Supercars - Lamborghini - Gallardo Spyder
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Review
Two years after the launch of the Coupe
version of the Gallardo, Automobili
Lamborghini presented the new Lamborghini
Gallardo Spyder at the F2005 rankfurt Motor
Show. This latest addition brings the
marque’s range of supercars to four models.
The Gallardo Spyder is not just an open-top
version of the Coupe, but is a completely
new model. It has an attractive new design
and a unique system for opening and closing
the fabric roof that utilizes the engine
compartment to store the folded roof.
The Lamborghini Centro Stile and engineers
from the Research and Development team have
worked in close partnership to develop this
new design and to bring these clean and
sharp lines on the road.
Gallardo Spyder Design
The original design vision for the Gallardo
was created in the year 2000 and this vision
continues with the ”open” version.
The dimensions of the Gallardo, combined
with its competitive performance targets,
ensure the car has an athletic compactness.
The long wheelbase complemented by short
overhangs dynamise its appearance. The
Gallardo Spyder features typical and unique
mono-volume proportions, which integrate the
Lamborghini design attributes of purism,
athleticism and sharpness.
The cab-forward cockpit is integrated in the
body by a strongly-slanted front screen and
tensed pillars. The complex surfacing is
intersected by crisp graphics and its
detailing, which is orientated towards
optimum cooling, evokes a strong
aeronautical influence in its proportions
and formal language.
The Roof
The roof raising/lowering system of the
Gallardo Spyder is based on an electronic
control system with electrohydraulic
actuators. 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.
Gallardo Spyder Engine and Performance
The new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder features
a number of important modifications to the
original engine and transmission from the
Coupe. The 10-cylinder 4961 cc propulsion
unit now develops 520 bhp 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.
Like the other models in the range, the
Gallardo Spyder also benefits from aluminum
bodywork and features permanent four-wheel
drive.
And finally, its performance figures: the
Gallardo Spyder – which complies with EURO 4
homologation standards – reaches a top speed
of 314 km/h with the roof up and 307 km/h
with the roof down, accelerating from 0 to
62 mph in 4.3 seconds.
