Design revisions: When you’re on a good thing…

For the interior revision, the engineers have not had a lot to do. This is not a bad thing as the cabin is both functional and beautiful.

Most surfaces are covered with exquisite padded leather and the only change I notice is the bank of switches below the in-dash screen. These are now in shiny metal which highlights the central dash area. The suede-finished steering wheel is fat-rimmed giving a chunky and very ‘grip able’ feel while driving.

Carry-over must-have features such as a clear GPS screen and in-dash rear reversing camera are also found in the newer model.

The exterior’s new nose harkens to the Reventón, with longer, more angular, more aggressive lines and a low central black splitter. The headlights with LED running lights (standard on AU models) appear slimmer, also adding to the aggressive lines of the front.

There are more LEDs on the new rear lights, similar in style to the Murciélago LP 640’s rear lights. The newly redesigned rear features a black grill spanning the width of the rear highlighting the wide and low on-road stance.

On the road, at the wheel

The most noticeable improvement to the driving experience is the quickness of shifts with the revised e-gear. Flick the paddle to switch up and the shift is so quick you couldn’t blink faster, flick the paddle to shift down and a satisfying throttle blip slides you smoothly into the lower gear.

I found with the older Gallardo that, on hard up-shifts, you needed to let-up on the throttle slightly to allow a smoother shift as the computer transitioned into the next gear. With the new system’s speed, the shifts occur noticeably quicker. Now, you simply keep the shoe in if you want an aggressive up-shift.

If you want to find out just how insane the LP560-4’s acceleration feels, there’s the launch control feature.

Launch control is activated with ESP turned off, then, foot on the brake, press the Corsa button, take it to 5000 rpm then lift the brake.

It’s how you’ll embarrass the owners of Porsche GT2’s and Ferrari F430’s at the lights. It will give you a 0-100km/h time of 3.7sec and 0-200km/h in 11.8sec, and, unlike the Nissan GT-R, without losing your warranty in the progress.

Do this and the launch is amazing. You’re pushed hard into the seat with a surge of four-wheel traction acceleration and sonorous heaven from the exhaust. Would love to try this in a tunnel.

I have to say I would also love to try a modern Gallardo in manual form to see if the e-gear system masks anything of the experience. In Corsa mode however, it is the consumate sporting drive and a match for Porsche’s PDK system.

On the road, the engine, e-gear and suspension improvements are evident - the newer model feels slightly tighter and a little more ‘alive’ to what’s happening below.

Regretably however, this was a first drive - just a day at the wheel rather than a full test. We will need to spend more time in the saddle of the LP560-4 to uncover some of the finer improvements and nuances of the drive. And to explore its real performance potential.

A fang on some telling country roads will tell the story. Watch for the next chapter when we can report back after a storming drive with Lamborghini’s wild baby, the Gallardo LP560-4.

Right now, we’re hooked. This is one hell of a supercar, and not as uncompromising as its stratospheric performance capabilities might suggest.

Many thanks once again to Shane Seczkowski for his photography services.

Gallery

GALLERY » Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

Specifications

Engine	10 cylinders V90°, DOHC 4 valves, common-pin crankshaft
Capacity	5204cc
Compression Ratio	12.5 : 1
Maximum Power	412kW (552hp) @ 8000 rpm
Maximum Torque	540Nm (398lb-ft) @ 6500 rpm
Brakes	Front: power vacuum, aluminium 8-cylinder alloy calipers. Ventilated discs 365×34mm. Rear: power vacuum, aluminium 4-cylinder alloy calipers. Ventilated discs 356×32mm.
Wheels	Front: Aluminium alloy, 19×8.5-inch Rear: Aluminium alloy, 19×11-inch
Tyres	Front: Pirelli PZero 235/35 ZR 19 Rear: Pirelli PZero 295/30 ZR 19
Dimensions	Wheelbase: 2560mm Length: 4345mm Width: 1900mm Height: 1165mm
Top Speed	325km/h
Acceleration	0-100km/h (62mph): 3.7 seconds 0-200km/h (124mph): 11.8 seconds