Skip advert
Advertisement

Driving the original Lamborghini Gallardo – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we revisit Lamborghini’s first production V10 supercar – these are our favourite shots

As the era of the V8-engined, 10,000rpm Temerario begins, we pay tribute to the V10 era of Lamborghini supercars by revisiting the original Gallardo in the latest issue of evo. The covers were first pulled off the Gallardo 21 years ago, but with its naturally-aspirated engine and unashamedly analogue driving experience, it sets high standards for the newcomer to meet. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

To read the full feature, pick up a copy of evo issue 326 in-store or online via the evo shop.

The Gallardo is a car that transformed Lamborghini’s fortunes and gave Ferrari a lot to think about in the early 2000s. It was the first Lamborghini for a generation that was attainable and designed to be usable, as well as spectacular to look at and drive. The mid-mounted 5-litre V10 was bespoke to the car and comfortably outgunned Ferrari’s 360 Modena, and the whole thing was clothed in a fabulous Luc Donckerwolke-styled body that still looks crisp today. 

An open gate manual gearbox is the final piece of the puzzle, as equipped to our test car. As our man Dickie Meaden found out, the combination of this and a lightly-modified V10 is scintillating. 

‘The Gallardo’s in-house developed 5.0-litre V10 has always been a blockbuster, but reacquaintance serves to remind just how impressive and characterful this original ‘pre-LP’ spec motor is,’ he said.

‘There’s a bit more fire in its belly somehow, with a grittier quality compared to the creamier Audi-developed 5.2-litre found in later models. This car’s decat and switch to Superleggera back box certainly add to the explosive soundtrack, but there’s something inherently more interesting about the 5.0-litre’s 7-8-5-2-1-10-9-4-6-3 firing order compared with the 5.2’s 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9. Such is the weirdness of our obsession with internal combustion.’

To find out exactly what the new Temerario needs to live up to, pick up a copy of evo 326 to read the full test.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the Route Napoléon – the greatest driving road in Europe?
Ford Mustang Dark Horse – front
Features

Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the Route Napoléon – the greatest driving road in Europe?

Ford’s new Mustang Dark Horse has impressed us so far, but how will this American muscle car fare on one of Europe’s most spectacular driving roads?
29 Dec 2024
The spectacular scenery of eCoty 2024 – car pictures of the week
eCoty 2024 scenery
Features

The spectacular scenery of eCoty 2024 – car pictures of the week

Just as important as the cars in eCoty is finding somewhere equally spectacular to put them to the test
24 Dec 2024
Lexus LFA v Nissan GT-R Nismo v Subaru Impreza 22B – car pictures of the week
Lexus LFA v Nissan GT-R Nismo v Subaru Impreza 22B
Features

Lexus LFA v Nissan GT-R Nismo v Subaru Impreza 22B – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most iconic performance cars ever to come from Japan – these are our favourite shots
13 Oct 2024
Driving (and jumping) the Ariel Nomad 2 – car pictures of the week
Ariel Nomad 2 – front
Features

Driving (and jumping) the Ariel Nomad 2 – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test Ariel’s second-generation mud-plugging sports car – these are our favourite shots
29 Sep 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS
Morgan Supersport front
Reviews

Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS

Morgan’s new flagship is its most versatile car yet. Does modernising mean losing the magic?
14 Apr 2025
Driving the iconic Renault Sport Clio 172 – car pictures of the week
Renault Sport Clio 172 – front
Features

Driving the iconic Renault Sport Clio 172 – car pictures of the week

In issue 332 of evo, we revisit the brilliant Renault Sport Clio 172 – these are our favourite shots
13 Apr 2025