Lamborghini Gallardo. 2003 to date (prod. 10,000 to June 2010). 2-door coupé, 2-door roadster. M/R, M/A, 4961, 5204 cm³ (V10 DOHC). Volkswagen Group-developed model, taking the brand downmarket in the same way the earlier Urraco and Jalpa did. Platform later used for Audi R8, and engine has roots in an Audi 4·2 V8 unit. Spyder from 2006, Superleggera from 2007. Larger engine from 2008. LP550-2 Valentino Balboni special edition (prod. 250) named for retiring test driver, whose favourite specification was rear-wheel-drive; otherwise all-wheel-drive. Far more reliable than small Lamborghinis of old, thanks to Audi input. Stable, with immense grip from 4WD system; even 2WD of Valentino Balboni excelled here, and was more agile. Competed with Ferrari F430.

Manufacturing location: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Bologna, Italy

Marque: Lamborghini | Predecessor: Lamborghini Jalpa