Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4


Without this mid-life makeover, I nearly forget that Lamborghini Gallardo is already 5 years old. No matter in terms of sales or fame, Gallardo has been proved to be a big success to Lamborghini. It saved Sant' Agata and put it in a strong position to challenge Maranello again. Now with the update to LP560-4, the challenge is even stronger.

The numbers in LP560-4 represents 560 horsepower and 4-wheel traction. The former is definitely the headline of the new car. The V10 engine has been bored out to 5204 cc (like Audi S6) from 4961 cc. New direct injection system permits a higher, 12.5:1 compression ratio (again like Audi S6). Dual VVT and variable length manifolds continue to serve the 90-degree V10 engine. At 8000 rpm, it produces 560 horsepower, up 30 hp. Maximum torque is 398 lb-ft, up 22 lb-ft, although it appears at 6500 rpm instead of 4250 rpm.

The E-gear 6-speed automated manual gearbox is significantly improved. The fastest shift is now 40 percent quicker than before. It provides 5 modes for selection - Auto, Normal, Sport, Corsa (Race) and Thrust (launch). With this gearbox, the LP560-4 can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and top 202 mph, which makes it even faster than the current Gallardo Superleggera ! Moreover, the E-gear version returns 6% lower fuel consumption and 7% lower CO2 emission than the 6-speed manual version.



As before, the LP560-4 employs a viscous-coupling 4-wheel-drive system with 70 percent torque normally goes to the rear wheels. However, its name may imply there could be a RWD version to be offered in the future, probably LP560-2. Anyway, at 1500 kg DIN kerb weight, the LP560-4 is already 20 kilograms lighter than the outgoing Gallardo. Chassis improvement includes new rear suspensions with new geometry and an additional link, tuned springs and dampers and larger brakes (both steel and carbon-ceramic). It also sports an improved aerodynamic package (new front spoilers and rear diffusers) and enlarged front radiator cooling. However, to car enthusiasts, the most obvious change is the more angular exterior design, which has strong flavour of Reventon.

Lamborghini has raised the bar again with Gallardo LP560-4. Now it is the turn of Ferrari to respond...