Although the powertrain did not change much on this “Series III”, the dashboard was reworked, but the new feature was the introduction of an automatic gearbox, which was a first for Lamborghini. A few other changes were made in 1975, with gusseted bumpers, another modification intended for the main market, the United States. In 1976, a completely new dashboard was introduced, and the engine was increased from 350 to 365 bhp. But the 1973 oil crisis was to be the final straw for this final version…

After the Balboni (limited series), the 2-wheel drive version continues to make its way, mainly across the Atlantic. Having become a tradition over the last few years, all-wheel drive is giving way to rear-wheel drive, and Lamborghini seems to be adapting to its main market. This lighter version is also more agile and a little rougher, offering fewer compromises and undoubtedly providing even greater driving pleasure!

This new version of the Gallardo features completely redesigned front fascias and the addition of LED light-emitting diodes to emphasise its appearance. The rear end has also undergone a major facelift, with new lights, air vents, bumpers and diffuser. All these details are reminiscent of the exclusive Reventòn. At the end of 2012, this version was upgraded and distinguished from its predecessor by revised front and rear fascias. These feature triangular shapes in keeping with the brand’s latest aesthetic canons. Technically, nothing has changed on the 2013 model.

Since 2006, with the arrival of the cabriolet version, power has been increased to 520 bhp at 8,000 rpm to better compete with its most serious rivals, the Ferrari F430 (replacing the Modena) and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The Gallardo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. The running gear, steering and suspension have also been revised, as has the management of the E-gear electronic gearbox. Like any self-respecting exclusive brand, anything is possible with Lamborghini, so you may see or come across a GTR, in fact a GTR circuit-style body kit, the equal of a Porsche Aerokit.

The Gallardo is the result of genetic manipulation, a combination of Italian and German genes from which the best qualities have been carefully extracted to create a direct competitor to the Ferrari 360 Modena and Porsche 911 Turbo. In keeping with a tradition established since the Miura by founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, who was born under the zodiac sign of Taurus, the new Italian sports saloon bears the name of a famous line of Spanish fighting bulls. Its name is Gallardo, pronounced ‘Gayardo’. As Lamborghini explains, the Gallardo is the synthesis of a sports car and a vehicle for everyday use. A concept hitherto unknown to the brand. By broadening the range downwards, the Gallardo also enables Lamborghini to envisage much higher sales targets. In fact, the 1,200 annual Gallardo sales target will be met throughout its career.

The Lamborghini Gallardo is currently available in three main variants: LP 550-2 (550 bhp 5.2 V10 and rear-wheel drive), LP 560-4 (560 bhp and four-wheel drive) and LP 570-4 (570 bhp and all-wheel drive), all available as a coupé and spyder. For its 50th anniversary, Lamborghini is adding a new model, the LP 560-2 50° Anniversario. As its name suggests, this Gallardo is powered by a 560bhp V10 engine that transmits its power solely to the rear wheels. This coupé also gets the carbon rear spoiler of the LP 570-4 Superleggera. Only one body colour will be available, Bianco Opalis white, and the transparent bonnet revealing the engine is included as standard

If you’ve been dreaming of a single-drive Gallardo, the Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni is for you. This limited series will only be available in 250 examples. It abandons its all-wheel drive, and the 550bhp of its V10 are transmitted to the rear wheels. A limited-slip differential is used to improve traction. Its ESP is less intrusive, and this Gallardo Balboni also has special spring units. So why all the sport? This limited edition of the Gallardo is named after a test driver who is retiring after 32 years of loyal service. This series has its own unique exterior and interior design… you be the judge!

This special series will be offered in 4-wheel drive mode in Europe and Asia, and in 550-2 (rear-wheel drive) for the US market. While the roof colour will always be black (Noctis Black), the bodywork will be available in 5 different colours (Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Grey, Monocerus White, Caelum Blue), and the wheels are Skorpius 15-spoke titanium. The air intakes and front spoiler are covered in gloss black. No other special features… just a new special series…

This special series will be offered in 4-wheel drive mode in Europe and Asia, and in 550-2 (rear-wheel drive) for the US market. While the roof colour will always be black (Noctis Black), the bodywork will be available in 5 different colours (Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Grey, Monocerus White, Caelum Blue), and the wheels are Skorpius 15-spoke titanium. The air intakes and front spoiler are covered in gloss black. No other special features… just a new special series… Not to be confused with the ‘Miami Edition’ series, which is also two-tone but not official, as it is a version offered by ItalCarDesign!

Lamborghini has returned to competition by organising a single-brand amateur championship, the Blancpain Super Trofeo, in which Gallardos slightly prepared for the racetrack compete. These Super Trofeo versions are powered by the V10, which has been boosted to 570 bhp, and the transmission is original. The car weighs in at around 1,300 kg and features a distinctive spoiler. Until now, Lamborghini has sold the transformation pack to competitors in this race, but it is now offering a similar version of the car directly for purchase with this Blancpain Edition. Technically, it’s more or less a Superleggera with a few extra horses. In this configuration, the Blancpain Edition may well please the few purists who found the Superleggera too close to the classic version. Lamborghini has made it clear that the car does not sacrifice driver and passenger comfort.