We wave goodbye as the last ‘entry-level’ Lambo, the Gallardo, rolls off production line

By Stephen Edelstein Published November 26, 2013

lamborghini gallardo production ends final leaves the factory — Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s the end of an era at the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese. goodbye

The last Lamborghini Gallardo – a Rosso Mars (red) LP570-4 Spyder Performante convertible – is on its way to a very lucky owner.

Recommended Videos

The Gallardo was introduced at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, coinciding with Lamborghini’s 40th anniversary. It was Lambo’s “entry-level” model, and helped increase the company’s sales during its 10 years in production.

Over those 10 years, 14,022 Gallardos were built, making this V10-powered supercar Lamborghini’s best-selling model ever.

So while you’re unlikely to see a Gallardo on every street corner, it was a significant move for a low-volume manufacturer. Since the Gallardo’s 2003 launch, Lamborghini says average yearly production jumped from 250 cars per year to 2,000.

All of those cars were true Italian supercars. The Gallardo may have been (slightly) more practical than the Murcielago or Aventador, but it was still worthy of its raging-bull badge.

The original 2003 Gallardo’s 5.0-liter V10 produced 492 horsepower, but Lamborghini made constant improvements over the years. It added hardcore models like the Superleggera and LP550-2 Valentino Balboni – the first rear-wheel drive Lambo in recent memory – and the LP570-4 Squadra Corse.

That final Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante has a 5.2-liter V10 that makes 562 hp. It will do 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds.

Time marches on, though. Just as the Murcielago was replaced by the Aventador, so the Gallardo will be replaced with a new model, likely called Cabrera. The new car is expected to use an updated version of the current 5.2-liter V10, and will make its first appearance next year.

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work

Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Cars

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Cars

EV drivers are not going back to gas cars, global survey says

ev drivers are not going back to gas cars global survey says screenshot

Nearly all current owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience, and 92% of them plan to buy another EV, according to a survey by the Global EV Drivers Alliance.

The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide found that only 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) if they had to replace their car.