How are the suits at Lamborghini upgrading their most sucessful vehicle ever? Get this—by replacing the Gallardo with an even better one! Since it debuted in 2003, more than 7,100 rich-guy driveways have been torn up by their “entry-level” ride (that’s actually a huge number for the firm’s hand-built standards). Five years is long in supercar years, so a call for change brings us the LP560-4, an enhanced Gallardo that pinches high-tech components and sleek design language from Lambo’s most exclusive models. A new engine supplies 560 hp, hence the moniker, while severely angled front and back ends push the car, and onlookers’ jaws, to the ground.


Power Broker
Good looks alone won’t get you anywhere—well, if you’re a car—so underneath the breathtaking exterior is a beautiful aluminum-alloy power plant. The so-called mid-rear engine, situated just in front of the rear axle, is a high-tech 5.2-liter V-10 that produces 40 more horsepower than that of old Gallardos. Can you believe people drove those jalopies?

On the Handle
Lambo techs claim aerodynamic efficiency has been increased by 31 percent. Let the eggheads tally the score, but one look at the car confirms an aggressive stance, an ass-lift characterized by a redesigned diffuser, and a smooth underbody. Permanent four-wheel drive and near-perfect weight distribution make it stickier than the Details men’s room floor.

Lights, Action
The new Gallardo goes almost fast enough to travel through time. So it’s fitting that underneath its Bi-Xenon headlamps there are new LED running lights with diodes positioned in a Y shape, mimicking a flux capacitor. (Rear taillights also feature the same design.) Simply tapping the brakes in the Shoney’s parking lot makes it clear you’re better than everyone else.

SPEC CHECK

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Price: $198,000 Engine: 5.2-litre V-10 Torque: 398 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm Horsepower: 560 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds Top speed: 202 mph

Million-Dollar Mug
Last year’s $1.4 million, all-carbon-fiber, only-20-produced Lambo Reventón looked like James Bond’s ride of choice—in the year 2050. So it’s no surprise the LP560-4’s front end also boasts two massive forward-facing air intakes that cool the beleaguered engine, along with a low-slung spoiler and in-your-face fasciae. The result? If other drivers see you coming, they’ll just pull over to get the humiliation done with.

Going Greenish
To call the LP560-4 a gas-sipper is…well, a complete lie. But the car is 44 pounds lighter than its predecessor, has better fuel economy—up to 17 mpg from 14—and boasts an 18 percent reduction in carbon emissions. Lambo’s vowed to cut emissions on all its vehicles by 40 percent by…uh, some point in the future. Whatever. Even Ma Nature would drive one if she could.