2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Review
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Installment
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2011 Lamborghini Gallardo at a glance
Boasting a terrific blend of style, dynamics and performance, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo has huge supercar appeal. Add the decent ride comfort and impressive quality, and we have the most complete Lamborghini ever.
2011 Lamborghini Gallardo quick specs
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2011 Lamborghini Gallardo ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
For a new-generation car, the Lamborghini Gallardo's styling changes have been mild. And who could blame Lamborghini? The styling was one of the previous Lamborghini Gallardo's strongest points, and there is little reason to overhaul everything. The front end has been given the Lamborghini Reventon treatment, meaning bigger, more aggressive air intakes. The rear end is minimalist, with smaller rear lights contributing to a more elegant design than before. Despite the overall familiarity, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo remains one of the most dramatic-looking supercar.
Handling
To say the handling is brilliant is perhaps an understatement. More accurately, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo will leave you gasping for breath and asking for more. From the superb grip and immense traction, to the flat cornering stance and uncanny composure, Lamborghini managed to improve on the previous Gallardo's handling with an almost completely reworked chassis. And not to forget the weighty, precise steering. There is a little understeer when taking on corners at higher speeds, but a well-timed lift will bring the nose back in line.
Comfort
The ride and refinement have most definitely taken a step forward. Despite the stiff suspension, the ride is smooth and reasonably comfortable for a supercar. The cabin is quieter, though not exactly hushed. Road and wind noise are audible, but it is of course the V10 symphony that dominates. The e-gear gear shifts are very jerky, however. Getting comfortable in the classic low-slung driving position is made easy with the plenty of steering and seating adjustments. Ergonomics are good, too, but rear visibility is poor.
Quality + Reliability
Lamborghini's previous lack of quality issue has been addressed ever since Audi took over the Italian automaker. Supercar style is accompanied by a real sense of quality. The excellent fit-and-finish are matched by high quality materials, including carbon fibre and acres of leather. Some of the switchgear, which come from Audi, are nicely integrated and do not appear out of place. Going by the previous Lamborghini Gallardo's reliability record, the underlying mechanicals should remain reliable in the longer term.
Performance
At the heart of the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo is an all-new 5.2-litre V10 engine thumping out 552 bhp and 540 Nm, paired to an e-gear paddle-shift gearbox, which now shifts 40 percent faster than before. On the roads, the performance is outrageous, thanks to the blend of mind-blowing acceleration and the V10 aural ecstasy. Gear shifts may be fast, but smooth they are not. The enhanced drivetrain is complemented by the weight reduction means 0-100 km/h takes a mere 3.7 seconds. Stopping power has also been improved with the uprated standard steel brakes.
Roominess
Stylish and well-made—Yes. Practical and roomy—No. You should not expect a supercar to be practical in the first place. However, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo does reasonably well by supercar standards. Driver and passenger get more than adequate room, and should find the numerous cubbies sufficient for odds and ends. Lamborghini Gallardo owners should learn to travel light, as while the boot in the bonnet is quite deep, it can not take more than an average-sized soft bag.
Running Costs
Running costs will be huge. Fuel consumption is rated as 6.8 km/litre—that is before you attempt to extract the full performance. Servicing will be regular and expensive. With the number of people queuing up to buy a Lamborghini Gallardo, residual values are strong. But considering how expensive the starting price is, any quantum of depreciation deemed reasonable would still be massive in absolute terms.
Value for Money
The 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo costs around RM 2 million, more expensive than the Ferrari F430 but similarly priced to the Ferrari 458 Italia. With a wonderful blend of style, dynamics and performance, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo has huge supercar appeal. Ride comfort is good for a supercar, while quality is impressive by previous Lamborghini standards. The 458 Italia would win on dynamics, and perhaps desirability. But overall, Lamborghini has built a supercar that would be perfectly acceptable as everyday transport for two people, and that is something.
Equipment
The 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo is well equipped as standard, including items such as leather upholstery, climate control, top-quality audio system, alloy wheels, and electric everything among others. Plenty more are available as options. Safety kit includes twin front and side airbags, plus braking, traction and stability controls.
Environment
Behind the headline increase in power and pace, the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo is also more frugal and less polluting than its predecessor—by 18 percent, to be exact, credit to a new Bosch direct injection fuel system. Still, 6.8 km/litre fuel economy and 327 grams/km are hardly “green” figures. Supercars, in general, are driven far less than normal cars, so the real-world environmental damage is in fact not as scary as the figures suggest.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Dramatic looks
Mind-blowing handling and performance
Good ride comfort by supercar standards
Jerky gear shifts
Sky-high buying and running costs
Ferrari 458 Italia is better to drive
