A few months ago my good friend David Mecey (a very, very competent driver and one hell of a photographer) invited me and some far more gifted drivers to California Motor Speedway. The goal was to instruct and coach Lamborghini owners on how to better drive and understand the performance potential of their cars; in the appropriate place. I have to admit (though not wanting to say anything at the time) that the cars were- well just ok actually; perhaps numb is the better word choice. I just could not see myself walking into my garage and being enthusiastic about driving the car. It didn’t do much for me.

That was then………

Yesterday, David and I spent the day at Willow Springs Raceway with a couple of great guys (let’s call them Bob and Bob) who brought along a Ferrari 360 coupe and a brand spanking new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560. Yes, we were nice to the car….heck it was new.

The New LP560 is light years different than any other Gallardo I had previously had the opportunity to drive in anger and I do mean- light years! The new car delivers 560 horse power (hence the name) is capable of 0-60 times in a scant 3.7 seconds and can reach 124 mph in just 11.8 seconds. The new engine is equipped with direct injection, making the performance difference from its predecessor instantly noticeable. Not only is the engine more powerful, but, according to Lamborghini; fuel consumption and C02 output have been reduced by an astonishing 18%. We drove the car all day and did not have to refuel until leaving the track for the drive home.

This car is extraordinarily capable, verbiage I do not use lightly. Lamborghini has revised the all wheel drive system and improved the suspension design for the new LP and the effects were felt instantly. The car felt far more sure-footed, driver feedback is much- much better and steering feel has been improved significantly. The car is simply far more communicative than what I had experienced in the past- the new LP has truly become a world class automobile.

The brakes… they do stop the car very well indeed, but, they are very difficult to modulate smoothly. There is a great deal of initial brake pedal travel and then…whuump…..you have thrown out the anchor; making it difficult, though not impossible, to be ultra smooth with the brakes and not upset the balance of the car. Porsche seems to be the only manufacturer who gets brake pedal feel and modulation perfect; must be some kind of well protected secret. More initial brake pedal feel and a little less initial pedal travel and the brakes on the LP would be just about perfect. There was never any brake fade and even though we were pretty nice to the car, braking from well north of 100 mph was uneventful- in a very, very good way.

Whereas the previous car felt rather numb and uninspiring, the new LP is a completely different “bull”. It is a car that would now be a pleasure to both own and drive.

I have always enjoyed driving the Ferrari 360, great car, and though the opportunity has not yet presented itself to drive the 430 this new Gallardo was impressive to say the least.
It was an interesting side-by side comparison, but, the Ferrari (as good as it was and still is) is perhaps just a bit dated when compared to the new LP560. We are going to have to find a 430 owner who actually wants to drive their car to make a fair comparison; any takers?

O.C.C.E