When San’tAgata brough the Gallardo to life, many people gave the baby bull a look and immediately conclude that it wasn’t a proper Lamborghini. There is no denying that it shared many bits and pieces from Audi, including the most important aspect of it, the engine. Derived from Audi’s 4.2-litre V8, the 5-litre V10 was developed by Cosworth to produce 500bhp and set to give the Gallardo a much more grunty powerplant. However, no one believed at that moment on the success of the model and how a decade later, it could equate to half the number of Lamborghinis ever produced.. Despite the lack of the brand’s signature doors.
With the last Gallardo to ever be made rolled of the production lines earlier this week in the form of an LP570-4 Spyder Performanté; making way for the replacement next year, dubbed as the ‘Cabrera’.. We take a look at the many different iterations of Gallardos to come out of the factory in San’tAgata Bolognese, Italy.
2003 Lamborghini Gallardo
The first gen Lamborghini Gallaro.. Genesis! This was the beginning of the outrageous success, where it was finally possible to own a ‘Bull’ that can be driven everyday, without shooting it down with a shotgun. Although there were some issues regarding reliability, it was the beginning of the many greats that came later. And for that fact alone… it deserves the respect.
2005 Lamborghini Gallardo SE
Visually recognised by the two-tone colour illustrated on the exterior – the SE is more than just a feature update. Only 250 units were ever made and it is known to set the paces for future Gallardos to come. It came with 20bhp more and the optional E-gear that came with a new ‘thrust’ function that soon became standard with the gearbox. With an updated steering rack and a revised gear-ratio, the SE was an even more responsive Gallardo, and the update to follow along in 2006 (known as MY2006) was based on the success of this iteration.
2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
This roof was officially chopped off in 2006 and came to life the open top, Spyder version. The engine were updated along with the MY2006, which means it produces 520bhp from the 5.0-litre V10 engine and a flap in the exhaust, to control the noise at RPMs below 4k. This meant that it gave the Gallardo a sense of quietness for town driving and at the same time, give a much more pleasant experience for the driver. In fact, this car was so good that Jeremy Clarkson bought one with orange seats.
2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Nera
The Nera was a special limited edition Gallardo that were made available, only in two shades of black.. Nero Serapis and Nero Noctis. Although it was seemingly pointless limited edition, this was the beginning of Gallardo’s many ridiculous limited editions that came in the near future. Only 185 was made.
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
In 2007 – Lamborghini decided to make a lighter, more track focused Gallardo called the ‘Superleggera’. Basically it meant ‘Superlight’ and it shed an entire 100kg from the standard car courtesy of extensive usage of carbon fibre. At the same time, the power was increased by 10bhp and and soon became the Gallardo that every enthusiast wanted. Most came with the E-gear configuration but the one many are looking for is the US-specced, 6-speed manual transmission for a more involved driving experience. If you want a Lamborghini Gallardo.. this is the one to have.
Lamborghini Gallardo Police Cars – Italian Police and London Metropolitan Service Police
The Italian police were running in crummy little Fiats that was undoubtedly slow and rather boring. In commemoration of the force’s 152nd anniversary, Lamborghini decided to donate two units of this police spec Gallardo which was then use to chase Alfa Romeos on the Autostrade or occasionally when Germans pass by speeding like they were on the Autobahn. Soon the police force got too excited and one of it caught in an accident much later.
Jealous of the Italians, the British police wanted a piece of the Supercar action too and manage to get themselves 2 units (1 in 2005, 1 in 2006). Although they were used briefly for the Metropolitan Police, they were never officially used by the force to capture any criminals. Perhaps it was too fast compared to their usual diesel powered Astras.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
First presented to the public at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show – the LP560-4 was the inevitable facelift that came for the Gallardo. Featuring a larger 5.2-litre V10 displacement, it produced 552bhp and 540nm powered to all four wheels. At the same time, it was also friendlier to the environment.. but not many were interested on that fact. The facelift came with a reworked front and rear lights, matched with Reventon inspired bumpers to give the Gallardo a more aggressive look. This too was also the beginning of Lamborghini’s lust in making ridiculous limited editions to their upmost success.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder
The Spyder version came along a couple of months after the launch of the Coupé. All things similar with the hard top variant, except it had a canvas roof that could be kept in the back via a motor in under 20 seconds. A beauty? We absolutely agree..
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
Following the last generation’s light weight, track biased Gallardo. San’tAgata gifted the world with the LP570-4 Superleggera. Despite the LP560 being 40kg lighter than the previous gen’s Superleggera – this version was 90kg lighter than the LP560 which made it absolutely hot.. and absolutely fast. A blend of 1340kg and 562bhp meant this car will sprint from Zerotohundred in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202mph.
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder LP570-4 Performanté
The Performanté basically stands as the open-top version of the Superleggera. Many never understood the purpose of a lightweight car, that was heavy (because of the chassis stiffening due to the lack of roof and the roof folding mechanism) but it was then seen; more as a special toy for people who could afford the Gallardo.. but wanted something that was different. It was not made in limited numbers but not many were made either.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni
When Lamborghini’s chief test driver at the time, Valentino Balboni was almost retiring.. the management decided to treat him to a version of the Gallardo that was dedicated to him, and how he would have his baby bull like. This meant he was able to fiddle with many things, making it not only lighter.. but also more driver orientated. The VB edition loses the all-wheel drive system for the rear-wheel drive setup and reducing the weight by and additional 30kg. It loses 10bhp but it was more fun and closer against the rival from Maranello, the 430 Scuderia. Only 250 units were ever made.
Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore
The 2-wheel drive option meant that it gave the Italians more options for a marketing ploy. After the LP550-2 VB edition, the Bicolore came to life. It was basically a two-tone Gallardo (similar to the SE) that had no performance upgrade or neither was it even limited. It was a special edition Gallardo with a choice of 5 colours and Skorplus alloy wheels from the VB edition.
Lamborghini Gallardo Tricolore
Tricolore meant three colours, and what better way to put three colours together in the combination of the Italian flag. This was the choice for people who wanted an Italian flag on their white Gallardo, which also ran over the driver’s seats. Meant to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, it was made in limited numbers with a plaque on the side rear quarter window to remind you that the car is special.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Malaysia Limited Edition
Special to our Malaysian market – the MLE version was to celebrate the success of Lamborghini in the Malaysian market and only 20 units were made. The MLE featured bumpers and rear diffusers from the LP570 Superleggera with the wing given as an option for those who prefer. Rumours say that there are still many at the showroom left and if you want a Gallardo, you could probably get the MLE for a shade under RM1.6 million with taxes.
Lamborghini Galardo LP550-2 Singapore Limited Edition
After selling countless numbers of Murcielago SVs in Singapore (Over 30 units were sold), Singapore too received the same limited edition run – made specifically for the Singaporean market. It came with Superleggera front and rear bumpers, matched together with Skorplus wheels from the VB edition and gen 1 Superleggera.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Hong Kong 20th Anniversary Edition
In celebration of 20 years of Lamborghini in Hong Kong – a limited run 2 wheel drive were made to commemorate this special occasion. Only 8 were made it all of it came in Bianco Monocerus and matte gold Cordelia wheels and stripes. Needless to say, it looked handsome but it was yet another limited edition Gallardo.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Gold Edition
Made solely for the Chinese market – this LP560-4 was illustrated in Oro Elios and added along to the many different iterations of Gallardos. Not many knew of this limited edition in fact.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Noctis
It was made for the Hong Kong and China market and presented in a two-tone colour scheme. First introduced in Guangzhou Auto Show 2011, the Noctis was another marketing ploy by Lamborghini to add on the Gallardo’s long ling of limited editions.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bianco Rosso
After focusing on markets like China and Hong Kong, Lamborghini realised that they have forgotten about Japan and quickly came up with another two-tone colour schemed Gallardo. Now presented in Bianco (white) and Rosso (red), it was made to celebrate the 10th year anniversary, with the colour scheme inspired by the land of the rising sun’s flag. Interior were also two-tone in black and red, giving it a much more sporty feel.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale
After countless limited edition LP550s and LP560s – finally San’tAgata came about to making something truly special. The Super Trofeo Stradale was 30kg lighter than the LP570 Superleggera and shared the similar adjustable wing that came from the one-make series, the Blancpain Super Trofeo. It was essentially a road going version of the race car and only 150 units were ever made.
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Coupé and Spyder
In late 2012 – Lamborghini brought to life the last hurrah of the Gallardo. Despite the fact that it was due for replacement, they took the liberty of updating the Gallardo for the third and last time before sending it off. It featured a new love-or-hate front and rear bumper but maintained all the similar tech as the previous LP560. It came in both Coupé and Spyder form.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Edizione Technica
Don’t get too excited because it was just a fancy new name for the Superleggera. Everything still looked similar visually in both the interior and exterior but it gave many people hope that it was the last of the Gallardo series. Too bad it wasn’t..
Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Asia
Because San’tAgata then came up with a special edition of their limited edition Super Trofeo Stradale. Made for the Asian market, the Super Trofeo Asia was build to commemorate the success of the one-make race in Asia and only 3 were ever made. Presented in Giallo, it featured all the similar traits as the STS, except the fact that it came with the plaque that said Super Trofeo Asia. Special? No doubt.. Neccessary? Hmm…
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse
And we have finally reached the end of the many Lamborghini Gallardos. At the end of its life, Lamborghini made the final proper send off for the most successful model ever made. Dubbed as the Squadra Corse, it featured the similar traits of the Super Trofeo Stradale, except the front and rear bumpers were updated with the MY2013 facelift features. Matched with its lightweight performance, the Squadra Corse is basically a road going version of the race car and only 50 were ever made. This is the last Gallardo and will forever be engraved in the history books as the last of the mohicans.
There may be some editions of this much loved baby bull that we may have missed out – in fact there may even be some editions that were never officially presented but came to life anyways. No doubt that the Gallardo was an epic success for the company but the many special editions felt like the brand intended to extend the life span of the car. Many of the limited editions felt unnecessary and seen as a marketing ploy but whatever they did definitely has delivered an upmost success story.
The Gallardo will forever be a milestone for Lamborghini and we hope that the upcoming replacement will be a worthy successor to this baby bull – the most successful Lamborghini model ever made!
