2008 Lamborghini Gallardo
Not Yet Ranked
Lamborghini Gallardo
Overall Score - NA
The Gallardo, widely viewed as one of the sexiest sports cars on the market, is an expensive treat for those who want look-at-me styling and mind-blowing speed. However, its daunting base price, small interior, and some sub-par materials can easily deter buyers. If you're in the market for an exotic sports car, consider the Ferrari F430 or the Gallardo's more expensive big brother, the Lamborghini Murciélago.
The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo is a world-class sports car that boasts wild acceleration that goes with its wildly styled exterior. Named after a breed of eighteenth-century fighting bulls, the Gallardo made its debut in 2004. Since then, it's become the best-selling vehicle in Lamborghini's history -- and it's easy to see why. The Auto Channel calls it a "supercar like few other. Quick, responsive and highly desirable." Likewise, the Arizona Republic says the Gallardo is "every bit the supercar, boasting plenty of performance, style and charisma." Last year, Lamborghini began offering the new Gallardo Superleggera, which features lighter-weight components and more horsepower. New Car Test Drive calls this newest offering "one of the most exciting, easy-to-drive sports cars ever built, a very special car for the few who can afford it."
But does the Gallardo justify its extravagant $200,000-plus base price? "For those with loads of disposable income, Gallardo has to be on the sports-car shopping list," says the Arizona Republic. Note that the Superleggera costs almost $30,000 more than the base Gallardo. Still, Car and Driver calls it "something of a bargain for Lambo fanciers," noting that "a Superleggera is a good $100,000 less than a comparably equipped Murciélago LP640, about as quick in a straight line, and a lot less of a handful on a track."
The Gallardo comes as a two-door coupe equipped with a 5.0-liter V10 engine. The Superleggera model adds 10 additional horsepower. The Gallardo Spyder, added to the line in 2006, features an automatic soft top.
Gallardo Performance - NA
Automobile Magazine calls the Lamborghini Gallardo "truly the stuff of extreme daily driving" and most test drivers agree. It rides smoothly enough to be used every day -- but also handles and accelerates well enough to be a very viable competitor on the track. continue
Gallardo Exterior - NA
The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo's flashy, menacing exterior draws plenty of praise. "The car certainly looks fantastic," says Car and Driver, adding that the car "turns heads almost off their necks." continue
Gallardo Interior - NA
The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo's snug interior is surprisingly comfortable and luxurious. "As its interior reveals, modern car-building techniques have buffed the rough, rude edges of the Lamborghini personality," writes Automobile Magazine. Even so, some complain that the quality of materials doesn't match the Lambo's steep price. continue
Gallardo Safety - NA
The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo has not been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry. But it comes with a generous offering of safety features, including side head-curtain air bags. continue
Gallardo Reliability - NA
U.S. News is still compiling reliability data on the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo. Lamborghini offers a two-year/24,000-mile basic warranty. continue