Two years after the launch of the Gallardo Coupé, Automobili Lamborghini is presenting the new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This latest addition brings the marque’s range of supercars to four.
The Gallardo Spyder is not just an open-top version of the Coupé, but is a completely new model. It has an attractive new design and a unique system for opening and closing the fabric roof that utilises the engine compartment to store the folded roof.
The roof raising/lowering mechanism is extremely simple to operate by way of two push-buttons on the centre of the dashboard. And the whole operation takes just over 20 seconds.
The rear screen moves automatically while the roof is being opened or closed. This automatically-controlled movement always returns the screen to the raised position. The driver can also choose to have the screen in the lowered position (also with the roof raised) by pressing the appropriate button on the dashboard. There is also a "service function" that positions the roof so as to allow access to the engine.
The new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder features a number of important modifications to the original engine and transmission from the Coupé. The 10-cylinder 4961 cc motor now develops 520 hp (382 kW) at 8,000 rpm.
The six-speed gearbox now has lower ratios (1st gear is 27% lower, 2nd gear is 13%, 3rd / 4th / 5th gears are all 6% lower, while 6th gear is 3.5% lower), which create a more dynamic performance. The steering is also more direct and precise and the suspension has been recalibrated.
There are also new body colours available. In addition to those current range of Gallardo colours, the new Gallardo Spyder is also available in the two special colours: Celeste Phoebe (light blue) and Verde Picus (green). There are also new colours also for the leather interiors: Marrone Janus (brown) as the main colour, Bianco Polar (white) as a contrast colour, and carpets in Marrone Janus (brown), Rosso Centaurus (red) or Arancio Leonis (orange).
Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Lamborghini
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