The Gallardo isn't like Lamborghinis that have gone before. For a start, it's smaller - considerably dinkier of proportion than the hulking Murcielago that sits at the top of the range. But it's also been engineered to the standards set by Lambo's new parent company, Audi.
The upshot is solid, Germanic construction in addition to the sort of driving dynamics you would expect from a junior Italian supercar. And although some buyers might think that various bits of Audi switchgear in the cabin aren't really in keeping with the whole experience, the upshot is a surprisingly practical all-round package.
Okay, let's not get silly here. The Gallardo is still only able to offer two seat practicality, near-zero luggage space and the sort of running costs that would make even Premiership footballers wince. But it's far closer to the sort of everyday practicality offered by top-end Porsche 911s than Lambos of old.
It's great to drive, too. Four-wheel-drive keeps everything pointing in the right direction and it takes serious abuse to make the Gallardo's chassis surrender its massively high reserves of grip. The mid-mounted V10 engine gives very strong performance and a yowling exhaust soundtrack to die for, although the lurch-prone "e-gear" semi-automatic transmission is worth avoiding.
If it wasn't for that pesky Ferrari F430, the Gallardo would be pretty much perfect. As it is, it can't quite match the Ferrari's soul or ultra-clever traction control system.
Breakdown
Styling Gorgeous from every angle. The Gallardo's styling has the ability to stop entire streets in their tracks. |
Handling Enormous grip levels are assured by the standard four-wheel drive system, although the Gallardo snaps when the limit eventually arrives. |
Comfort You don't buy a supercar for limo-like refinement, but the Gallardo rides reasonably well, the driving position is comfortable and it's ultra-stable at high speeds. |
Quality & reliability Audi engineering ensures the Gallardo is far better assembled than the Lamborghinis that preceded it, although buyers will find themselves facing various bits of VW switchgear. |
Performance The yowling mid-mounted V10 engine delivers searing pace and an amazing soundtrack. Tunnels are a very special experience. |
Roominess Access is a bit of a squeeze for taller occupants and the cabin isn't exactly roomy. Luggage space is tiny. |
Running costs In a word, scary. Despite its baby status, this Lambo is anything but cheap to run. Servicing, insurance and depreciation are all massively expensive, making the 15 mpg fuel economy the least of a buyer's worries... |
Value for money Depends how much value you place on the Lamborghini badge: Audi R8 does much of the same job for a massive saving while the Ferrari 430 trumps the Gallardo on desirabilty. |
Stereo / Sat nav Audi-derived audio system gives reasonable performance, although it struggles to make itself heard over the engine at high speed. Satnav is expensive but works reasonably well. |
