By Tony May

Ferrucio Lamborghini started Automobili Lamborghini in 1963 because "the others weren't good enough."  

If all you do is consider that statement, you'll get a glimpse into his passion for quality - and hear him taking a dig at the competition.  Already a successful businessman, Lamborghini decided that he would now build a formidable competitor to Ferrari.  He was considered crazy by friends and family, regardless of the fact that he possessed the resources - but more to the point...motivation.  The company's destiny was set after Ferruccio was told by Enzo Ferrari that he could only drive tractors - the basis of Lamborghini's fortune.  It is safe to say that Ferrari's arrogance and condescension towards him was the catalyst to the launch of Automobili Lamborghini.  Lamborghini would now build and drive his own sports cars.

To review the beautiful examples of this company is like visiting the Louvre for sports cars all designed by one vision-filled master.  His vision for superior excellence in sports cars has long driven the company to innovate in ways that becomes the true envy of all others in the automotive industry.  True enthusiasts of sports cars would agree that the vehicles are not always intended to be used as "daily drivers."  The advent of the Lamborghini Gallardo (pronounced guy-ar-do) in 2003 changed that forever.  The goal of the design and engineering team was to create a vehicle perfectly suitable for both a long road trip and a day hugging s-curves on a race track like Road Atlanta.  

While there is a close business relationship between Audi and the House of the Raging Bull, Lamborghini really stands on its own.  They use Audi components that offer conveniences to the drive - such as the entertainment control panel.  This is the only area of the vehicle that will resemble anything from the German parent company.  Everything else screams of the individuality long recognized as a key ingredient to the Italian automaker's success, resulting in the continued, undeniable mystique surrounding these cars.  

The Gallardo SE boasts 520bhp - which, considering how much of a raging bull this amazing vehicle is, bhp should stand for Bullish Horse Power.  To say the Gallardo is fast is like saying the Pope is Catholic.  While no one would question how Catholic the Pope is, the answer to the question 'how fast is the Gallardo?' does beg to be answered by each and every pilot who sits behind the wheel.  

As you slide into the cockpit of either the Coupe or the Spyder (convertible), you will quickly realize that this is not just a superior performance sports car, but luxury abounds as well.  there is amazing attention to detail in color-matching two-tone leather, perfectly spaced "baseball" stitching (certain models) and so much more.  The entertainment console includes a very strong stereo that features AM/FM, CD and satellite radio as well as navigation and rear camera.  No cup-holders.  There is not even an after-market feature for it.  But with the exhilarating power of the Gallardo at your disposal - you won't need that morning cappuccino to wake you up anymore.  First gear takes care of that.

If you have the means to acquire it, you'll love how this incredible, eye-catching model will garner you rock-star attention wherever you go.  With celebrity Lamborghini owners ranging from Nelly to Nicholas Cage (he may have sold his houses, but he kept the cars), the Gallardo is the definitive A-list celebrity of the automotive world.  -  Tony May