Lambo Gallardo LP560-4 hits the Lake Geneva shoreline

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As we sit sipping our midweek lattes in sunny So Cal this week, the cover was summarily ripped off a muscularly handsome Lamborghini over the pond in Geneva at the yearly global auto exhibition. This fine machine will no doubt be making its way onto the streets of Rodeo Drive in less than a year’s time.

This handsome, chiseled beast is the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, smaller sibling to the marvelous Murcielago. But any shadow it might have been in has now been banished completely with this new evolution. The Gallardo has actually been Lamborghini’s most successful model, and the LP560-4 takes the first generation’s qualities and improves upon them.

The fresh, stark, minimalist styling not only looks cool but also improves aerodynamic efficiency by 31%. Something like 50 pounds have been shed, for a better power-to-weight ratio. Speaking of power, that’s where the 560 part of the name comes into play: 560 horsepower at a screaming 8,000 rpm (an advantage of 40 hp over its predecessor). Add torque of 398 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm and it’s clear the new Gallardo has the walk to back up the talk.

For the interior, Lamborghini runs its Ad Personam program, through which customers may stipulate the combination of colors and choice of materials, such as leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber. Electronic options include navigation, Bluetooth and a module for TV reception. Under the aluminum skin are lightweight suspension and transmission components, while behind the alloy wheels lurk optional carbon-ceramic brakes, for less weight and higher performance.

The original Gallardo starts at $180,050, so don’t expect much change (if any) from $200,000. And if some enthusiasts are suffering from pangs of conscience, the LP560-4 has reduced fuel consumption and emissions to the tune of 18%. On the subject of tunes, the Gallardo’s exhaust note is glorious, so this should sound equally good.

— Colin Ryan