Lamborghini Gallardo
A V10 Masterpiece
2003 - 2013
The Gallardo is the best selling Lamborghini ever with over 14k units sold from 2003 till 2013. The entry level Lambo was powerful, dynamic and a true Lamborghini in every way. By using a rather long wheelbase and short overhang to both the front and rear, the initial impression of the Gallardo was rather muscular and dynamic, while retaining a ‘compact’ look. The Lamborghini V10 had a 90 degree angle and dry sump to allow it to sit lower in the chassis. A seminal car. We gathered up every Lamborghini Gallardo model made and included it below.
Overview / Featured / Variants / Models In-Depth / Specs / Image Gallery / More Updates
Overview
In the realm of supercars, the Lamborghini Gallardo holds a distinguished place, striking a perfect balance between groundbreaking performance and aesthetic allure. Since its debut in 2003, the Gallardo has captivated enthusiasts and critics alike, becoming one of Lamborghini's best-selling models during its decade-long production run. This masterpiece harmonizes the brand's legendary flair with practicality, making it not just a supercar for the tracks but also a companion on the open road.
The Lamborghini Gallardo, named after a famous breed of fighting bull, was introduced as a more accessible, slightly smaller, and less intimidating counterpart to the Murciélago. It was designed to offer an entry point into the Lamborghini world, without compromising on the brand’s hallmark traits of high performance, cutting-edge design, and Italian craftsmanship. Its unveiling marked a significant milestone, signaling Lamborghini's entry into a new era where performance met drivability in an unprecedented way.
The Gallardo's design is a masterpiece of automotive artistry, embodying Lamborghini's distinctive DNA with its sharp angles, aggressive stance, and the iconic scissor doors on later special editions. Its evolution over the years was marked by enhancements that refined its aerodynamic efficiency, improved its driving dynamics, and modernized its appearance. Special editions like the Superleggera and Performante pushed the boundaries with carbon fiber components, further reducing weight and augmenting performance.
At the heart of the Gallardo was a V10 engine, a departure from Lamborghini's traditional V12, offering a unique blend of roaring power and smooth handling. This engine delivered exhilarating performance, capable of 0-60 mph sprints in well under 4 seconds, and top speeds exceeding 200 mph. The all-wheel-drive system, coupled with advanced traction and stability controls, ensured that the Gallardo's might was matched by an equally impressive grip, making it a formidable force on both road and track.
Over its ten-year production run, the Gallardo continuously evolved, introducing new technologies, improved performance, and limited editions that kept the automotive world buzzing. Its versatility was showcased through a variety of models, including the track-focused Superleggera, the open-top Spyder, and the Balboni edition, which paid homage to Lamborghini's legendary test driver with its rear-wheel-drive layout. By the time production ended, over 14,000 units had been produced, making it the most prolific Lamborghini model to date.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is more than just a machine; it's a pivotal chapter in the storied legacy of one of the most iconic automotive brands. It bridged the gap between everyday usability and supercar performance, encapsulating the essence of Lamborghini's innovation and design prowess. Today, the Gallardo is celebrated not only for its engineering achievements but also for its role in defining modern supercars' character, combining breathtaking performance with reliability and usability unheard of in such a potent package before.
The Gallardo's enduring appeal lies in its ability to embody the pure excitement and emotional allure that is quintessentially Lamborghini. It remains a symbol of the era when supercars became more than just weekend wonders, offering the thrill of high-speed performance with the practicality to be enjoyed on any road, at any time, by anyone craving the exhilarating rush of Lamborghini's engineering excellence.
Lamborghini Gallardo Basics
Manufacturer: Lamborghini
Production: 2003–2013
Model years: 2004–2014
Assembly: Sant'Agata Italy
Designer: Luc Donckerwolke (final design), Walter de Silva (mid-cycle refresh)
Body style: 2-door coupé, 2-door convertible (Spyder)
Layout: Longitudinal, mid-engine, all-wheel-drive (Gallardo 5.0, LP 560-4 & LP 570-4), Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive (LP 550-2)
Engine: 5.0 L Lamborghini even firing V10 (pre-facelift)
Engine: 5.2 L Lamborghini odd firing V10 (facelift)
Trans: 6-speed manual, 6-speed e-gear automated manual"
Wheelbase: 2,560 mm (100.8 in)
Length: 4,300–4,386 mm (169.3–172.7 in)
Width: 1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Height: Coupé: 1,165 mm (45.9 in), Spyder: 1,184 mm (46.6 in)
Did You Know?
The Gallardo was the first Lamborghini developed under Audi's ownership. It shared some components with the Audi R8, improving reliability and long-term quality.
"The engine is an absolute masterpiece, and the sound it makes, whether you're inside the cabin or standing by the side of the road, is absolutely spine-tingling."
Top Gear (2003)
Lamborghini Gallardo Variants
The Lamborghini Gallardo started with the 5.0-liter V10 Gallardo, delivering around 500 horsepower and the brand's signature all-wheel drive. The open-top Gallardo Spyder soon followed, offering the same thrills with added wind-in-your-hair excitement. Throughout its lifespan, the Gallardo saw a steady stream of special editions. The Superleggera was all about weight reduction and power gains, maximizing raw performance. Meanwhile, the Performante emphasized track-focused handling with its sharpened reflexes and aggressive styling. Lamborghini even celebrated with the 50th-anniversary LP 550-2 Balboni, a limited-edition, rear-wheel-drive model paying homage to the legendary test driver Valentino Balboni. Gallardo special edition models proved to be a highly profitable way to extend the Gallardo’s life while allowing Lamborghini to continue to work on the successor Huracan. We counted over 25 special edition models in all.
Production Models
Gallardo 5.0
Gallardo SE
Gallardo Spyder
Gallardo Nera
Gallardo Superleggera
Gallardo LP560-4
Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder
Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni
Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante
Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder
Gallardo LP560-4 (Update)
Factory Specials
Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore
Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale
Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo (Update)
Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse
Gallardo Polizia
Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia
Gallardo Blancpain Super Trofeo
Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition
Gallardo Singapore Limited Edition
Gallardo LP550-2 Tricolore
Gallardo LP550-2 Malaysia Edition
Gallardo LP560-4 Gold Edition
Gallardo LP550-2 Hong Kong 20th Anniv.
Gallardo LP560-4 Bianco Rosso
Gallardo LP560-4 Noctis
Gallardo LP550-2 GZ8 Edizione Limitata
Gallardo LP570-4 Edizione Tecnica
Gallardo LP550-2 Indonesia Edition
Gallardo LP560-2 50° Anniversario
Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Asia
Gallardo LP550-2 India Limited Edition
Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo 2013
Concepts & Prototypes
Gallardo L140
Concept S Prototype
Gallardo Spider (Pre-prod Test Car)
Concept S (Driveable Prototype)
Lamborghini Gallardo
Years: 2003 - 2006
Engine: 5.0L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 500 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 76.2 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 192 mph
Honouring their tradition, the Lamborghini decided to release their next model with the name of a fighting bull’s breed: the Gallardo. It was Lamborghinis entry level car and it was a cracker from day one.
Lamborghini Gallardo SE
Years: 2005
Engine: 5.0L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 500 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 376.2 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 196 mph
The Gallardo SE was a special edition of the Gallardo. Limited to 250 units, it had a unique two-tone paint, an enhanced interior and technical improvements. Gearbox had shorter gear ratios for better acceleration.
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Years: 2005 - 2008
Engine: 5.0L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 520 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 376.2 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 195 mph
Two years after the release of the Gallardo Coupe supercar, Lamborghini have released their drop-top version. Beyond no top, the Spyder a number important modifications to the original engine and transmission.
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
Years: 2007 – 2008
Engine: 5.0L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 530 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 376.2 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 196 mph
Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight, the Gallardo Superleggera was even more dynamic version of the already very sporty Gallardo. A better overall car and faster.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4
Years: 2008 - 2013
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 552.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 202 mph
With its new engine, permanent four-wheel drive transmission and new suspension, the Gallardo LP 560-4 was a clearly improved performance and dynamic machine. A substantial facelift and mid-cycle refresh.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder
Years: 2009 - 2013
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 552.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 201 mph
The redesigned four-wheel drive transmission, the new suspension, the improved stiffness of the Spyder bodyshell and the optimised aerodynamics all contribute to the overall improvements in the vehicle.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera
Years: 2010 - 2013
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 562 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 202 mph
Even more dynamic, lighter, more powerful and stunning – the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. It is 155 pounds lighter than the regular car and it gets an extra 10 hp. More of a driver’s car.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante
Years: 2011
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 562 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 201 mph
Less weight, more power and a whole heap of attitude. Weight loss and power gain and more aggressive looks and soundtrack means this is our favorite Gallardo model. Essentially a topless Superleggera.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 (RWD Special)
Years: 2010 - 2011
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 550 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
Top Speed: 199 mph
The 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive. The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed – it is limited to 250 units. Celebrating Valentino Balboni .
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder
Years: 2011 - 2013
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 550 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
Top Speed: 198 mph
The Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder combined the open spyder body style with rear wheel drive. Unbelievably agile and remarkable handling, it is the most fun Gallardo to drive. Adds yet another dimension of driving fun.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (Update)
Years: 2013
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 560 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 202 mph
The final version of the Gallardo was a final year production model that had several updates over the LP560-4. It looked even more aggressive, and more extreme. Lots of triangular and trapezoidal forms in the design.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder (Update)
Years: 2013
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V10
Power: 560 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 398.3 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 201 mph
Even more than the Coupé, the Spyder places emphasis on the powerful basic wedge form, complemented by the tightly cut soft top. Lamborghini also improved traction, handling and stability at high speeds.
Lamborghini Gallardo Specs & Performance
A summary of production Gallardo specifications and performance numbers.
Our Favorite Lamborghini Gallardo Images
The Gallardo's styling was unmistakably Lamborghini: sharp, angular, and attention-grabbing. Throughout its production run, it received subtle updates and special editions kept its looks fresh and desirable.
"The Gallardo feels almost like driving a normal car. It just happens to look and sound like the devil's chariot."
EVO Magazine (2004)
