Experts from TheCarConnection.com were among the first journalists to drive the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. These experiences plus our reviews of other trusted opinions from the Web enable TheCarConnection.com team to offer you a definitive opinion on this hyper-sportscar. This review also compares the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes
-Outrageous styling
-Stellar V-10 power
-Standard all-wheel drive
-Improved handling

Dislikes
-Poor visibility
-Difficult entry and exit
-E-gear shift quality in Corsa mode
-Real-estate-worthy price tag

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 gives auto writers from across the Web—and the editors of TheCarConnection.com—the chance to exercise some vocabulary to describe its fantastic, outrageous shape. The newest version of the Gallardo has tuned out some of its excessive gills and slits, leaving a sophisticated, exciting shape underlined by LED driving lights and punctuated by a big glass panel that lays bare a big performance heart.

The new Gallardo breathes supercar performance from each of its 10 cylinders and all four of its driven wheels. At its core is a 552-horsepower V-10 engine that can hurtle it to 60 mph in about 3.7 seconds, on its way to a stratospheric top speed of more than 200 mph. Hyper speeds are matched to stable four-wheel-drive handling and a quick-shifting e-gear transmission with three modes and paddles for video-game-style operation (a traditional manual is available but rare).

Cramped and difficult to enter and exit, the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo nonetheless has a high-quality cabin and makes all the right noises. The interior’s slathered in leather, but it’s tough to slide in even under the flat-bottomed steering wheel. There’s no vast expanse of room nor is there much storage inside, but making up for it all is the rippling noise created right behind your head.

There’s no crash-test data for the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but safety equipment is plentiful. However, visibility out of its gun-slit windows is a major issue.

The Bottom Line:
The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is an edgy supercar with a better grip on the world.

Other Choices
If you’re interested in the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, also consider:

Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Porsche 911 Turbo
Bentley Continental GT

Direct competitors for the Lamborghini Gallardo are tough to find; that other Italian brand’s cars start at much higher prices. Among the less expensive vehicles in the supercar class, the Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage has supercharged V-8 surge, classic British detailing, and a sumptuous interior for two. The Bentley Continental GT has similar qualities, plus two usable rear seats and, like the Lambo, four-wheel drive. The Porsche 911 Turbo has four-wheel drive, shockingly fast acceleration, and the option for top-down driving in Cabriolet models.

Buying Tip
If you can afford one of these machines, you don’t need much advice. The e-gear transmission’s the best choice for most drivers, but if you’re taking this Gallardo racing or want an especially rare version, seek out the manual transmission edition.