The Keith Richards of supercars

published 13 May 2013

Lamborghini is 50 years old this year, and its Gallardo model turns ten too, says Ben Barry in Car. To celebrate, it's been given a facelift.

The changes are cosmetic reprofiled bumpers, a new set of polished 19-inch alloy wheels yet it "all combines to make this still-fresh design look even more modern" than it did already. It's showing its age inside, but get it on the road and you won't much care. "It feels unbelievably special to drive time hasn't tempered the savagery with which it fires you down the road."

The Gallardo remains a "great supercar"; "aurally and visually thrilling, and can still back it all up with a thoroughly absorbing drive". The Gallardo is like an ageing rock star, says What Car: "it's had a few lifts to smooth the wrinkles, but people still wave and point cameras as it passes".

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And despite sophisticated upstarts such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the McLaren MP4-12C, the Gallardo remains "one of life's performers growing old disgracefully". It's also a bit portly and doesn't like changing direction in a hurry, which is where it shows its age. So should you buy one?

"We can understand why you would. The Gallardo makes every journey into a fun event. It shouts, it waves its arms, and it loves to be the centre of attention. It's also a (relative) bargain compared with its two main rivals."

Price: £164,444

Engine: 5,204cc V10

Power: 552bhp @ 8000rpm

Top speed: 202mph

0-62mph: 3.7 seconds

Fuel consumption: 20mpg

Carbon dioxide: 325g/km