The completely redesigned rear gives new meaning to the term "powerful elegance". The rear lights, air cooling vents, bumper and diffuser are precisely arranged to add tremendous visual breadth to the LP 560-4 Spyder, while sustaining its firm bond with the road surface. In addition, the streamlined covers left and right of the bonnet accentuate the powerful shoulders and the taut lines of the new Gallardo.
Significantly improved aerodynamics
The new exhaust system is beautifully finished by four chrome plated tail pipes. The rear diffuser has been redesigned to deliver more downforce and, together with the smooth underbody, it contributes to the vehicle's excellent directional stability, even at very high speeds. Overall, aerodynamic efficiency in terms of downforce has been improved significantly in comparison with its predecessor - the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder tackles fast curves with even greater refinement.
The purist approach to design is perfectly complemented by the immaculate attention to detail demonstrated by the designers at Sant'Agata Bolognese.
The fuel and motor oil fill caps, intricately-crafted from aluminium bear testimony to this, as does the rear view camera, which has been integrated into a small fin in the automatically-deploying rear spoiler, as well as the finely-detailed grilles in the exhaust tail pipes.
Soft top perfectly suited to everyday use
The flow of the lines, regardless of whether the top is up or down, clearly demonstrates that the Spyder is a fully self-contained model within the Gallardo range. Compared with the Coup, the open top version comes across as just a little more radical; its shoulders have been raised slightly in order to make room for the soft top.
The fully-lined fabric top - available in black, blue, grey and beige - is operated via two switches located on the centre console. They set in motion a choreography that is over in just 20 seconds. One hydraulic pump, six hydraulic cylinders, one electric motor and two electric actuators work together to perform this technical ballet.
The Bodyshell - Intelligent lightweight design
Weight is undesirable in a sports car and lightweight design is good for dynamics. Aluminium is much lighter that steel - which is why the bodyshell of the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder has an aluminium structure that is more lightweight, yet stiffer. With its lighter engine, the two-seater boasts a dry weight of only 3417.2 Ibs (1,550 kg) - 44 pounds (20 kg) less than its predecessor.The design of the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder utilises the `spaceframe construction method'. Cast aluminium nodes and extruded profiles form its frame, with integrated friction-locked and form-fitted aluminium panels creating the bodyshell. The bodyshell is not only extremely light, but also displays exceptional torsional stiffness and safety characteristics, thus forming the basis for the extraordinary handling characteristics of the LP 560-4. The aerodynamic underbody panel is also integrated into the overall design for structural stiffness. The Spyder incorporates specially-developed additional stiffness elements within the spaceframe to compensate for the absence of a fixed roof.
The Interior - Luxurious individuality
Despite its low exterior height, the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder welcomes its passengers with a spacious interior - even when the top is closed. The sports seats are upholstered in either fine leather or Alcantara and provide firm hold and support. The seats are mounted low, as is typical for sports cars, and behind them is additional luggage space to complement the 110 litre capacity luggage compartment at the front of the vehicle.
The wide middle console is one of the elements that characterize the impression of sporty dynamism in the interior. It accommodates the standard Lamborghini audio and multimedia system, as well as the dual-zone climate control. Between these two units is a newly designed module housing classically elegant toggle switches. Seven instrument dials boasting new graphics provide the driver with essential engine data, while a multi-functional display between the speedometer and rev counter furnishes him with important information from the on-board computer.