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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe AWD | 169.3 in | 74.8 in | 46.1 in | 100.8 in | – | 3,153 lb | |
| Spyder 2dr Conv AWD | 169.3 in | 74.8 in | 46.5 in | 100.8 in | – | 3,461 lb | |
| Superleggera 2dr Coupe AWD | 169.3 in | 74.8 in | 46.1 in | 100.8 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
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallardo Coupe | 5.0L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 / 17 / 13 | -30% | $6,300 | 684 |
| Gallardo Coupe | 5.0L 10-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -30% | $6,300 | 684 |
| Gallardo Spyder | 5.0L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 / 15 / 12 | -35% | $6,850 | 741 |
| Gallardo Spyder | 5.0L 10-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 / 16 / 12 | -35% | $6,850 | 741 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo (this car) | 13 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Aston Martin Vantage | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Ferrari F430 | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
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).
Not every 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Gallardo | 16 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 Gallardo | 16 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 Gallardo | 16 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 Gallardo | 16 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 Gallardo | 16 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Gallardo | 16 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 Gallardo | 14 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2006 Gallardo | 13 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 Gallardo | 11 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lamborghini. How we calculate this →