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| The Gallardo's 5.0-L V10 produces 500-hp, a magical number made even more enticing when factoring in the car's 1,430 kg (3,153 lb) curb weight. (Photo: Lamborghini) |
Helping in braking, acceleration and handling are a meaty set of Pirelli P Zero tires, 235/35ZR19s in front and 295/30ZR19s in the back, both shrink-wrapped onto glorious 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels - winter tires are optional. The chassis is made up of front and rear double wishbones with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry while the steering is power-assisted rack-and-pinion.
Lamborghini has managed to stay an arms length from its new owner Volkswagen AG, but has been more than willing to pull in applicable technologies when desirable. For instance, the Gallardo uses an aluminum spaceframe, just like the Audi A8, while its outer panels are almost entirely constructed of the lightweight metal, allowing it to weigh in at a slight 1,430 kg (3,153 lb), a full 225 kg (497 lb) lighter than the 1,655 kg (3,650 lb) Murciélago.
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| Every bit of it a Lamborghini, the Gallardo's rear decklid features ventilation louvers that add style to their functionality. (Photo: Lamborghini) |
But while only 4,300 mm (169.3 in) in length, 1,900 mm (74.8 in) in width, 1,165 mm (45.9 in) tall with a wheelbase of 2,560 mm (100.8 in), the Gallardo makes as impressive a styling statement as its larger sibling. Angular folds and creases jag here and jut there, at first seeming dissonant to traditional curving automotive architecture but somehow, in a way only Lamborghini can accomplish, coming together in one harmonic whole.
It's very similar conceptually to the Murciélago, but its various parts are quite distinct, especially apparent in the rear where the almost squarely shaped taillamps wrap up and over the rear decklid. Atop the engine cover itself louvers are the fashionable and functional design element, also adorning the rearmost fender tops to allow trapped air to escape.