight by 100 kg. The Superleggera also featured a four-point racing harness and could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Gallardo LP560-4

In August 2008, the Gallardo LP560-4 coupe was released, with the Spyder version following in late 2009. The LP560-4 was fitted with an all-new engine, 5.2-litre direct-injection V10 engine and revised suspension settings. Furthermore, weight was reduced with an aluminium alloy crankcase and a lighter E-Gear transmission which provided 40 per cent faster gearshifts in ‘Corsa’ mode. The rear disc brakes were also increased to a diameter of 356mm.

Visually, the LP560-4 could be identified by its Y-shaped LED daytime running lights integrated below the bi-xenon headlights, revised front bumpers, LED tail-lights and more prominent rear air-diffuser.

Gallardo LP550-2

In late 2009, the rear-wheel drive LP550-2 Balboni was released. The LP550-2 was fitted with specific suspension springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, revised aerodynamics and different tyres. By removing the four-wheel drive system, dry weight was reduced to 1380 kg (120 kg less than the LP560-4) and the LP550-2 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Visually, the LP550-2 Balboni could be identified by its ‘Scorpius’ alloy wheels with a dark-grey finish, white and gold racing body stripe that carried over to its black leather seats, while the centre console trimmed in ‘Polar’ white leather.

While the Balboni edition was only available in 2009, a regular LP550-2 variant was was available from October 2010. From early 2012, the LP550-2 was available as a convertible (Spyder).

Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

In June 2010, the LP570-4 Superleggera was released. Compared to the LP560-4 on which it was based, the LP570-4 Superleggera had a new engine management strategy for greater power and dry weight was reduced by 70 kg to 1340 kg though the use of carbon-fibre and polycarbonate in place of glass.

The LP570-4 Superleggera was fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres (235/35 ZR19 front, 295/30 ZR19 rear) and Alcantara seat trim. Visually, the LP570-4 Superleggera could be identified by its more pronounced V-shaped nose which improved aerodynamic efficiency. The LP570-4 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and had a top speed of 325 km/h. 

Gallardo LP560-2 50^thAnniversary

Production of the LP560-2 50th Anniversary was limited to 100 vehicles, though only was delivered to Australia. Distinguishing features for the LP560-2 50th Anniversary included its Bianco Opalis paint finish, ‘Scorpius’ mult-spoke alloy wheels, glass engine cover, clear carbon fibre rear wing and ’50th Anniversario’ forged composite badges.

Related links

• Brochure: Lamborghini L140.II Gallardo (October 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Lamborghini L140 Gallardo