E-Gear is Lambo-speak for their robotized, sequential, 6-speed transmission. In theory, this 'box gives you the best of both worlds where it can and does work like an automatic transmission and – similar to Volkswagen's DSG or Porsche's PDK – can be manually manipulated by steering column-mounted paddles. However, unlike the other two, the E-Gear is a single-clutch unit and therefore cannot offer up the same type of smooth, lightning-fast shifts as the double-clutch systems. Incidentally, Audi's R-Tronic transmission in the R8 is in fact a Lamborghini E-Gear.
Smooth cog swaps may not sound like a necessity in a super-performance car like the Gallardo, but believe me, when you're unwinding in turn 5, hard in 2nd gear, up-shifting into 3rd and the ass wiggles heavily, power is interrupted and you get shook up in your seat, you've got to wonder what the deal is.
This is by far the most unpleasant, enraging thing about the Performante. Otherwise, the aural onslaught from the V10 is so tasty it makes fresh Maine Lobster taste like Buckley's, but it works.
Yes, that 5.2L V10 hums and those Pirelli P Zero Corsa-wrapped 19” wheels look da bomb and hug tarmac; the uber-large vented and cross-drilled discs bring the Gallardo down from speed, but the real pleasure comes at wide-open throttle when the V10 emasculates the laws of physics.
I couldn't quite match the Ferrari 458's pace with the Lambo, but it's awfully fast. The Ferrari provides the driver with a more fluid, connected feeling with the road over the Gallardo. Essentially, the Lambo is not as refined as the 458, however, its raw approach to covering ground is more exciting, getting the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up and take notice.
As expected, the Gallardo claws its way around corners tightly and is determined not to let go of the pavement. Much speed can be carried through an apex; however, I learned to hold a higher cog in order to avoid shift-shock at the other end. As well, I began lifting my foot upon an upshift and tapping the throttle in order to raise engine rpms a few extra revs to level out the swaps. Basically, I was treating the E-Gear like the smart fortwo's automated gearbox. Not a good comparison...
As is usually the case when us auto critics finally end up driving our dream cars, we are often disappointed. I'm thinking of Richard Hammond when he finally got to test drive a Lamborghini Countach... In my case, I'm certain that a regular 6-speed manual box would have made the experience all the more enjoyable. Regardless, the Gallardo is a spectacular car.
Smooth cog swaps may not sound like a necessity in a super-performance car like the Gallardo, but believe me, when you're unwinding in turn 5, hard in 2nd gear, up-shifting into 3rd and the ass wiggles heavily, power is interrupted and you get shook up in your seat, you've got to wonder what the deal is.
This is by far the most unpleasant, enraging thing about the Performante. Otherwise, the aural onslaught from the V10 is so tasty it makes fresh Maine Lobster taste like Buckley's, but it works.
Yes, that 5.2L V10 hums and those Pirelli P Zero Corsa-wrapped 19” wheels look da bomb and hug tarmac; the uber-large vented and cross-drilled discs bring the Gallardo down from speed, but the real pleasure comes at wide-open throttle when the V10 emasculates the laws of physics.
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| Yes, that 5.2L V10 hums and those Pirelli P Zero Corsa-wrapped 19” wheels look da bomb and hug tarmac. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
I couldn't quite match the Ferrari 458's pace with the Lambo, but it's awfully fast. The Ferrari provides the driver with a more fluid, connected feeling with the road over the Gallardo. Essentially, the Lambo is not as refined as the 458, however, its raw approach to covering ground is more exciting, getting the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up and take notice.
As expected, the Gallardo claws its way around corners tightly and is determined not to let go of the pavement. Much speed can be carried through an apex; however, I learned to hold a higher cog in order to avoid shift-shock at the other end. As well, I began lifting my foot upon an upshift and tapping the throttle in order to raise engine rpms a few extra revs to level out the swaps. Basically, I was treating the E-Gear like the smart fortwo's automated gearbox. Not a good comparison...
As is usually the case when us auto critics finally end up driving our dream cars, we are often disappointed. I'm thinking of Richard Hammond when he finally got to test drive a Lamborghini Countach... In my case, I'm certain that a regular 6-speed manual box would have made the experience all the more enjoyable. Regardless, the Gallardo is a spectacular car.
2011 Lamborghini gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante
2011 Lamborghini gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante
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