With its forward-leaning side mirrors and stern angular front end, the Lamborghini Gallardo is a fighting bull in every sense of the word, poised to unleash its V10 fury on a waiting world. Introduced in 2004, the Gallardo is the new entry-level racer in the Lamborghini lineup, a cheaper (for what that's worth) Murcielago that's also intended to be an all-round road-burner.
Meant to rival the Ferrari F430, the Gallardo has become Lamborghini's top-selling car in just four years on the market, easily outpacing the previous best-seller, the Diablo. The reason may be that the Gallardo gives drivers all the speed and racing action they desire, while throwing in some everyday comfort and practicality, like all-wheel drive, front and side airbags, and stability control. A lighter aluminum body helps offset the extra weight of the all-wheel drive, not compromising at all the mid-mounted 5.0-liter V10 engine. This V10 is new for Lamborghini and was originally rated at 492-hp, until it got a boost to 512 in 2007. It does 0-60 in just over 4 seconds.
The Gallardo is also the first Lamborghini to have 19-inch tires, compared to the Murcielago's 18-inch ones. Unlike the Murcielago, the doors are front-hinged. The Gallardo features more brittle angles, and even the folding side mirrors angle forward. Sitting only 18 inches off the ground, it is low-down and mean. An optional clear cover panel can be placed over the engine to show the beast lurking beneath.
Originally offered as a coupe, the Gallardo expanded in 2006 to a Spyder convertible, with a power-retractable soft top, and in 2007 offered a limited edition Nera coupe, with Alcantara leather seats and a menacing all-black exterior. Facing such a monster head to head, I'd put my money on the fighting bull.
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