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from: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - Latest Wallpaper-Quality Photo Galleries - Automobile Magazine

Hot, hot, hot.

M

When the Lamborghini Gallardo was introduced in the U.S. for 2004, it marked the Italian automaker's return to an entry-level model as the Silhouette and Jalpa models had in the 1970s-1980s -- both serving as V-8 brothers to the fire-breathing V-12 Countach. With 495 horsepower originally emanating from the 5.0-liter V-10, the Gallardo could only be considered "entry level" in its relationship to the range-topping Murcielago, as performance was still strong enough to place it in the upper echelon of autodom (we clocked our first tester at 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds in much less than ideal conditions).

In following years, the Gallardo was treated to a modest power bump -- to 512 horses -- and later, a stripped-down, lightweight Superleggera version -- a car built in the same vein as its boy-racer countryman, the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale. Now, with the first examples of Ferrari's 430 Scuderia being delivered, the Raging Bull has once again upped the ante for the 2008 Geneva motor show with the new Gallardo LP560-4. Why 560? That number designates the amount of horsepower the car will have in European trim (we get "only" 552 horses and 398 lb-ft of torque in the States).

The extra power is courtesy of a new, more efficient, all-aluminum engine with a displacement bump from 5.0 to 5.2-liters -- the first volumetric increase the Gallardo has received since its inception. The 0-to-62-mph run is reduced from a Lamborghini-claimed 4.0 seconds to just 3.7, and top speed is up from 196 to 202. Time from zero to 124 mph also is down from 12.3 seconds to 11.8. That's getting closer to our estimated 3.5-second 0-to-60-mph run for the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, though we've not yet performed a full test. Otherwise, the Lambo outguns the Ferrari by 49 horses and 51 lb-ft of torque, but does give up 100 or so pounds to the Prancing Horse, despite a weight reduction of 44 pounds.

But power increases aren't the only name of the LP560-4 game. Lambo says the Audi-developed e-Gear sequential transmission has been improved by reducing shift times a full 40 percent. Changes also have been made to the front and rear valances -- the front now provides for greater cooling and the rear incorporates a diffuser -- and a reduction in C02 emissions also has been achieved, Lambo says. Other upgrades include a revised instrument panel, new headlamps and luggage area, and the claim of better driveability, stability, and handling.

The usual pricing and availability information is not yet available for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but we're hoping to fill in the details when we check Sant' Agata's latest creation on the stand at the Geneva show. Stay tuned to Motor Trend Online for live info and photos live from the show floor.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - First Look - Motor Trend


Why is this thread a mile wide? Any way to edit the above post?


M

RWD and DCT gearbox and it would be perfect.

those power figures are INSANE! 400kW from a 5.2 V10!? Is this still NA? This car has alot of reventon influence but I definitely love. The interior is smoking hot too with bit of CF everywhere. They only thing I dont like so far are those wheels. They just dont cut it. Luckily the car was launched at Genva with different wheels, thos would look even better in a Matt Black finish IMO.

Smoking hot, and that paint is magical.

The A4 AC controls is unacceptable,that car is astonighing they should've redesigned it at least.

Agree. Ferrari cars shares no buttons or switches with Alfa Romeo or Fiat. VAG seem to be all about money these days.

I can see where you're coming from, but to be honest, I think the Audi switch gear
looks fantastic in the Gallardo. In fact, I don't think I'd want it any other way.

Much prefer it to the Fezza's interior.