Lamborghini Gallardo and Gallardo Sypder

In line with  the tradition and heritage of Lamborghini, Automobili Lamborghini decided to baptize their latest model with the name of a fighting bull’s breed: the Gallardo (pronounced: ga-ya-do). The Lamborghini Gallardo is the offspring of the Murcielago, and for about half the price you can still have the fun of driving a Lamborghini. Designed to redefine its segment as the best high performance sports car and driving behaviour that fits its driver in every situation. The Gallardo is the synthesis of a true sports car that can be used on an every day basis. The result is a compact (length 4.3 m) 2-seater high performance car (maximum speed well over 300 km/h), that can be driven with pleasure both on race tracks and on long distance journeys on country and city roads. The layout has been conceived to reach the high performance targets, on the basis of the sports-oriented concept for which Lamborghini is well known.

The basic characteristics of the Gallardo layout are:
- mid-rear mounted engine, with the gearbox behind the engine
- permanent four-wheel drive system
- independent double wishbone suspension system
- aluminium space frame
- low centre gravity
- weight distribution 42% front, 58% rear
- two front mounted water radiators and one side mounted oil cooler
- wheelbase 2.560 m, front track 1.622 m, rear track 1.592 m
- total length 4.300 m, width 1.900 m, height 1.165.

The Lamborghini V10 cylinder DOHC four valve V90 5 liter, 520 Hp, 510 Nm, is the concept solution for the high performance Gallardo. Instead of the more classical choice of a V72, an angle of 90 degrees was preferred in order to limit the height of the engine with advantages in the car layout (e.g. lower engine bonnet and better rear view) and in the lowering of the centre of gravity (i.e. better car dynamic characteristics). Even firing intervals (that ensure the smoothness of the engine) are guaranteed by the adoption of crankpins incorporating an 18-degree offset. A dry sump lubrication system not only achieves the correct lubrication even in extreme dynamic conditions, but also permits the centre of gravity to be lowered further. The torque output is optimised in the full rpm range. In order to achieve such an objective, the charge efficiency was increased at various speeds by a precise utilization of gas dynamic effects that take place in the intake and exhaust system.  Engine: 5.0L V10
Horsepower:  520 bhp / PS
Top Speed: 195 mph / 315 km/h
Peak torque: 510 Nm (477 lb ft)
Acceleration:  0-60 mph in 3.9 sec  (0-100km/h in 4.0)
Retail Price: starting at 120,000 pounds (150,000 euros or 180,000 dollars MRSP)