2008 Lamborghini Gallardo

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Lamborghini Gallardo
Pictured: Lamborghini Superleggera-20180708. Photo: JoachimKohler-HB, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
2dr Coupe AWD, Spyder 2dr Conv AWD, Superleggera 2dr Coupe AWD
Engines
5.0L 10-cyl
Drivetrain
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
13 combined · 11 city / 17 hwy
Length
169.3 in
Curb weight
3,153–3,461 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 13 MPG combined, 30% below the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo is a two seaters offered with a 5.0L 10-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 169 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,153 lb (2dr Coupe AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 13 MPG combined (11 city / 17 highway), 30% worse than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $6,300 a year in fuel.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Gallardo — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Gallardo →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe AWD169.3 in74.8 in46.1 in100.8 in–3,153 lb
Spyder 2dr Conv AWD169.3 in74.8 in46.5 in100.8 in–3,461 lb
Superleggera 2dr Coupe AWD169.3 in74.8 in46.1 in100.8 in–3,153 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Gallardo Coupe5.0L 10-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive10 / 17 / 13-30%$6,300684
Gallardo Coupe5.0L 10-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive11 / 17 / 13-30%$6,300684
Gallardo Spyder5.0L 10-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive10 / 15 / 12-35%$6,850741
Gallardo Spyder5.0L 10-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive10 / 16 / 12-35%$6,850741
Spend $19,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2008 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Lamborghini Gallardo (this car)13 MPGNot rated1
2008 Aston Martin Vantage15 MPGNot rated0
2008 Ferrari F43013 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (1)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · Sep 30, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V471000 · 263 vehicles

Problem
Automobili Lamborghini America LLC (Lamborghini) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Gallardo Coupes and Spyders fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs. The stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
Risk
Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall began during November 2013. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276. The manufacturer's numbers for this campaign are L71X-R.01.13 (model year 2007 and 2008 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder) and L71X-R.02.13 (model year 2009 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder).
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
25 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  4. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Gallardo years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2014 Gallardo16169.3 inNot rated10
2013 Gallardo16169.3 inNot rated10
2012 Gallardo16169.3 inNot rated10
2011 Gallardo16169.3 inNot rated10
2010 Gallardo16169.3 inNot rated00
2009 Gallardo16169.3 inNot rated10
2007 Gallardo14169.3 inNot rated10
2006 Gallardo13169.3 inNot rated10
2005 Gallardo11169.3 inNot rated10

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lamborghini. How we calculate this →