Although it may look like the larger Murcielago, when you put the two hip-high supercars next to each other, the Gallardo immediately appears more compact and blunter.

With the purchase of Lamborghini by Audi/Volkswagen in 1998, an interesting challenge arised: adjusting the hot-blooded and temperamental machines to the Teutonic levels of quality and engineering. The result was the Italian supercar maker’s Lamborghini Gallardo. It met Audi’s mission to keep the style and attitude of V12-powered cars like Countach, Diablo and Murcielago but to make the car more usable and livable for daily use. This has been greeted with very positive reviews and strong sales, since the Gallardo’s debut in 2004.

The aluminum V10 engine has been upped slightly for 2006 and tops out at 520 hp at 8,000 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. It launches the car from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The gasoline consumption is estimated at a 10 mpg city / 19 mpg highway rate. The V10 features an 18-degree offset crankshaft for even firing, continuously variable valve timing, dry-sump oiling and a variable-length induction system. All the V10 power is fed to the pavement through an AWD system that can vary front-to rear, if necessary, as the suspension front and rear is a double-wishbone design. The stopping duties are handled by the Beefy Brembo brakes that have eight-piston calipers clamping things down up things.

The chassis is a mix of alloy stampings, extruded elements and castings. The exterior is composed of thermoplastic panels, except for the doors, which are made of steel and swing out, instead of upward scissor-style.

Audi’s mark is obvious inside: the stylish furnishing blend form and function, which makes Gallardo’s interior look great and comfortable to boot.

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Features

Though a convertible is in the works, only the exotic Lamborghini Gallardo is currently available. There are two trim levels for the 2006 coupe: base and SE. Standard equipment for the base car includes 19-inch alloy wheels, 235/35 R19 tires in front and 295/30 R19 in the rear, HID headlights, full power accessories and Audi-sourced CD audio system. As an option, a winter package is available – it adds heated exterior mirrors, seats and windshield washer jets. Also, winter tires with “Cassiopeia” style titanium-colored rims and a power outlet in the trunk are included. A navigation system and a rear-backup camera, as well as a sport suspension are also optional. The Gallardo can be customized in terms of trim and colors-typical for this class of car. Though the SE trim is quite identical to the base car, it has its own set of unique interior and exterior colors and includes some of the base car’s optional features as standard.

Interior

Audi’s influence in improving the quality of the inside of Gallardo is obvious: plenty of properly fitting leather and soft-touch materials; knobs, buttons and switches straight out of an Audi A6 sedan.

Seating is comfortable enough to accommodate the occasional road trip. Unless the passenger seat is empty, there’s no carrying space inside the cockpit, but short drivers might squeeze a purse or briefcase behind the seat. A small rolling carry-on bag can be hold in a trunk in the very nose of the car. Though not as flamboyant as the exterior, the interior styling is still suitable for a vehicle that commands such a high price of admission.

Exterior

Although it may look like the larger Murcielago, when you put the two hip-high supercars next to each other, the Gallardo immediately appears more compact and blunter.

The Gallardo seems somehow less extreme than its larger sibling – the restyled Murcielago LP460 – though it is polar opposite.

As sharp creases and angles on the strategy to carve a unique look for itself, it does something different than arch-rival Ferrari, whose Gallardo competitor – the F430 – bulges with curves and rounded shapes. The Gallardo’s overall form is more harmonious than the F430, despite its edgy, aggressive look.

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Powertrains and Performance

The V10 engine positioned amidstrip develops 520 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Power is fed throng, a six-speed manual transmission and an AWD system. Also, an automated, sequential-shifting manual transmission is available.

Safety and Security

The standard equipment are the antilock brakes, traction control and stability control, as well as head-protecting side curtain airbags.

Driving Impression

The V10 produces a sweet soundtrack at full throttle, truly befitting a Lamborghini. The Gallardo is capable of warp speed from any gear with its 520 hp on tap. This is because the big V10 and AWD system make the Gallardo a bit portly for this class of car. The brakes can be inconsistent in feel when pushed to their limit, even though they are immensely powerful. However, there’s plenty to like about the Gallardo. The new suspension updates help the car be a more willing handling partner. When the roads are slick and unfamiliar, the Gallardo is indeed the car you need, thanks to that AWD system.

Competitors

It seems that Lamborghini Gallardo has more advantages than Ferrari F430. Gallardo has a larger engine (5.0L vs. 4.3L) and 30 more horsepower. All-wheel drive, CD changer and side-impact airbags are standard on Gallardo. F430’s advantages are: Alarm System and Automatic Transmission are standard and it costs $6,995 less.

Between Lamborghini Gallardo and Aston Martin DB9, the Aston has more advantages. It costs $10,500 less, it has a larger engine (6.0L vs. 5.0L) and has a better Highway Mileage (19 vs. 15). Aston Martin also has more standard features. It features an Alarm System, Automatic Transmission and a Child Safety Seat Tethers. Gallardo has AWD standard and produces 70 more horsepower (520 vs. 450).

The Ford GT costs $25,000 less, it produces 30 more horsepower and has a better Highway and City Mileage. The Alarm System and Child Safety Seat Tethers are standard. Lamborghini Gallardo is featured with a 10 cylinder engine compared to the 8 cylinder engine on GT. Also, Gallardo has a Traction Control, a CD changer, Side-Impact airbags and AWD standard.