2009 Lamborghini Gallardo: What's New

Vehicle Overview
The high-performance Lamborghini Gallardo represents the essence of exotic ultra-luxury. Unlike other Lamborghini’s, the Gallardo is intended to perform well as an everyday driver as well as a racing machine.

The 2009 Gallardo — dubbed LP560-4 — is available as a coupe or Spyder convertible. The Gallardo competes with the Ferrari F430 and Audi R8.

New for 2009
The Gallardo received extensive exterior and mechanical upgrades for 2009, including a new engine, suspension and four-wheel drivetrain as well as exterior styling updates.

Exterior
Unlike the Murcielago’s scissors-style doors, the Gallardo has conventional front-hinged doors. The body sits low to the ground and has big side scoops and sharp edges and curves. The cab-forward cockpit is integrated into the body, giving it a wedge-shaped profile.

The front features a redesigned spoiler and large cooling intakes. New bi-xenon headlamps include LED daytime running lights, which are similar to the R8’s. The redesigned rear features new taillamps, engine cooling vents, bumper and rear diffuser. An electronically controlled spoiler deploys at high speeds.

The Gallardo Spyder features a power soft-top that can open or close in 20 seconds. The full-lined fabric top is available in black, blue, gray and beige.

Built on a relatively long 100.8-inch wheelbase, the Gallardo is 171.1 inches long overall. Its height is just 45.9 inches.

Pirelli PZero tires — specifically developed for Lamborghini — are mounted on 19-inch wheels.

Interior
Though the Gallardo is a performance-oriented car, it isn’t without its luxuries. Leather upholstery is standard; Alcantara, a simulated-suede material, is optional. An Alcantara headliner and leather-bound dash and center console are available.

The Ad Personam program allows customers to choose any interior color and trim combination.

Auto-dimming, power-folding and heated exterior mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard. Heated seats and a navigation system are optional. Optional carbon-fiber trim can adorn the air vents, center console, hand brake and gear shifter.

Two people fit inside the Gallardo. There’s 3.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which is located at the front of the car.

Under the Hood
Built with an aluminum body and space frame, the Gallardo has all-wheel drive. The new 5.2-liter V-10 engine uses direction injection to achieve 552 horsepower and 398 pounds-feet of torque.

A new all-wheel-drive system distributes 30 percent of the power to the front wheels, but the distribution can be adjusted as needed. The suspension features an aluminum double-wishbone front and rear suspension with retuned springs and shock absorbers. Its weight distribution is 43 percent in the front and 57 percent at the rear, which Lamborghini says is optimal for traction, braking and handling.

The Gallardo comes with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The automatic has been redesigned and now performs gear changes 40 percent faster. The six-speed gearbox can operate with paddle shifters. Brembo brakes come standard; carbon fiber ceramic brakes are optional.

According to Lamborghini, the coupe can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4 seconds.

Safety
Antilock brakes incorporate electronic brake-force distribution. Front- and side-impact airbags are standard. An electronic stability system is standard. A new optional rear backup camera is integrated into the rear spoiler.