Unveiling the Lamborghini Gallardo STS: Icon of Performance
I remember the first time I slipped behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo STS — the Super Trofeo Stradale. The interior smelled faintly of Alcantara and ambition. I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. Track car for the road? Road car with track stickers? Two miles later, the V10 cleared its throat, the e-gear snapped off a shift, and I stopped overthinking. This thing is properly special.
The Lamborghini Gallardo STS is the most focused road-going Gallardo, a limited-run homage to the brand’s one-make Blancpain Super Trofeo race series. Think Superleggera with more aero, more drama, and just enough civility to make a dawn drive to the mountains feel like a very good life decision. And yes, it’s every bit as red as you’re imagining — Rosso Mars was the poster color for a reason.
A Brief History of the Lamborghini Gallardo STS (Super Trofeo Stradale)
Born from the Blancpain Super Trofeo paddock, the Lamborghini Gallardo STS took the race car’s look and feel and translated it for the street. Key bits? A massive, manually adjustable rear wing, a featherweight quick-release engine cover, and liberal use of carbon fiber. Production was capped at just 150 units worldwide — blink and they were gone.
Worth clearing up a common misconception: the race car ran rear-wheel drive, but the road-going LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale keeps Lamborghini’s all-wheel-drive system. The “-4” tells you everything. It’s the traction you want when a damp hairpin sneaks up on you in the Dolomites.
If you’re deep in the Lambo world (or just like keeping your footwells tidy), you’ve probably already seen these Lamborghini accessories. More on that later.
Driving the Lamborghini Gallardo STS: Numbers, Noise, and Nuance
On a favorite B-road, the Lamborghini Gallardo STS comes alive right around 5,000 rpm — then it surges, hard. The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 is the star, singing a spine-tingling tenor through 8,000 rpm. The steering is honest, the chassis hunkers down under load, and the brakes feel like a firm handshake from someone who still writes thank-you notes by hand.
- Engine: 5.2-liter V10 (570 PS/562 hp, 540 Nm/398 lb-ft)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (LP 570-4), 6-speed e-gear paddles
- 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h): ~3.4 seconds
- Top speed: ~199 mph (320 km/h)
- Weight (dry): around 1,340 kg (about 2,955 lb)
Honesty time: in traffic, the e-gear can feel a bit clunky at parking-lot speeds. The low front splitter hates steep driveways unless you use the lift system. And road roar on coarse tarmac? It’s present. But on a clear road, with the box in Corsa and the wing set for attitude, it’s magical, in that “I’m actually laughing inside my helmet” sort of way.
Living With It Day-to-Day
- Front lift is a must; save your nose on tricky ramps and city speed humps.
- Visibility is “supercar-normal” — fine forward, creative when reversing.
- Seats are slim but supportive; long journeys were better than I expected.
- Cabin storage is laughable; bring a small backpack instead of a suitcase.
- Infotainment is functionally retro — bring your own playlist and a phone mount.
Inside the Lamborghini Gallardo STS: Craftsmanship with a Helmet Haircut
Open the door and it’s all Alcantara, carbon fiber, and contrast stitching — red threads on black surfaces, neat enough to make a tailor pout. The steering wheel is pure business, the paddles click with purpose, and if you spec’d the optional roll cage, your friends will think you’re more serious than you probably are. The quick-release engine cover? A party trick you’ll use every time someone asks, “Can we see it?”
Lamborghini Gallardo STS vs. The Usual Suspects
Where does the Lamborghini Gallardo STS sit among its contemporaries? It’s an era of naturally aspirated greatness, so the company is elite:
| Car | Power | Drivetrain | 0–62 mph | Top Speed | Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamborghini Gallardo STS (LP 570-4) | 570 PS (562 hp) | AWD | ~3.4 s | ~199 mph | ~1,340 kg (dry) |
| Ferrari 458 Speciale | 605 PS (597 hp) | RWD | ~3.0 s | ~202 mph | ~1,290 kg (dry) |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (997) | 500 PS (493 hp) | RWD | ~3.8 s | ~193 mph | ~1,360 kg (DIN) |
Figures are manufacturer claims or period estimates; your heroics may vary. The STS trades a touch of the Ferrari’s telepathy for bombastic character and all-weather grip. The Porsche is scalpel-sharp; the Lambo is a titanium hammer wrapped in Alcantara.
Limited-Edition Ownership: The Lamborghini Gallardo STS Reality Check
- Production: 150 units, globally.
- Maintenance: Keep up with fluids, belts, and regular e-gear checks; clutch wear is usage-dependent.
- Brakes: Carbon-ceramics often fitted; glorious on track, dear to replace.
- Values: Still desirable to collectors; originality and condition matter. Rosso Mars, low miles, and documented service history help.
Enhance Your Gallardo with AutoWin Floor Mats
If you’re fussy about interiors (and if you’ve bought an STS, you are), a good set of mats keeps the cabin looking factory-fresh. AutoWin’s premium options are cut to fit the Gallardo precisely and bring a bit of flair without shouting about it. I’ve used similar kits in press cars — they hold up, even when you hop in with damp shoes after a dawn photo stop.
Browse Autowin’s collection and give your Gallardo the finishing touch it deserves: from carbon-fiber-look leather to Alcantara-trimmed sets, there’s a style that matches your spec.
Conclusion: Why the Lamborghini Gallardo STS Still Matters
In an age of turbo torque and synthesized soundtracks, the Lamborghini Gallardo STS remains a loud, proud postcard from a golden era. It’s fast, focused, flawed in a few lovable ways, and unforgettable when the V10 is on the cam. If you want a luxury supercar that feels like a race weekend distilled into a Sunday morning blast, the Lamborghini Gallardo STS is still an icon worth chasing.
FAQ: Lamborghini Gallardo STS
Is the Lamborghini Gallardo STS all-wheel drive?
Yes. The “LP 570-4” badge signifies AWD. The Blancpain race car ran RWD, but the road-going Super Trofeo Stradale keeps AWD for road and mixed-weather grip.
How many Lamborghini Gallardo STS were made?
Just 150 worldwide, which is why clean examples are increasingly collectible.
What are the performance figures?
Roughly 0–62 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed around 199 mph, thanks to a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 with 570 PS (562 hp).
How does the STS differ from the Superleggera?
The STS adds race-inspired aero (larger adjustable rear wing), a lightweight quick-release engine cover, unique trim, and a limited run. Under the skin it’s closely related to the Superleggera.
Can you daily drive a Lamborghini Gallardo STS?
You can, but expect firm ride quality, modest cabin storage, and e-gear that’s a bit jerky at crawling speeds. Use the front lift religiously and you’ll be fine.
