The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder

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Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP 560-4 SPYDER – A FASTER DROP-TOP GALLARDO

Lamborghini’s entry-level car had been so successful since its debut that the company went all when it came time to release the updated Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder in 2008. The original Gallardo Spyder had only been on the market for 2 years at this point, but it was sitting on 5-year old architecture. By this time, the mighty 458 Italia and McLaren MP4-12C were on the horizon. Those two models appeared able to leave the first-gen Gallardo in the dust, so this was the perfect time to jump ahead of their rivals.  And with new style and more power came a new name for the convertible Gallardo: the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder.

STYLE AND POWER

As was the case with the coupe version, the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder benefited from modernized exterior styling. The only difference between the two, really, is the convertible top. There is a lot more going on here than a mere facelift, however. Perched behind the driver is a new 5.2-litre V10 producing 552 bhp (or 560 PS). Mated to a four-wheel-drive system (which lends the “4” to the LP560-4 designation) and sporting a sky-high 8500-rpm red line, this new engine propelled the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. That’s just .1 seconds behind the fixed-roof LP 560-4.

More importantly, the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder was now able to crest that all-important 200 mph barrier, with the top speed clocking in at 201 mph. Not only was the engine more powerful, but it was also more environmentally friendly. A claimed 18% reduction in CO2 emissions came thanks to a direct injection system developed in coordination with Bosch. Buyers were given the choice between a manual or semi-automatic “E-gear” transmission, both with 6-speeds. The E-gear unit was revised for 2008 as well, now offering quicker shifts and launch control.

INTERIOR UPDATES

Some mild revisions were applied to the interior of the Gallardo as well, making this a very thorough mid-cycle refresh. Look for an updated instrument panel and some new switchgear – nothing earth-shattering, but nice nonetheless. Overall, the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder was a success. By offering modernized styling with improved performance, the Italian company’s cash cow was able to remain competitive with the ever-improving entry-level supercar market.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder​ – Photo Gallery

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder​ – Technical Specifications

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder – Registry & Videos

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