It’s been two decades since Lamborghini introduced its first production car with a V10 engine, the Lamborghini Gallardo. It was a very successful car with 14,022 units produced by 2013. But it’s story begins many years earlier.
Company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini was thinking about a smaller Lamborghini with a lower price and maintenance costs back in the 70s. The concept ultimately led to the development of a project that became a 2+2 sports car called the Lamborghini Urraco. In the 1980s, the project evolved into the Jalpa model, Lamborghini’s everyday supercar. However, in 1987, a new project called the L140 began with the aim of producing more compact Lamborghinis. Several prototypes were built, all of which had different technical solutions and potential powertrains, including a V8 engine initially, and later a V10 engine which was the final choice.
The first LAmborghini Gallardo was powered by a 5.0-liter 10-cylinder DOHC engine with 493 hp (368 kW) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) of torque. It was offered with a conventional (H-pattern) six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed electro-hydraulically actuated single-clutch automated manual transmission. A 90-degree angle was used to optimize the layout of the vehicle, improve rear visibility and lower the center of gravity for better dynamics.
The all-aluminum structural chassis is welded to cast fasteners creating a strong yet lightweight foundation for this supercar. Unlike many super sports cars, the Gallardo offered both reliability and everyday usability without compromising on exciting performance.
During production the Gallardo was offered in several different versions such as Coupe, Spyder, Superleggera, LP 570-4 Superleggera, LP 560-4, LP 560-4 Spyder, LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, LP 550-2 Coupé, LP 550 –2 AD, LP 550-2 Spyder, each of which introduced unique features and technological advancements.
The Gallardo is one of the most successful sports cars in the history of the Sant’Agata Bolognese-based company. It pioneered Lamborghini’s commitment to pushing boundaries, but also laid the foundation for its successor, the Lamborghini Huracan.
Source: Lamborghini
Gallery:
