Sports Cars 2008-2009

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Sports Car Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Balanced all-wheel-drive handling and a great Audi-inspired interior make the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo a surprisingly livable exotic.

Pros

Phenomenal V10 power, ferocious all-wheel-drive traction, seductive engine and exhaust noises, Spyder’s top-down fun, look-at-me styling.

Cons

Not quite as nimble as some of its competitors, at-the-limit brake feel could be better, choppy ride even by exotic car standards.

What’s New for 2008

The 2008 Sports Car Lamborghini Gallardo coupe and Spyder remain unchanged for 2008, although a new higher-performance edition known as the Superleggera makes a one-year appearance.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo sports car does not appear to have been designed for “Star Wars” by Industrial Light & Magic. It isn’t wider than a Chevy Silverado. The doors don’t slice and dice and make julienne fries. Yet these characteristics have been some of Lamborghini’s calling cards for the past 30-something years, applied to a wild sports car bunch that took the word “exotic” to even higher levels. Cars like the Countach, Diablo and most recently, Murcielago, were not only wildly expensive but also often cumbersome to drive.

The Gallardo, by comparison, is only really expensive, versus wildly so. And with saner dimensions, traditional doors and a more habitable cockpit, it’s the first Lamborghini in decades to be considered actually livable. And what a fun life it must be for those who purchase one of the three Gallardo variants: the standard coupe, Spyder convertible and the lightweight performance edition known as the Superleggera. New for 2008, the latter’s more aggressive suspension tuning and weight reductions (about 150 pounds) make it less livable than the other two, although the Superleggera does increase the Gallardo’s handling and performance prowess significantly.

As for the higher-volume 2008 Gallardos, they feel surprisingly similar — the Spyder’s 250 additional pounds of structural reinforcement bless this topless Lambo with unyielding integrity that the coupe manages to only slightly surpass. As such, both versions display prime composure, taking to twists, turns and dips like Fred and Ginger — or Jason Taylor and that brunette girl from “Dancing with the Stars,” if you have no idea who Fred and Ginger are.

It’s important to note that the Sant’Agata factory has already begun production on the coupe’s successor, next year’s improved Gallardo LP560-4. The Spyder will carry over unchanged, but the Superleggera will be sold for only this year. As such, coupe buyers might want to wait a bit until the ‘09 model arrives. Either way, however, it’s hard to describe the Gallardo as anything but Lamborghini’s best car ever. True, it’s not the brand’s most memorable model, nor will it likely be a timeless classic. But in terms of actual driving enjoyment and daily functionality, it can’t be topped.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The sports car 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo comes in two body styles: a coupe and a convertible known as the Spyder. The coupe is also available in a lightweight, higher-performance edition called the Superleggera. Standard equipment on all models includes 19-inch wheels, an automatically extending rear spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a four-speaker stereo with six-CD changer and two auxiliary audio jacks, and a multimedia control interface virtually identical to Audi’s MMI system. The Spyder adds a fully powered soft top and integrated tonneau cover.

Options include a suspension lift system to prevent front spoiler scrapes, carbon-ceramic brakes, a rearview camera, heated seats and side mirrors, and a navigation system. Lamborghini also offers a variety of special-order “Privilegio” options, most of which involve specialty colors and trims.

Powertrains and Performance

The all-wheel-drive Gallardo coupe and Spyder are powered by a 5.0-liter V10 that produces 512 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with gated metal shifter is standard. A six-speed automanual transmission known as e-gear is optional. The sprint from zero to 60 mph should take around 4 seconds.

The Superleggera receives an upgraded version of the 5.0-liter V10 good for 522 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. E-gear is the standard transmission. Although that power gain may seem insignificant, combined with a 150-pound weight loss, it gives the car an estimated time of about 3.7 seconds from zero to 60 mph.

Safety

The Gallardo comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags. A rearview camera is optional, while the rear spoiler on the regular coupe and convertible deploys at 75 mph for added downforce.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Audi influence is obvious inside the 2008 sports car Lamborghini Gallardo, with plenty of properly fitting leather and soft-touch materials. The cockpit features comfortable seating that won’t leave you reaching for the painkillers after a long trip, while the driving position is a big improvement over past Lambos. The Lamborghini version of Audi’s MMI electronics interface is a bit counterintuitive, as the control knob and accompanying buttons are placed next to the screen rather than near the shifter. Essentially, it takes the driver’s eyes off the road for too long — and in a car that can go 195 mph, that’s never a good thing.

Though not as flamboyant as the exterior, the interior styling is still suitable for a vehicle that commands such a high price of admission. Like everything Audi touches, build and materials quality is excellent. Storage space is minimal; just a bit of room is available behind the seats of the coupe and in the nose-mounted trunk. The Superleggera is practically identical in terms of design, but differs by featuring lightweight racing seats and Alcantara upholstery covering most surfaces.

Driving Impressions

At full throttle, the V10 produces a sweet soundtrack truly befitting a Lamborghini. With 512 hp on tap, the 2008 Gallardo is capable of warp speed from any gear. It’s true that the big V10 and all-wheel-drive system do make the Gallardo a bit portly for this class of car, and it has been hyperbolically described as feeling like “a faster, more expensive Audi TT.” Therefore, it doesn’t quite provide the same razor’s-edge responsiveness that one can get from, say, a Ferrari F430. Additionally, the brakes, though immensely powerful, can be inconsistent in feel when pushed to their limit.

There’s still plenty to like about the Gallardo, particularly the Spyder, which provides the thrilling combination of Lamborghini thrills and top-down sunshine. Then there’s the Gallardo Superleggera, which provides more of that razor’s-edge responsiveness. By going on a lightweight carbon-fiber diet — and by producing a more visceral (read: loud) exhaust note — the Superleggera offers a more agile, lively feel.

Source: 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Sports Car Review, 2008 Sports Vehicle Review, Automotive Review, Automobile information at edmunds.com

2008 Lotus Elise Sports Car Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

For those willing to put up with its heavily compromised utility and comfort, the 2008 Lotus Elise provides the most unfiltered driving experience of any roadster sold today.

Pros

Laser scalpel handling, supercar performance without the supercar price, telepathic steering, low volume ensures rarity, relatively good fuel economy.

Cons

Spartan interior with little space, difficult entry and exit, peaky power delivery, rough ride quality, limited dealer network.

What’s New for 2008

The supercharged Elise SC debuts for 2008, boasting a 218-horsepower version of the standard Elise’s 189-hp four-cylinder power plant. All Elises for 2008 get a new instrument display with a trip computer, along with revised options packages.

2008 Lotus Elise Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Lotus Elise is a pretty name, isn’t it? If we were celebrities, we’d put it right up there on the crazy baby name list with Kal-el Cage and Suri Cruise. Actually, Lotus Elise Edmunds is much better — at least our celebaby would be named after one of the coolest cars around.

The 2008 Elise is a one-of-a-kind, lightweight sports car for purists who yearn for the closest thing to a telepathically controlled track special you can find on the road. While other exotics rely on massive engines, space-age materials and high-tech technologies to hustle them down America’s twistiest roads, the Elise utilizes an age-old principle — the lighter, the better. Now there’s a mantra celebrities can get behind.

Despite a mere 189 hp generated from its Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the base Elise still manages to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Credit a curb weight of 1,984 pounds, which is a minor miracle in this era of perpetually pudgy vehicles. By comparison, a Mazda Miata weighs 2,498 pounds and has only 170 hp aboard. For 2008, a slightly detuned version of the supercharged four-cylinder found in the Lotus Exige S makes its way into the more street-going Elise SC, which boosts thrust up to 218 hp and 156 pound-feet of torque (versus 133). This power increase means a 0-60 drop to 4.4 seconds, a number matched by the 420-hp Audi R8.

However, we’re not sure if those few 10ths of a second are enough to warrant the Elise SC’s $8,000 price premium. That’s because 4.9 seconds is still pretty darn fast, and quite simply, the Lotus Elise would be a riot even if it was powered by several hamsters running on a wheel. Referring to “go-kart-like” handling has almost become cliché, but if there was ever an apt car for that phrase, it’s the Elise. Body roll is negligible, grip is exceptional and every subtle turn of the steering wheel has an immediate effect on the roadster’s heading and attitude. Like kids named Dweezil and Moon Unit, this is a car that demands your attention. Yet every second you’re behind the wheel, you’re rewarded by steering that involves you in the process so directly (there’s no power steering) you’d swear your fingers were touching asphalt.

Unlike grown-up celebrity children, the Elise does not come fully loaded. Quite the opposite, really, as the spartan interior is little more than two chairs bolted into an aluminum tub with some trim pieces tacked on for effect. A Touring Pack adds leather upholstery, additional sound insulation and a cupholder, but nothing can hide the fact that this Lotus is a throwback to a different motoring time. This is a weekend toy, and even then, the distance traveled on any given weekend will be limited by the Elise’s miniscule interior and cargo space. Getting in and out of the “cabin” is especially difficult with its huge sill and low-slung seats. But it’s this lack of creature comforts and amenities that allows the Elise to be both a lightweight handling star and cost about $46,000.

Therefore, the 2008 Lotus Elise presents quite the trade-off. But if you view it strictly as a grown-up’s toy — a second or third car to add to a collection — no other sports car can touch its level of high-speed thrills and driver involvement for such a low price. Now, isn’t that a better namesake than Superman’s Kryptonian birth name or whatever Suri means? You bet your Moon Unit it is.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2008 Lotus Elise is a two-seat roadster with a targa-style removable soft top. It comes in standard and SC trim levels, although the two cars only differ in engine, rear spoiler and wheel design. Standard equipment includes 16-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear wheels with high-performance tires, Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo brakes, HID xenon headlights, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, aluminum handbrake and shift knob, trip computer and a four-speaker Alpine stereo with CD player. The Touring Pack adds leather upholstery and interior trim, interior storage net, thermal- and sound-insulated soft top, additional sound insulation, floor mats, a cupholder and an auxiliary audio jack. The Touring Pack is only available in four special colors. The Sport Pack includes lightweight silver alloy wheels, a track-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, traction control (stand-alone also), sport seats and a subsequent 20-pound weight reduction. Stand-alone options include a limited-slip differential, a body-colored hardtop and a variety of special color choices. An extremely low-volume California Edition will be available that features special exterior colors and interior trim.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2008 Lotus Elise is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 189 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque. The SC model utilizes a supercharged version of the same engine spruced up to 218 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available. Lotus claims a 0-60-mph time of 4.9 seconds for the regular Elise and 4.4 seconds for the SC. Because of its super-lightweight body and small four-cylinder engine, the Elise is one of the most fuel-efficient high-performance cars around. EPA fuel economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the Elise, and 20/26 mpg for the Elise SC.

Safety

Don’t expect much more than federally mandated safety equipment on the 2008 Lotus Elise. An antilock brake system is included, but neither stability control nor side airbags are available. Traction control is optional.

Interior Design and Special Features

Creature comforts are kept to an absolute minimum, with accommodations being little more than two sport seats bolted into an aluminum cockpit. Secondary controls are few and far between. For 2008, the gauges have been redesigned to incorporate an LCD screen and trip computer.

Getting into and out of the diminutive Elise can be an adventure, particularly if you’re taller than the average bear. The wide door sills, low steering wheel and butt-on-the-floor sport seats require some contortionist movement — which is made worse if the top is in place. Tall drivers also might find their knees heavily interfering with the shifter — they can add this to their “sucks to be tall list,” along with airplane coach seats and helicopter rotors. Those of shorter stature fare better and will find the Elise to be the most in-tune driving environment one can enjoy.

Driving Impressions

The 2008 Lotus Elise’s non-power steering feels as natural as anything we’ve ever driven. Braking is handled by AP Racing two-piston calipers up front and Brembo single-piston calipers in back (11.5-inch rotors all around), and 60-0 braking distances under 110 feet are commonplace. Handling is nothing short of extraordinary. Not only does the Elise exhibit superb balance and grip through the turns, its exceptionally low curb weight allows it to react to driver inputs much faster than other cars. In addition, it transmits every ripple in the road to the driver’s hands, feet and seat — a quality that makes it highly engaging to drive on a back road or on the track, but taxing during highway travel. This year’s SC model, which brings more power to this tiny go-kart of a roadster, lends the car an extra level of rear-end throttle control that’s lacking in the less powerful standard Elise.

Source: 2008 Lotus Elise Sports Car, Sports Car Review, Vehicle Review, Automotive Sports Cars, Automobile Review information at edmunds.com