All the test cars had E-gear and the optional carbon-ceramic brake assemblies (CCB). On the road, the brakes are possibly the most disappointing aspect; under normal use, they don't bite as hard as expected and the pedal feels somewhat lifeless. On the track, though, they offer consistent performance under extreme flogging and a reasonably hard bite once they come up to temperature. They could be worthwhile if you dream of taking your Lambo to the track and you're solvent enough to lay down an extra $10,000 on top of the LP560's $201,000 starting point.
E-gear delivers extremely crisp, torso-thumping shifts under hard use, especially so at throttle angles approaching full. But predictably, the single-clutch system executes clunky, awkward shifts in full automatic mode. You're better off shifting it yourself.
The refurbish also includes updated aesthetics and aerodynamics. The front end in particular seems to have inherited styling cues from the super-limited Reventn, with those massive corner bumper inlets and a distinctly pointed nose. A cluster of daytime running LEDs arranged in a "Y" pattern burn brightly in the centers of the headlamps, echoed by similar triple arrays found in the taillights. The body also features a modified rear diffuser that punctuates overall aerodynamic efficiency improved by some 31 percent, along with a rearview camera cleverly integrated into a small fin on the independent rear spoiler.
The interior is surprisingly comfortable and spacious enough for my taste, nearly every surface skinned in fine leather. You could use this car every day if you were so inclined. Lamborghini's individualization program allows customers to personalize their car with an almost limitless palette of colors, along with contrasting stitching, plus Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim packages. So it's feasible to create a one-off car that looks unlike any other LP560-4-an important consideration for the number-collecting, club-hopping set.
And therein lies my one big gripe. As we do the obligatory crawl up Las Vegas Boulevard, turning heads with each raucous blip of the throttle, I can't get that corporate film out of my head. A slow cruise up the boulevard could be about as much excitement as most of these cars will ever see. Considering the incredible performance contained beneath those blade-like polygons, it could be the ultimate injustice.
2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
LayoutLongitudinal mid-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine5.2-liter V10, dohc, 40-valve
TransmissionSix-speed manual; optional six-speed E-gear sequential manual
SuspensionDouble wishbone front and rear, antiroll bars, antidive, and antisquat
BrakesPower-vacuum aluminum alloy calipers, ventilated steel rotors; optional ventilated carbon ceramic rotors (CCB)
DimensionsLength/Width/Height (in.):171.0/74.8/45.9Wheelbase: 100.7 in.Curb Weight: 3,307 lb
PerformancePeak Power: 552 hp @ 8000 rpmPeak Torque: 398 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm0-62 mph: 3.7 sec.Top Speed: 202 mph
What We Like:Insane acceleration, raucous exhaust, blade-like styling
What We Don't:The fact that it could be regarded as a mere "accessory"
Price Tag$201,000