L amborghini freshens up its gorgeous Gallardo and added a Spyder to the lineup in 2009. But it's the glorious symphonic experience the revised exhaust system allows that we need to highlight. How did they manage to make something so loud , legal? The secret weapon is an exhaust-bypass valve, and it keeps things quiet when pootling about or cruisin’ on the highway. Pass 3500rpm though, and you’ll know what the chariot of the gods sounds like. It’s a noise so pure, compelling, and addictive, the Feds are sure to make it a controlled substance.
Photos and VIDEO at right.
SPECS:
Base Price: $198,000
Horsepower: 553@ 8000
Torque: 398@ 6500
0-62: 3.7
Full review under the ARTICLE tab above.
I t’s a game of highstakes leapfrog in the supercar sweepstakes; Italian stallions trade the lead in looks, performance, and sheer, gotta-have-it-ness. Interlopers like the Ford GT and Porsche Turbo come out to play too. The bar keeps getting raised.
Lamborghini unleashed the Gallardo, named after a breed of Spanish fighting bull, in 2004, to near universal acclaim. Ferrari riposted with the F430, which though down in cylinder count and power, was lighter, faster and more pure to drive. The Ford GT (now sadly out of production) also ran harder and was an absolute stunner. And now there’s an all-new blown 997-model based Porker that offers unprecedented levels of useable poke.
The upgraded G-bull isn’t about to go down without a fight, though. E ngine mods for 2009 boost the juice to a whopping 553ph. Combined with shorter gearing, the Lamborghini feels as fast as anything this side of a rocketsled: Naught to sixty-two arrives in just 3.7 seconds, and the hits don’t stop coming till near ‘nuff 200.
Choose from two trannys: the superb metal-gated six-speed manual offers driver involvement and ease of use thanks to light clutch (no more asymmetrical quadriceps, thanks), and perfect weighting; the continuously upgraded software that governs the E-Gear paddleshift makes it the choice for those stuck in traffic or up for trackwork.
It also allows one to make the most of the glorious symphonic experience that’s the revised exhaust system.
How did they manage to make something so loud , legal? The secret weapon is an exhaust-bypass valve, and it keeps things quiet when pootling about or cruisin’ on the highway. Pass 3500rpm though, and you’ll know what the chariot of the gods sounds like. It’s a noise so pure, compelling, and addictive, the Feds are sure to make it a controlled substance.
Chassis revisions including bespoke Bilstein dampers result in more interaction with the pilot without any noticeable degradation in ride or predictability. Imagine being able to confidently turn of the (excellently judged) ESP and drift a car worth almost a quarter mil!
Yet there are no worries; turn-in is precise and linear, the rear, when it steps out, is easily caught and held with a dose of opposite lock. And here the AWD system comes into play; keep your foot in, and the viscous coupling transfers power to the front wheels, pulling the car strait. Monster brakes with eight-pot front calipers offer superb stopping power; for those who intend to do trackdays—or just want the bragging rights—ceramic rotors are an option.
And despite the competitions’ excellence, there is no beating the Lamborghini in the style department. Luc Donckerwolke’s Murcialago and Gallardo Coupe are instant classics, and nothing is lost in the Spyder’s decapitation.
Save hundreds on your auto insurance. It's easy. It's free. And there's no obligation. Get a free quote now!
Get a Free Quote.
The best deals in performance auto parts. Plus save money on replacements parts and auto body parts.
FREE SHIPPING on orders over $99
We're loaded with parts and accessories. Save up to 40% off List price. Free shipping with no minimum purchase (restrictions apply). See site for details!
Up to 40% Off List
Huge selection of quality, collectible diecast models. Classic cars. Muscle cars. Racing. Old brands. Find your favorites! Great deals. Wholesale diecast car models. Shop now!
Classics. Muscle. Racing & More. Rare Models!
Buy one night, get one night FREE at Holiday Inn with your Enterprise car rental. Great Cars. Low Rates. Free Pick-up.
We'll Pick You Up! Low Rates
Shop by your vehicle's make, model and year to find exactly the right parts and accessories. Plus, we're making a commitment to you with our industry-leading 1-year guarantee on more than 6 million parts and accessories. Shop now!
New, improved, better than ever website!
Car Audio Systems. GPS Navigation. Mobile Video Systems. Radar Detectors. Handy online tool to learn "What Fits Your Vehicle." All Major Brands. Shop Now!
Free shipping on thousands of electronics!