Driver ReviewTalk about baptism by fire. This was the first car we borrowed. Our first driving experience of this 513 bhp beast was straight out on to Old Street, full of London traffic – buses, lorries, white-van-men and taxis. The overwhelming feeling when driving one of these cars is “please don’t let me prang it” – so much so that it actually takes away a lot from the enjoyment. The Gallardo is a great car to sit in – the interior finish is excellent, although you think “hmm, this is a nice Audi” as you gaze at the familiar instruments and sat-nav system. When you first start it, you get a mini-bark from the engine, and then the revs settle into a reasonably subdued rumble. You can drive it like this, and you think “nice but not special”. In fact the first one of these cars we borrwed felt quite ponderous at very low revs, because until you give it enough right-foot-action the automatic clutch felt like it was slipping. (In fact it turned out that the clutch was about to die, which is why it didn’t feel so great!) Once you get past that, however, and open it up a little, to about 3000 rpm, this thing turns into a rabid dog. It BARKS. The sound is very different from a Ferrari – the Ferrari is a refined howl; the Lamborghini is a raw, raspy yelp. And with this bark, you get a surge of acceleration that verges on rocket-propulsion. Get this thing out on to the open road and you get a little more time to take stock of the beast. Flicking the left paddle to drop a gear results in a ridiculous explosion of noise and the revs increase and the seat feels like it is embedding itself in your back. However, you don’t feel this thing is about to leave the road – the Audi-developed 4-wheel drive system is very assured and keeps you glued to the road. This is quite unlike a typical rear-wheel-drive sportscar – the difference in handling is very noticeable. However, we found in the first car we borrowed, the great handling doesn’t compensate for the fact that the automatic clutch (albeit about to die on the car we borrowed) and sequential gearbox do detach you from the driving experience quite markedly – you feel like there is some kind of robot between you and the engine, doing the work for you. It’s not a car you feel “at one” with. But it does look good, and keeps you nice and warm with the roof down on a cold winter’s evening!
Update: We later borrowed a second Gallardo a while later. The experience in this one was quite different - partly because we were more used to driving supercars - but mainly because the clutch was functioning properly. Whilst this car was still remarkably wild, the driving experience was far more pleasurable and as a driver I felt far more in-sync with what the car was actually doing. A great car. But not subtle!
Paul Williams
DRIVER RATINGS: Exterior: 8/10 Interior: 9/10 Cool Factor: 9/10 Driveability: 5/10 (1st car) 8/10 (2nd car) Fear Factor: 8/10 TOTAL: 23 (1st car), 26 (2nd car) (Fear Factor Scores are subtracted) |
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Passenger ReviewThis car is a cross between a lovely daydream and a horrible nightmare. The daydream part comes from the stunning looks of this machine. It isn’t the prettiest of cars but the aerodynamic shape and all the interior trimmings make it stand out on the road (and on the driveway!). Speaking of the road this is where the nightmare begins. Not only does the clutch last about 500 miles (and cost 3 grand to replace!) it makes you feel like your face is being ripped from your very skull. The barking noise mentioned in the driver’s perspective deafens you as you edge closer to red line territory. While driving the car it is very clever. I personally have never driven a real car so have never changed gear but in the Lamborghini I can imagine it being very simple only on the fact it automatically raises the revs as you change down. So this then, is a car that looks good (ish) ,is VERY LOUD and does little clever things you may never even notice.
Ryan Williams
PASSENGER RATINGS: Exterior: 8/10 Interior: 9/10 Cool Factor: 8/10 Passenger Experience: 7/10 Fear Factor: 10/10 TOTAL: 22 (Fear Factor Scores are subtracted)
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