The spectacular Gallardo is a landmark Lamborghini: the first genuinely all-new car to be made by Sant’Agata under Audi ownership. This was Sant’Agata’s first serious crack at the bottom end of the traditional supercar market and was conceived as a direct competitor for the 360 Mondeo and Porsche 911 Turbo. The Gallardo became Lamborghini’s best-selling model of all time, with 14,022 examples produced during its lifecycle from 2003 to 2013.
Featuring a long wheel-base and a competent V-10 engine, the Gallardo could deliver blistering performance with superb ride quality and handling characteristics. Uncompromising engineering standards and an obsessive attention-to-detail made for a car that was as enjoyable to drive on the city streets as it was at the racetrack – or as comfortable going to the grocery store as it was, hitting its top speed of over 186mph.
How Did The Saleen S7 Compare?
Making an appearance around the same time as the almighty Saleen S7. After establishing itself as a car manufacturer and being financially backed up by Hidden Creek Industries, Steve Saleen unveiled the S7 at the Monterey Historic Races in 2000. It was a supercar by all means. When Saleen designed the car, he took its inspiration from Ferrari F40 and F50, McLaren F1, and Jaguar XJ220. The result was a mid-engined supercar with a wide grille at the front apron and massive side vents behind the doors, which channeled the air into the engine compartment.
Is The Lamborghini Capable Of Keeping Its Crown?
The first generation of the Gallardo was powered with a firing 5.0-liter 90-degree V-10 engine, generating a maximum power output of 493 horsepower at 7500 rpm and an impressive torque output. The Gallardo was offered with two choices of transmission; a conventional (H-pattern) six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed electro-hydraulically actuated single-clutch automated manual transmission that Lamborghini called “E-gear”. Both gearboxes were built by Graziano Trasmissioni. The “E-gear” transmission provided gear changes more quickly than could be achieved through a manual shift. The driver shifts up and down via paddles behind the steering wheel, but can also change to an automatic mode. The Lamborghini could achieve 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and cover ¼ of a mile in 12.4 seconds at 118mph. The Gallardo held a top speed of 192 mph.
It was designed to preserve the attributes of previous Lamborghini cars, but also to add a sense of extreme individuality and a modern feel. The final product looked great, even when standing still, the Lamborghini Gallardo felt fast and uncompromising. The interior looked modern and is of superb build quality, but some Audi components could be recognized. Unfortunately, the car lacked the famous Lamborghini scissor doors, which are reserved for V-12 lineage.
What Made The Saleen Able To Compete With Lamborghini?
Under the hood, the car manufacturer took a 351 cu-in small-block Ford engine, increased its bore and stroke, and transformed it into a 427 cu-in, 7.0-liter V-8 wonder. This mighty engine was later tuned for street use and to comply with the emission tests. Despite its ancient architecture, with two valves per cylinder and a push-rod system, it provided 550 horsepower and a massive 712lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated version of the S7 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 2.8 seconds and to 100 mph in 7.1 seconds. It completes a standing quarter of a mile in an estimated 11.35 seconds, reaching 128 mph. The body of the car, made entirely from carbon fiber, incorporates the use of scoops, spoilers, and other aerodynamic features to create split-channel airflow throughout the car. At 160 mph, the car creates its own weight in downforce.
Leather appears throughout the cabin, with aluminum accents. The S7 comes with a set of custom-fit luggage compartments. Because of the car’s mid-engine layout, it has two trunks at the front and rear. Other features include an LCD monitor, rearview camera, quick-release steering wheel, and a 240-mph speedometer. The cabin is of an asymmetrical layout, and comes with fixed seats, with the driver’s seat positioned toward the center to improve both the driver’s visibility and center the driver’s weight in the vehicle.
The average price of a Lamborghini Gallardo now is $130,000 compared to that of the S7 at a hefty $375,000. Along with that high price tag comes a more powerful engine, a faster motor, and a unique stylish design. Although the Gallardo is a lot cheaper and still carries that legendary Lamborghini reputation and amazing specs; if you pay that extra for the Saleen S7, you won’t be disappointed.
Source: Autocar, Parkers, AutoExpress, Auto Evolution
Check Out This Stunning Lamborghini Gallardo Dressed Up As A Ford Mustang
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About The Author
Thomas Morgan
(36 Articles Published)
Tom is currently working as a radio presenter, film producer and also a writer. He is a true Mancunian, with a big passion for the media industry, he feels privileged to be in so many different sectors of the industry.
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