Most of us would have a hard time thinking of a $200,000 car as being affordable, but that's just where the Gallardo falls within Lamborghini's lineup. Not to worry, though- any sports car with high performance and exotic looks will find a buyer, no matter the price. Since it was introduced, the "little brother" in the Lambo lineup has quite admirably maintained the attitude and style of the other cars in the lineup, but it is user-friendly enough to be used for everyday driving.

The most current model, the Gallardo LP650-4 is available as either a convertible or a coupe. The model name is a reference to the car's engine position, its European horsepower rating, and its four-wheel drive. There are two lighter-weight models: the LP 570-4 Superleggera, and the Spyder Performante.

As far as design and layout are concerned, the Gallardo is a real exotic. To keep the weight down, the car has a chassis of alloy castings, extrusions and stampings. Except for the all-steel doors, the Gallardo's body consists of formed plastic panels. On the Superleggera and the Performante, body panels and some interior pieces are made of carbon fiber.

On the inside, the Gallardo does a great job of combining form and function; it offers a lot of luxury for a car of its type. For that, we can thank Audi, Lamborghini's parent company. Audi's proficiency with interior design matters has helped keep Lamborghini alive since Volkswagen bought the company in the late 90s, and their influence is evident when one looks at the soft, precisely fitted all-leather interior.

Despite its exotic sports car status, the Gallardo's seating offers enough comfort to make long trips possible. Though it's not as flashy as its outside, the interior styling on this car is more than adequate for a vehicle of its price range. Users will find the main drawback of the Gallardo to be its tight storage compartment behind the seats and in the trunk.

The Gallardo's shortcomings will be all but forgotten when sitting behind the wheel and listening to the rumble of the V10. With over five hundred horsepower, this car is capable of high speeds regardless of what gear it is in. The monstrous engine adds a bit of heft, but the all wheel drive gives drivers enough traction, even on the slickest and most unforgiving roads.