2009 Lamborghini Gallardo

Review

The walls of many teen boys are covered with posters of musicians, girls, and sports cars. The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo is a fast car that many boys dream of driving some day, and is also one that may make it to their wall. Whether you are in the market to purchase a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo or are just dreaming, this new car guide contains specs, photos, information from a recent road test, and opinions from owner car reviews.

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo is available with one engine: the LP560-4. It can be purchased in either a coupe or Spyder convertible body style. It is an all-wheel-drive vehicle that looks good and has a fantastic interior. Car pricing starts with an MSRP of $198,000. Invoice pricing is not available. Because this vehicle gets a gas mileage of 12 in the city and 20 on the highway, you will be subject to a gas guzzler tax when purchasing this car.

Improvements from the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo is now 45 pounds lighter and has 40 extra horses under the hood. The LP560-4 has LED headlights and tail lights, its rear has been changed, and a few other style changes have been made.

Performance

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo has a 5.0 liter, 552 horsepower V10 engine behind the hood, producing 398 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is standard, but the automated manual transmission, called e-gear, is available as an option. The vehicle can now travel faster than ever: the Gallardo can rocket from 0 to 60 in about three and a half seconds, and can reach a top speed of 202 mph. The car handles well for a car that drives this fast, and the braking is great.

Exterior Features

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo, unlike its more expensive Murcielago cousin, has conventional, rather than scissor-like, doors. The car lies low to the ground. The Spyder model has a powered top that is capable of opening or closing in 20 seconds. The lined fabric top that comes with it can be purchased in beige, black, blue, or gray. This vehicle comes with 19-inch silver alloy wheels, dual power remote mirrors, bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers, daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Interior Features

Inside the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo, you will find standard features such as dual-zone automatic temperature control, power seats, a stereo with a six-CD changer, mp3 capability, and two auxiliary audio inputs, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The Gallardo is more comfortable to drive in than some of the other vehicles around; while the seats are set low, there is room for legs and shoulders. You can fit up to 3.9 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk, which is not much, but this vehicle is not meant for long road trips (unless, perhaps, you ship the things you need to your destination). If you do not like the standard colors, Lamborghini has an Ad Personam program that allows you to pick any color you want for the interior and trim.

Safety & Specifications

The government doesn't generally perform crash tests on expensive performance vehicles like the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo, but the Gallardo is build with several car safety features to keep you safe while on the road. The vehicle comes with driver and front passenger airbags, along with side impact airbags. The seat belts are height-adjustable. The Gallardo is built with antilock brakes, front and rear anti roll bars, and electronic stability and traction control. To make sure that a tire blowout doesn't ruin your day, the vehicle comes standard with a low tire pressure warning.

Upgrade Options

For a vehicle in this price range, the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo gives you plenty of reasons to spend more money on options. The wheels can be upgraded, Alcantara upholstery can be added, and a back-up camera can be installed. Bluetooth compatibility, a navigation system, carbon fiber interior trim, an anti-theft alarm, and a luggage set (to fit into the small trunk) are also options. For even more personalization, the Ad Personam program will allow you to order your Lamborghini in any color you want.

How the 2009 Gallardo Compares to Other Exotic Sports Cars

There are very few vehicles that compare to the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo. The Aston Martin DB9 is similarly priced and can hold a passenger or two in a pinch. For around $300,000, the Ferrari 612 offers great performance and slightly bigger rear seats (if you expect passengers that are larger than a briefcase). For ultimate speed and nothing else, you could upgrade to the Lamborghini Murcielago. The Gallardo would probably make a better commuter car than the Murcielago though.

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo comes with a three-year basic warranty, three-year powertrain warranty, and a three-year corrosion warranty; all warranties have unlimited mileage. The Intellichoice 5 year cost of ownership is not available for this vehicle, but if you are concerned with the costs of operating this vehicle (including affordable auto insurance), perhaps you would be better off purchasing another vehicle. J.D. Power Quality Ratings for the Gallardo are also not available.

Conclusion: Is the 2009 Gallardo a Smart Buy?

If you're looking for a "good value", then you should avoid the entire class of exotic sports cars. However, if you are looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive, will drive fast, and will make you the envy of all your friends, the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo may be just the right car, as long as you have $198,000 lying around to purchase it with. If you just inherited $200,000 from your grandparents and make $30,000 a year, you won't be able to afford the upkeep and insurance. However, if you can afford this vehicle, and aren't expecting a car that you can drive the kids around in, take off-roading, or take camping, this vehicle is an exciting car to drive, and can be a smart buy. Unlike some other exotic sports cars, this is a car that you can drive to work.

Owners who have written auto reviews about this vehicle tend to be enthusiastic. One owner said that "it is a blast." Another described the car as "the perfect vehicle". One driver, who gave the Gallardo five stars, said that it would be better if it had more storage room to go shopping with.