2008 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
With the new Gallardo LP560-4, Lamborghini once again sets a higher standard for super sports cars. With its new engine, permanent four-wheel drive transmission and new suspension, it delivers clearly improved performance and dynamics. In parallel, its innovative design takes the classic lines unique to the Lamborghini brand one step further. Powerful elegance has never been so defined before.
The Gallardo LP560-4 is the successor of the most successful Lamborghini model of all time. Approximately 7100 Gallardo models have left the Sant’Agata Bolognese production plant since its launch in 2003. “The LP560-4 will consolidate this success story,” states Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It will outclass its predecessor in every aspect; its dynamics are distinctly breathtaking and its design sets new standards. With the introduction of the Gallardo LP560-4, we will consistently continue Lamborghini’s growth strategy”.
The powerful heart of the Gallardo LP560-4 is the new 5.2 litre V10 engine with an output of 560 PS (412 kW) at 8000 rpm. The increase of 40 PS compared with that of the previous Gallardo, and the approximate 20 kilogram reduction in weight, improves the power weight ratio to 2.5 kilograms per PS (hp) and thus enhances performance. The LP560-4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, its speed at 11.8 seconds is 200 km/h and its top speed lies at 325 km/h. At the same time the new, highly efficient engine enthrals its driver with its direct fuel injection system – “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata”. Despite its clearly increased power, fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent.
The engine of the Gallardo LP560-4 is a completely new development. All that remains of the original V10 is the number of cylinders which, in this performance category, create a perfect and unique synthesis of torque, force of movement, sporty nimbleness, compact size and low weight. The engine is unusually wide for a V10, with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. A definite advantage of this construction is the low centre of gravity. The reduction of the gravity centre height comes also from the dry sump layout of the lubrication system which also guarantees the reliability of the oil supply even during lateral acceleration and on the race-track.
The new V10 uses the direct fuel-injection system “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” as an innovative way to optimize performance results in part-load conditions. Here, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber through the laterally positioned injector. Combined with the use of a ‘tumble flap’ in the intake manifold runners, this solution guarantees an optimized distribution of the gasoline in the combustion chamber (higher gasoline density around the spark plug, leaner mixture close to piston and cylinder liners) and delivers the basis for a highly efficient combustion system even with stoichiometric mean mixture composition. The direct injection boosts the extremely efficient ‘full load’ performance of the V10, reduces its knock sensitivity and thus enables the very high compression ratio of 12.5:1.
Despite the clearly improved driving performance of this super sports car, Sant’Agata’s engineers were nevertheless able to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and CO 2emissions by 18 per cent.
Measured by engine power and performance, the Gallardo LP560-4 e-gear’s average fuel consumption of 13.7 litres per 100 kilometers, is extremely low.
It is still the customer’s personal preference as to whether he wishes to change gears manually through the exact ‘gate’ guides of the six-speed gearbox via the short gear stick, or whether he prefers to let his fingertips control the e.gear’s paddle-shift system located behind the steering wheel: the latter solution becoming the preference of the majority of Lamborghini customers.
The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned and improved in all aspects. The complete system has not only been reduced in weight, but the time employed to change gears has also been reduced by 40 per cent in “CORSA” mode.
The engineers in the Sant’Agata-based Technical Department have also improved traction, handling and stability at high speeds. The redesigned four-wheel drive transmission, the new suspension and the optimised aerodynamics as well as the reduced weight and decreased friction between the components, all contribute to the overall improvements in the vehicle. Thus the Gallardo LP560-4 presents itself as a cutting edge super sports car also suitable for the race-track. The car is also surprisingly suited to long-distance driving and despite its extreme performance capabilities is easy to control whilst maintaining utmost stability.
The rear diffuser has been newly designed, is more efficient with respect to its predecessor and, together with the smooth underbody, contributes to the excellent steering stability even at extremely high speeds. In sum, the aerodynamic efficiency with regard to output compared to that of its predecessor has been increased by 31 %. The Gallardo LP560-4 takes fast curves even more supremely.
The Miura and the other models of the 60s were already characterized by the excellent quality of workmanship which lay far and above the general standards of that time. Lamborghini has continued this tradition and even today delivers automobiles of the highest standards. The Gallardo LP560-4 indulges with the highest quality, aesthetically pleasing materials. With regard to the leather interior, an array of different colours and stitching (also in contrasting colours) are available.
As an optional, Lamborghini can deliver the Gallardo LP560-4 with a further choice of leather and Alcantara® interiors as well as Carbon Fibre Packages. Here, elements such as the air-conditioning surrounds, the control panel, the handbrake handle and the gear-stick surrounds are available in carbon fibre. Furthermore, the individualisation program, Ad Personam, enables the customer to create any combination of colour and trim.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Italy |
| price $ | $ 201,000 |
| engine | 90° V10. w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
| position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Coil-On-Plug |
| block material | Aluminum |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/Variable Intake System & Continuously Variable Valve Timing |
| fuel feed | Direct Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 5204 cc / 317.6 in³ |
| bore | 84.5 mm / 3.3 in |
| stroke | 92.8 mm / 3.7 in |
| compression | 12.5:1 |
| power | 412.0 kw / 552.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm |
| specific output | 106.17 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 368.33 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 540 nm / 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm |
| body / frame | Aluminum & Thermoplastic Body over Aluminum Spaceframe |
| driven wheels | 4WD w/Viscous Traction System, ESP, ASR |
| wheel type | Apollo Wheels |
| front tires | Pirelli Pzero 235/35 ZR 19 |
| rear tires | Pirelli Pzero 295/30 ZR 19 |
| front brakes | Carbon Ceramic Vented Discs w/8-Piston Brembo Specialist Calipers |
| rear brakes | Carbon Ceramic Vented Discs w/4-Piston Brembo Specialist Calipers |
| front wheels | F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19 x 8.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 48.3 x 27.9 cm / 19 x 11 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1500 kg / 3307 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2560 mm / 100.8 in |
| front track | 1632 mm / 64.3 in |
| rear track | 1597 mm / 62.9 in |
| length | 4345 mm / 171.1 in |
| width | 1900 mm / 74.8 in |
| height | 1165 mm / 45.9 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual w/Optional Robotized E-Gear |
| gear ratios | 2.563:1, 1.850:1, 1.423:1, 1.138:1, 0.939:1 |
| final drive | 3.077:1 |
| top speed | ~325 kph / 201.9 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~3.6 seconds |
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Auction Results
2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 – sold for $181,500 – The Gallardo was used sparingly and benefits from routine maintenance, as well as having received the utmost care and attention that was afforded all the automobiles in the Caiola Collection. Since acquisition in 2008, the car has traveled a mere 612 miles and presents as new. Auction Source: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company
