Gallardo: Balboni or Superleggera?

[AdvocatusD]

This is more of a ponder at the moment than a serious question before a purchase, but when I release the Stradale I will probably consider giving Lamborghini ownership a go next.

Having owned TVRs, GT3s and Stradale, my preference is for a more "focused" model within a range.

So, it really comes down to the Balboni or the Superlegerra as the only models that I think could really claim to be "special" in the Gallardo range.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to which is more fun to drive? Any further thoughts on which of the two may come to be considered the "best" Gallardo of them all?

If it's the Superleggera, which version?

Look forward to that discussion.

[AdvocatusD]

Hi Sardis, that's a great post - thank you. I've always been attracted to the SL, but need to consider the Balboni as well.

This is very interesting! I didn't realise that the Superleggera came in a manual? This would be about my perfect spec for a Superleggera. I've been leaning towards the Balboni because of of the manual box and the two wheel drive, but it's hard to ignore a SL with a manual.

http://www.lamborghinihouston.com/web/new/Lamborgh...

Edited by AdvocatusD on Friday 8th August 10:30

[AdvocatusD]

Guys, thanks a lot for this. Some really helpful stuff here.

Could I be impose a little more? I'm finding it a little difficult to fully get a grasp on all the different variants! Could someone give me an idiots guide focusing on the more "special" versions?

I've never come across the LP 560 -2 version before for example...

Going to see if I can dig up some more videos!

[AdvocatusD]

70proof said:

best ... 560-2 anniversary ... 2wd, alacantara, all uk cars egear
second.. balboni if it is 'feel' you are after, some manual ones, 550-2 =no stripe
third... sl.... gen II if daily driver, as gearbox happy around town, gen I for sunday toy.... sure all uk cars are e gear

Fab post!

Guys, thanks a lot for this. Some really helpful stuff here.

Could I be impose a little more? I'm finding it a little difficult to fully get a grasp on all the different variants! Could someone give me an idiots guide focusing on the more "special" versions?

I've never come across the LP 560 -2 version before for example...

Going to see if I can dig up some more videos!

This Supertrofeo Stardale version looks interesting too: http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/lamborghini-galla... . EUR 179,000 though! http://www.autoscout24.com/Details.aspx?id=2557822...

Annivesario firmly priced too! http://www.autoscout24.com/Details.aspx?id=2506939...

Every single review seems to refer to how "dated" it has/is become/becoming. Is that really a real world issue for people like me? I mean, my Stradale is based on a 1999 car...

Also, a lot of reviews for the specials just end saying "just buy the base model". Certainly. not the case with equivalent Ferraris?

Edited by AdvocatusD on Saturday 9th August 11:56

Edited by AdvocatusD on Saturday 9th August 12:04

[AdvocatusD]

70proof, thanks again for the data and putting a stop to the flirting

I'm feeling quite excited about the idea of looking at a Gallardo next, though whatever version I get, I do think time is unlikely to consider it to be as "special" as the Strad. I need to scratch the itch!

In terms of gearbox, is the e-gear worth avoiding if I can find a manual? I'm open to the idea of a manual SL.

I think I'm going to have to test drive (I didn't either GT3 or Strad because I just knew) - can anyone recommend a sensible dealer?

I will admit to also being pleased that contributions have been forthcoming without the "pet" being mentioned. Everyone's growing up, long may it last! Been watching a video of a evil, black Performante though... looks mental. 70proof, where do you feature that in the your list of specials? I note you don't mention it. Is it essentially a body kit?

Edited by AdvocatusD on Sunday 10th August 15:32

[AdvocatusD]

Thanks again.

This looks superb.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...



What would we say the most desirable convertible Gallardo version? LP 550 - 2?

[AdvocatusD]

sa_20v said:

AdvocatusD said:

Thanks again.

This looks superb.

Black isn't the most popular colour, plus no secondary carbon packs on the interior.

Really? I would have thought that it would be. LOL, I should have realised that Lambos are about the old disco colours!

There's something about a hairdresser Lambo that I must confess is tempting! I know the drive won't be as good, but I'll laugh my tits off at half the speeds!

[AdvocatusD]

AdvocatusD said:

Really? I would have thought that it would be. LOL, I should have realised that Lambos are about the old disco colours!

There's something about a hairdresser Lambo that I must confess is tempting! I know the drive won't be as good, but I'll laugh my tits off at half the speeds!

famoussas said:

Manual gear box was more fun, more involving and more rewarding. The only negative I could say about it is bit of a pain in heavy traffic i.e. London, and no option of Sport/Corsa button to open the exhaust valves up which made it pretty quiet at low speed. Thats it.

E-Gear is good, blips on the downshifts are worth it on their own but only for making lots of noise. As mentioned above, added benefit of Sport/Corsa mode which isn't available on the manual car.

Interesting, I'd still assume that the e-gear is light years ahead of the Stradale's gearbox and change. I think like I posted on the first page, a manual SL would be my pick, with maybe a Performante second? Looks like the Balboni isn't quite as liked as I thought it might be.

[AdvocatusD]

70proof said:

mate.... forget who likes what, buy what you like.... get out there and drive a few.....

Absolutely mate, what I've always done. It's just that a lot of us here are fairly similar, so the consensus is a useful starting point.

Looks like this is a sure-fire classic Gallardo.

http://paultan.org/2014/05/26/lamborghini-5-95-zag...

Don't mind the rear so much...

Edited by AdvocatusD on Sunday 10th August 21:57

[AdvocatusD]

Turns out the Performante is basically a hire car

[AdvocatusD]

Do we know of any manual Superleggeras and Performantes in the country? Am I right to say I would assume these would priced slightly under the e-gear versions?

[AdvocatusD]

Is the Performante basically the hairdresser's version of the Superleggera? So essentially, and SL with the top down?

How does it compare to this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...



I am feeling very tempted by the idea of top down V10 trumpets! What are they like to drive with the roof up? Roof roar?

[AdvocatusD]

andrew said:

AndrewD said:

Pau1 said:

AdvocatusD Yes, the Performante is basically a Superleggera soft top. They'd feel a bit harder and more raw than the LP560 you've linked to and also hold their value a lot better in the future.

The guys I know that run Spyders all love them.

HR Owen have a couple of Performantes in right now, worth a look.

http://www.hrowen.co.uk/lamborghini/approved-used/...

I stand to be corrected but as far as I'm aware they have the same suspension, maybe just different wheels and tyres and I doubt that makes the car feel harder or rawer. IMO the 570 era Superleggera was a bit of a gimmick vs the 560 cars

that's my understanding too
550/60/70 feature few mechanical differences bar the 2% power increments on the ecu

Interesting. If that's the case, then the series 1 (non-LP) Superleggera is probably the most "special" of the range. It's a pity that the SLs aren't rated as highly as their Stradale/Scuderia equivalents but then that is Lamborghini's fault.

How does the Gallardo Superleggera (2007) compared to the LP (2010) Superleggeras in terms of fun factor? The research I'm doing suggested the older car is quite a hoot.

[AdvocatusD]

Thanks Sardis. I've pretty much decided to let the CS go when I get a strong offer and get a LP Superleggera or a Performante. Which one I get will depend on the deal at the time I guess. I'd be happy with either, but I think the SL will hold its value slightly better. From the calls I've made the impression I get is that the Performante is dropping and is harder to shift. Both cars seems to take time to sell, but I'll be keeping either for a while, so not going to worry too much about this.

Is there a register of Gallardos around? I'd be keen to hunt down a manual car as a priority.

I've been reading that the exhaust note isn't quote at the level of the CS, so I think I'll be looking at aftermarket exhausts.

Any knowledge re. exhausts here? Larini and Quicksilver seem to be reputed.

Edited by AdvocatusD on Monday 1st September 13:15

[AdvocatusD]

jeremyc said:

here's a whole thread on Gallardo exhausts.

And yes, there's even a forum section dedicated to the Gallardo.

Thanks for that Andy. I did twig both of those, but I've come across posts that have suggested the SL engine is a little different from the standard LP engine and therefore, you need to be a little more careful about the exhaust to choose.

I was hoping for a register like the CS register.