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Though similar in size to a Porsche 911 or a Ferrari 360 Modena, the Gallardo looks meaner and more impressive. The low and wide stance is no doubt an influence of the 1980’s Countach, while the stealthy angular styling is a salute to its formidable bigger brother, the Muciélago. However, the Gallardo’s design isn’t just a cut-and-paste routine. It is extremely individual with its flowing crease-cut side profile and relative absence of unnecessary clutter. However, the cinematic scissor doors don’t make an appearance, as the company decided that this traditional design element is reserved to its twelve cylinder lineage. The knife’s edge styling of the Lamborghini isn’t just meant to scare away Ferraris and Porsches. Designers worked with engineers in making sure the Gallardo offers correct aerodynamic features by concentrating not only on the reduction of the drag co-efficient, but more importantly, on the control of the front and rear lift co-efficients. The result is a refinement in body aerodynamics with some visual clues: a front flap, a flat bottom and an electronically controlled rear spoiler which rises with the vehicle’s speed. At the heart of the beast lies a new double overhead cam, four-valve per cylinder V10 that develops a healthy dose of 500 bhp at 7,800 rpm and 510 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm mounted sideways in the traditional mid-engine layout. The engine configuration is unique: instead of using the classical 72-degree V-angle, an angle of 90 degrees was preferred. This was chosen to give the Gallardo a lower engine bonnet, better rear visibility and above all, a lower center of gravity, giving it better dynamics. Though remotely based on Audi’s own 4.2-liter V8, the powerplant has been heavily reworked for service under the Gallardo’s hood in cooperation with Cosworth Engineering: it contains lightweight internals, variable valve timing and dry sump lubrication (a system that guarantees correct lubrication even in extreme driving conditions). The inherent unevenness of a V10’s firing intervals was solved by the adoption of crankpins incorporating an 18-degree offset. In addition, the throttle control is performed via a Drive-by-Wire system, with two electronic throttle bodies ensuring perfect and accurate response each and every time. Putting all of this power onto the ground is the Gallardo’s permanent four-wheel drive system. Based on Lamborghini’s Viscous Traction system, it delivers a surefooted driving experience no matter what mother earth throws in its path. The urge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds is channeled through a paddle-operated six-speed gearbox with a manual transaxle. Debuting on the Gallardo, Audi’s new paddle shift technology is dubbed ‘e-gear’. This system contains a robotized sequential shifting mechanism, while maintaining a basically unchanged mechanical gearbox. Incorporating a launch control system, it uses the latest set of double and triple-cone synchronizers with optimized actuation linkage for precise shifting action. |
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