Lamborghini’s entry-level Gallardo supercar has been on sale since 2003, and in that time has already seen a major facelift and new engine, as well as a dizzying myriad of special editions.
With no imminent replacement, Lambo has injected a last dose of tweaks into the baby raging bull, with an angular new front and rear fascia, more personalisation, and another bewinged special edition model.
The 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
What’s new on the Gallardo? As the name suggests, the oily bits have stayed the same: that means 560bhp coursing through all four wheels, and 200mph performance.
What is new is the design of the front and rear bumpers. They’ve gained an angular, triangle-themed look cribbed from the Aventador flagship, plus vents ahead of the front wheel. The rear aperture tweaks in particular contribute to better heat expulsion from the engine bay, says Lambo. Hopefully it’ll put a stop the many cases of fire in these cars during its nine-year life.
The wheels themselves get a diamond-cut finish, and are 19 inches in diameter. It’s not a major change, but with 13,000 Gallardos sold, the car is Sant’Agata’s most popular model ever, so they see no reason to fix what ain’t quite broke just yet.
And what about the 2012 Gallardo Edizione Tecnica?
Same old bumpers as before and a Superleggera wing – what’s the game here? The Gallardo ‘ET’ is said to build upon the already out of this world (sorry) lightened Gallardos, thanks to goodies like standard carbon ceramic brakes and a best-yet power-to-weight ratio for the car.
To set your Gallardo ET apart from other bespoilered Lamborghinis, the ET version comes in a range of bespoke colours with contrasting roof pillars. Sir can choose from matt plack with orange, matt white with orange, or all-over orange with matt black details. Not one for the shrinking violets, then…
The new LP560-4 coupe and Spyder, and the Gallardo ET will be sold alongside all other Gallardo models, adding up to a six model range. As well as the two new cars, there’s the Superleggera and its topless sister, the Performante, plus the two-wheel drive LP550-2.
>> Do you like the facelifted Gallardo, or should it have been pensioned off before now? Tell us in the article comments below.