Wedge-shaped and low-slung, the Gallardo looks like a thoroughbred—and a thoroughbred Lamborghini at that. The trademark front end, with bladelike headlamps and an aggressive air intake divided by a body-colored bow, will reappear on future Lambos.
Measuring 169.3 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 45.9 inches high, the Gallardo sits on a relatively long 100.8-inch wheelbase.
The Gallardo features conventional front-hinged doors (scissor-style doors remain exclusive to the flagship Murcielago) and a rear spoiler that adjusts automatically to enhance downforce at speed.
Lamborghini describes the car as "mid-rear-engined" because its gearbox sits behind the longitudinally mounted engine. This configuration puts 58 percent of the car's 3153 pounds on the rear wheels.
To offset the Gallardo's obvious tail-end bias, Lamborghini has developed its own variable-torque-split all-wheel-drive system. Employing a center differential equipped with a viscous limited-slip device, the drivetrain typically sends 70 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels.
In the event of wheelspin, the limited-slip unit maintains the flow of torque to tires with traction. The rear axle has a second limited-slip device, while automatic brake applications curtail runaway wheelspin at the front.