The main feature is the permanent four-wheel drive transmission, based on the well-proven Lamborghini Viscous Traction system. 

Such a system, which at constant speed on homogenous adhesion roads presents a traction force distribution around 30% front, 70% rear, is conceived to be “self-regulating”, without the necessity of electronic controls. Indeed, thanks to the chosen characteristics of the viscous coupling, an intrinsic regulating closed loop operates in all conditions, varying the traction force distribution as a function of the dynamic weight distribution variations and of the adherence conditions. 

Thus, during acceleration (or during climbing) on high adherence roads, the distribution will change favouring the rear axle (more rear traction force percentage, e.g. 80%, corresponding to the increased weight on the rear axle). However, if in these conditions the rear axle tends to lose adherence, more traction is immediately biased to the front, with the system tending to reach a point where the adhesions utilized by the two axles are identical. 

The gearbox is 6 speed, using of the latest generation double and triplecone synchronizers and optimised actuation linkage in order to achieve precision and velocity in shifting while ease of operation is guaranteed. 

A robotized sequential gear shifting system, the Lamborghini egear, haalso been developed, maintaining the basic mechanical gearbox unchanged. The main features of this system, available as an option, are: 

- electronic control, interfaced via CAN bus to the engine control system and the ESP system 
- actuation by paddles directly mounted on the steering column 
- possibility to select different operating modes: normal, sport, automatic, low adherence 
- very fast but smooth shifting, equal to or better than that which is achievable by a very good driver with a standard gearbox 

The rear differential features a friction-type 45% limited slip, while the front differential slip limitation is controlled by the ABD (automatic brake differential) function of the ESP system.

The clutch is a reduced diameter double plate clutch. This is logical consequence of the Gallardo’s engineering car concept definition, in order to keep the engine (and consequently the centre of gravity) as low as possible. 

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

The choice of double wishbones front and rear suspension system, true to Lamborghini engineering tradition and a must for high performance sports cars, has been confirmed also for the Gallardo. 

The accurate definition of the geometry, of the characteristics of springs and stabilizing bars and the adoption of Koni “selfadjusting” FSD dampers have been fundamental in achieving the desired handling, high speed stability and comfort performances. 

Great attention was given to optimising the Gallardo’s dynamic behaviour in curve. In order to guarantee the best car controllability, the dynamics are slightly under steering at the beginning of the curve and neutral for all the rest of the curve. No wind-up effects (typical of some 4WD cars with viscous transmission) are detectable, even in sharp cornering. 

The introduction of “antidive” and “antisquat” characteristics guarantee optimal car behaviour also during acceleration and braking. 

The Pirelli Pzero tires (front 235/35 ZR19, rear 295730 ZR19) guarantee optimal adherence characteristics in the various driving conditions. As an option winter tires with the same dimensions have been developed and will be available next fall.

The choice of 19’’wheels has permitted the installation of large diameter brake disks (front 365mm, rear 335) together with Brembo 8-piston callipers in the front and 4-piston callipers in the rear. 

Such a braking system, which also features a state of the art ABS/ESP system, guarantees excellent brake efficiency (deceleration over 1.1 g on dry) and the absence of fading phenomenon also after extreme use. The full stability control system (ESP) has been conceived and calibrated in order to assist the driver in demanding conditions, while still allowing a true sports driving experience.