Car of the Day - Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Car of the Day - Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Lamborghini launched the Gallardo in 2003 and had produced 7100 units before the significantly improved LP560-4 was introduced in 2008. A massive production run by Lamborghini standards.

The new LP560-4 was an extensive re-work of the original - receiving a new engine, transmission and significant change to the suspension.

Styled at Centro Stile the designers took the hard-edged, minimalist style a step further with even crisper lines at the front and the rear. The front facia gives a squatter look that accentuates the cooling intakes while the rear lights, air cooling vents, bumper and diffuser accentuate the width of the car. The new front and rear with their associated intakes, spoilers and diffusers are not just for show as the provide a significant improvement to aerodynamic performance.

At the heart of the LP560-4 is it’s 5.2 litre V10 engine providing 560 PS (412 kW) at 8000 rpm. This new engine gave an increase of 40 PS over the previous Gallardo and also provided a 20 kilogram reduction in weight. With 540 nM of torque at 6.500 rpm acceleration also vastly improved and 0-100 km/h came in at 3.7 seconds and 200 kph takes 11.8 seconds. The new direct fuel injection engine also provided a substantial 18 percent reduction to CO 2 emissions. .

The e-gear transmission also received a redesign which provided reductions in both weight and change times. In CORSA” mode the change time was reduced by 40 percent.

Changes to the suspension included re-worked aluminium wishbones, rubber-metal bearings and an additional track rod for the rear axle.

Stopping the LP560-4 is handled by ‘Brembo specialist’ eight cylinder callipers at the front with 365 mm diameter brake discs. The rear calipers are four pot over 356 mm discs. Disc ventilation was also significantly improved. CCB (Carbon Ceramic Brakes) with 380mm diameter in front and at the rear 356mm are available as an option.

Rod Halligan