When it comes to supercars, perhaps only the Bugatti Veyron is available in more configurations and special editions than the Lamborghini Gallardo. Since its launch in 2003, it’s been available in coupe and spyder body styles, in Superleggera (super-light) trim, in Performante (performance) trim on Spyder models, in Bicolore and Tricolore editions and even as a rear-drive Valentino Balboni tribute edition.
That’s not a comprehensive list, either, since covering all the Gallardo variants could easily fill up a thousand words. According to Car and Driver, that many variants borders on financial insanity, so Lamborghini America COO Michael Lock says that the Gallardo’s replacement will come in fewer models to make it more cost-effective to build. As an added benefit, it will also be less confusing for customers to purchase.
Expect it to come in both rear and all-wheel-drive, with coupe and spyder body styles still offered up. Sadly, no manual transmission will be offered, but we have only ourselves to blame for this: Lamborghini hadn’t sold a single manual transmission Gallardo from late 2010 through September of 2011, prompting the automaker to discontinue the manual transmission option.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
