The First Generation (2003 to 2008)
The Lamborghini Gallardo debuted on Geneve Motor Show in the Spring of 2003, immediately becoming one of the hottest cars of the year. The motoring world was amazed by recognizable but still very modern, a wedge-shaped design that resembled all previous Lamborghini models, compact dimensions, and aggressive stance. However, the best was hidden under the sculpted bodywork.
An all-new chassis, suspension architecture, fantastic 5.0-liter V10 engine, and choice of six-speed manual or six-speed, electronically controlled automatic. The real treat was a unique all-wheel-drive system that promised exceptional road holding, impressive acceleration, and ultimate safety regardless of the road conditions.
The initial performance numbers were excellent, and standard 2003 Gallardo delivered 500 hp and 510 Nm of torque which translated to 0 to 100 km/h times of just over 4 seconds and 309 km/h top speed. Back in the early 2000s, there weren’t many cars on the market that could outrun the newest bull from Santa Agata. Although the performance and the looks were fantastic, the biggest surprise was Gallardo’s road manners and just how docile and easy to drive it was. Since it was designed to be daily driven and usable, Lamborghini invested a lot into making it comfortable and maneuverable. However, we are sure that some Lamborghini customers were a bit disappointed by Gallardo never got a typical “Lambo” style doors. Instead, it had conventional-opening doors most people are accustom to.
In 2006, Lamborghini introduced an upgrade and a new model to complete the Gallardo range. First, all cars now delivered 520 hp, which slightly improved the performance. Then, for the first time, fans of open-air driving had a choice of Gallardo Spyder, a convertible model which looked even better and appealed to an even more comprehensive range of customers. Year later, in 2007, Lamborghini Gallardo got its first, amongst many, performance variant – Gallardo Superleggera. A very tasteful nod to classic Lamborghini 350 GT, Superleggera was significantly lighter than the standard model, ten hp more powerful, and quite a bit quicker. Superleggera was a proper supercar with 0 to 100 km/h time of just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. But, of course, it was more expensive and much rarer than the regular model, featured unique design details and trim, and was produced in only 615 examples.
The Second Generation (2008 to 2013)