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2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Full Review
Date Published: 7/02/08
Also in the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Review:
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Lamborghini Gallardo Full Review
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2008 Lamborghini Gallardo
Sneak Peek
The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo (guy-YARD-oh) returns as an all-wheel-drive exotic that stands as the Italian company's entry-level car. Three models are offered. The base Gallardo and Superleggera are two-passenger coupes; the Spyder is a two-passenger convertible with power-folding soft top. A 522-hp 5.0-liter V10 powers the base model and Superleggera, while the Spyder has a 512-hp version of that engine. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automated manual that has no clutch pedal and can be set to shift like an automatic. Most structural and body components are made of aluminum or lightweight carbon fiber. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that cover the head and torso. Other available features include a navigation system with TV reception, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Also available is a lifting system that raises the front of the vehicle to clear obstacles. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of a Superleggera provided by Lamborghini Chicago, Westmont, IL.
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2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Entry/exit |
| All-wheel drive | Visibility |
| Handling/roadholding | Cargo room |
| Interior materials | Ride |
| Fuel economy | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Scorching. According to Lamborghini, the Superleggera's grab 'n go combination of all-wheel drive and 522 hp nets a 0-60-mph time of about 3.8 seconds--and that's believable. Our test Superleggera had the automated manual transmission, which makes that figure easily attainable as you simply floor the gas pedal and hang on. There was just a bit of a delay when mashing the throttle from a stop before the system engaged the automatic clutch. But from then on, acceleration was explosive, with crisp upshifts whether letting the transmission shift itself or shifting manually with the steering-wheel paddles. Downshifts were also executed quickly and smoothly, whether done automatically or manually.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 10 | 9.2 |
Scorching. According to Lamborghini, the Superleggera's grab 'n go combination of all-wheel drive and 522 hp nets a 0-60-mph time of about 3.8 seconds--and that's believable. Our test Superleggera had the automated manual transmission, which makes that figure easily attainable as you simply floor the gas pedal and hang on. There was just a bit of a delay when mashing the throttle from a stop before the system engaged the automatic clutch. But from then on, acceleration was explosive, with crisp upshifts whether letting the transmission shift itself or shifting manually with the steering-wheel paddles. Downshifts were also executed quickly and smoothly, whether done automatically or manually.
Fuel Economy
We've had no opportunity to measure fuel economy, but the EPA ratings of 10 to 11 in the city and 17 highway aren't encouraging--especially if you make even occasional use of the monumental power available. Gallardos require premium-grade gas.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 1 | 2.4 |
We've had no opportunity to measure fuel economy, but the EPA ratings of 10 to 11 in the city and 17 highway aren't encouraging--especially if you make even occasional use of the monumental power available. Gallardos require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Not as harsh as might be expected. Though the test-drive route didn't include any snow-belt potholes, most regular road imperfections were noticed but not jolting. Unless your commute includes some really rough pavement, the Superleggera would not be unduly punishing as an everyday driver.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 2 | 5.7 |
Not as harsh as might be expected. Though the test-drive route didn't include any snow-belt potholes, most regular road imperfections were noticed but not jolting. Unless your commute includes some really rough pavement, the Superleggera would not be unduly punishing as an everyday driver.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Sharp steering response, flat cornering, and copious grip give the Superleggera a greater degree of handling capability than most people would have the courage to fully explore. Unless they'd stolen it.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 10 | 8.8 |
Sharp steering response, flat cornering, and copious grip give the Superleggera a greater degree of handling capability than most people would have the courage to fully explore. Unless they'd stolen it.
Quietness
Five hundred-plus horses make quite a commotion when allowed to run free--and they're galloping right behind your head--but the resulting decibels are more stimulating than annoying. The engine generates a constant background whine even at cruise, but wind noise isn't overly objectionable at any legal speed, nor is road noise.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 5.6 |
Five hundred-plus horses make quite a commotion when allowed to run free--and they're galloping right behind your head--but the resulting decibels are more stimulating than annoying. The engine generates a constant background whine even at cruise, but wind noise isn't overly objectionable at any legal speed, nor is road noise.
Controls
Main gauges are directly in front of the driver, with ancillary units positioned high atop the dash. Audio and climate controls are in a slanted panel that places them within easy reach. Only the dash vents require a long stretch to adjust. With the automated manual transmission, initial gear selection is made by pressing the proper console button; in manual mode, shifts are accomplished with handy steering-wheel paddles.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.4 |
Main gauges are directly in front of the driver, with ancillary units positioned high atop the dash. Audio and climate controls are in a slanted panel that places them within easy reach. Only the dash vents require a long stretch to adjust. With the automated manual transmission, initial gear selection is made by pressing the proper console button; in manual mode, shifts are accomplished with handy steering-wheel paddles.
Details
Suede and carbon fiber were the predominant interior materials on our test vehicle, and the combination resulted in a rich but sporty ambiance befitting a car of this monetary magnitude.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 9 | 8.2 |
Suede and carbon fiber were the predominant interior materials on our test vehicle, and the combination resulted in a rich but sporty ambiance befitting a car of this monetary magnitude.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ingress and egress can be awkward even for the svelte and limber, the biggest obstacle being the wide door sills. But once inside, there's adequate room for all but the very large, and the seat and driving position are quite comfortable. Despite the low-set seats, the cursed "sitting in a bathtub" feeling is avoided, partly due to decent forward visibility. Anything aft of your shoulders, however, is lost behind thick roof pillars and a tiny, nearly useless rear window, making backing out of parking spots a nerve-wracking proposition--and the available rearview camera a valuable addition.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 3 | 6.8 |
Ingress and egress can be awkward even for the svelte and limber, the biggest obstacle being the wide door sills. But once inside, there's adequate room for all but the very large, and the seat and driving position are quite comfortable. Despite the low-set seats, the cursed "sitting in a bathtub" feeling is avoided, partly due to decent forward visibility. Anything aft of your shoulders, however, is lost behind thick roof pillars and a tiny, nearly useless rear window, making backing out of parking spots a nerve-wracking proposition--and the available rearview camera a valuable addition.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 0 | 3.2 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Pack light. The front-mounted trunk is only large enough for a small, right-sized suitcase or a couple of gym bags, and shirts with big pockets are recommended traveling attire, as there's virtually no interior storage.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 1 | 2.3 |
Pack light. The front-mounted trunk is only large enough for a small, right-sized suitcase or a couple of gym bags, and shirts with big pockets are recommended traveling attire, as there's virtually no interior storage.
Value within Class
Gallardo has few equals in terms of performance and even fewer superiors, with its main claim to fame being an all-wheel-drive system that gives it a confidence-inspiring edge, particularly on slick surfaces. It also makes the Gallardo a more practical "everyday" car, or at least one that can be enjoyed more often.
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.4 |
Gallardo has few equals in terms of performance and even fewer superiors, with its main claim to fame being an all-wheel-drive system that gives it a confidence-inspiring edge, particularly on slick surfaces. It also makes the Gallardo a more practical "everyday" car, or at least one that can be enjoyed more often.
Total Score
| Superleggera, automated manual | Class Average |
| 53 | 65 |
Scores for all Exotic Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 84 |
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2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated:
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lamborghini Gallardo 2-door coupe | Lamborghini Gallardo 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.8 | 100.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 169.3 | 169.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.8 | 74.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 45.9 | 46.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2998 | 3461 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.8 | 21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V10 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.0 /303 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 522 @ 8000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 376 @ 4250 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed manual | 10/17 |
| 6-speed automated manual | 11/17 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lamborghini Gallardo 2-door coupe | Lamborghini Gallardo 2-door convertible |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
Italy
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Lamborghini Gallardo Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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