In the prestigious 2010 US News and World Report exotic sports car rankings, the Lamborghini Gallardo tied for second with Ferrari’s 612 Scaglietti. This pair came in second to Lamborghini’s Murciealago, which costs a few dollars more than the combined price of the Gallardo and Scaglietti.

A compilation of reviews, submitted by all the major automotive publications, with test drive results and their analysis of each vehicle in the competition is the basis of the US News ranking system.

The Gallardo debuted in 2003 and, with almost 10,000 units sold in its various configurations, it is Lamborghini’s most produced vehicle. Its $198,000 price tag puts it in the “affordable” range for many compared to the $500,000 price tag of other big-name sports cars.

This production number becomes more remarkable when you consider that the 2005 SE model was limited to just 250 units and 185 units was the limit for the 2006 Nera Gallardo.

Gallardo, named after a famous Spanish fighting bull, as is Lamborgini custom, is an all-wheel drive sports car with the exception of the rear-wheel drive 2009 Valentino Balboni model.

Power variations, depending on model and year, are a 5.0-litre to 5.7-litre V10 engine mounted in the popular mid-chassis position. Available power is 493 hp @ 7,800 rpm in the 5.0-litre to 562 hp @ 8,000 rpm in the 5.7-litre, found in the Superleggera model.

Top speed for the 3,400 lb car is 192 mph with a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds on the 5.0-liter and 202 mph with a blistering 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds for the 5.7 liters.

Power transfer to the wheels is via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a paddle-controlled 6-speed electro-hydraulic system that allows for much faster gear changes than the manual system.

An excellent option with some electro-hydraulic systems is “push mode”. From a full stop, the driver can, with the flick of a switch, activate the thrust system, which raises the engine rpm to 5,000 and, when the driver steps on the accelerator, “launches” the car, pinning it to the ground. seat. Smoking on all four wheels, starting and full throttle.

Interior and exterior color scheme options vary by model, from just black to striking two-tone. Is this a problem or just the nature of a sports car?