In a way, you can call the Lamborghini Gallardo the ultimate “kit car.” The reason is actually very simple. About 10 years ago, a struggling Lamborghini, trying to remain as independent as possible, approached Audi to see if there might be what the gurus call a “synergy” between the two automakers.
Lamborghini Gallardo Replica based on Toyota MR2
Indeed, there was a lot of “synergy” between the two companies and that’s why Lambo became part of Audi. And, if you look beneath the skin of the current Lamborghini offering, the Gallardo, you would find:
- A frame that looks suspiciously like an Audi R8
- An engine that looks suspiciously like the engine you find under the hood of the $8
- A suspension that looks suspiciously like the suspension of an Audi R8
- A drivetrain that looks suspiciously like and R8
- Wheels and tires and a run-flat system that looks suspiciously like the one in the Audi R8
- Even the interior would look suspiciously like the Audi R8
Indeed, right down to the seven bright white LEDs that burn during the daylight under the headlight modules on the R8 and the same on the Gallardo, they would be for all intents and purposes the same, with one big exception, yours would say Lamborghini Gallardo while the Audi would just say Audi.
Lamborghini Gallardo Replica based on Pontiac Fiero
It’s funny that Lamborghini’s biggest production numbers have come from the Gallardo and they have only happened since Audi took over the sales, marketing and manufacturing of the marque. Lambos, though, are still made in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the subprovince of Bologna where their headquarters have been since they opened for business. More than 10,000 have been sold in seven years.
Like all Lamborghinis, the name comes from a famed breed of fighting bull. Indeed, the Gallardo fighting bull is actually part of a rich family of Spanish fighting bulls of which there are only three or four remaining with pure bloodlines. The Gallardo honors one of those remaining pure fighting bull bloodlines.
Other Gallardo Replicas
As the Gallardo has developed it has taken some pieces from Audi, such as the electromechanical transmission (the paddles that offer you the ability to hold the car in gear and then shift with your thumb) as well as the traditional six-speed.
There are two body styles available, coupe and spyder, and there are two engines available in the mid-engined Lamborghini, the 5.0 and 5.2-liter, both V-10s that sit in back of the driver. There’s also an all-wheel-drive model available. Sleekly shaped, the Lambo is the work of experienced Luc Donckerwolke, who has had experience with other Lambo design.
Everything from the twin intakes up front through the cowl scoops is the result of Donckerwolke’s brilliance. The Gallardo, which is now rumored to be a candidate for replacement, likely to be named the Cabrero.
As you can see, then, the Gallardo, as popular as the model is, still is a profit center for Audi as it will likely cost you the better part of $250,000 to have on in your driveway.
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