Lamborghini Gallardo

MSRP: $175,000 - $193,370

Slipping the transmission into first, we tipped in the throttle. The crowd’s reaction was involuntary, everyone flinching and stepping back as the engine roared like a Formula One racer. Releasing the clutch, the Spider shot forward, nearing 60 before we reached the end of the parking lot.

As we learned over the next few days, the Gallardo Spider makes high-speed driving seem simple. Driving slow was the challenge. Slip into second, even with your foot off the throttle, and the two-seater will cruise along at close to 40. Better keep the number of a good traffic attorney close at hand. You’re likely to need it — often.

But we’re getting a bit ahead of the story.