Model Strengths:

Exotic styling; performance bragging rights; exclusivity; ready for the race track; all-wheel drive

Model Overview

Powering the two-seat Gallardo is a mid-mounted 5.2L V10 engine making 562 horsepower. According to Lamborghini, the new Superleggera can get to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 202 mph. And, says the Italian automaker, it can get to 124 mph (200 km/h) in just over ten seconds. The Gallardo's viscous-center-coupling permanent all-wheel drive system sends 70 percent of power to the rear wheels in normal driving-and allows this sports car's handling to be quite balanced, even under power. The Gallardo comes with either the ?e-gear' automated manual setup-which allows a fully automatic mode along with paddle-shifter selection of individual gears-while a 6-speed manual gearbox is offered at no extra cost. The e-gear setup also includes a "thrust mode" that aims to achieve the quickest possible launch off the line. Compared to the standard Gallardo LP560-4, the Superleggera has an even firmer suspension. Lightweight 19-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires complete the high-performance package. To save even more weight, the Superleggera gets a host of lightweight parts that include a carbon-fiber air diffuser, spoiler and side skirts, plus carbon-fiber side mirrors and engine cover. Interior door panels and the seats themselves are done in carbon fiber, and the side and rear windows are made of polycarbonate. All said, the Superleggera is the lightest road-going model in Lamborghini's lineup. There's also a sibling convertible model to the Superleggera. Called the Spyder Performante. It's 143 pounds lighter than the standard Gallardo Spyder. Top options across the lineup include ceramic brakes, and nearly anyone who plans to drive a Gallardo on the street will want the available front-end lifting system, which helps the very low front air dam get over driveway ramps unscathed. A navigation system and backup camera are also available.

Model Changes

While the LP570-4 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder models carry over essentially unchanged, a new track-focused LP570-4 Superleggera and convertible version, the LP570-4 Spyder Performante models are the big news for the Gallardo lineup in 2011.

Model Value

The true value in the Lamborghini Gallardo rests along three lines: incredible, spine-tingling performance, a design that's a rolling work of art, and the kind of exclusivity that pads the personal image of those who already have everything. The Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe and Spyder (convertible) are powerful, flashy, all-wheel-drive supercars-and and they're among the fastest sports cars in the world, capable of topping 200 mph. For 2011, lighter-weight Superleggera Coupe and Spyder Performante versions of the Gallardo are even lighter and better-performing-although at the expense of some comfort.