Automobili Lamborghini launched the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder at Frankfurt Motor Show this week, providing the marque’s fourth model in its super car range. The Gallardo Spyder will be available to customers from (nothern) Spring 2006.

The Gallardo Spyder is not just an open-top version of the coupé, but a completely new model. Developed via a close partnership between the Lamborghini Centro Stile and R and D engineers, it continues the Lamborghini design attributes of purism, athleticism and sharpness, whilst evoking a strong aeronautical influence in its proportions. The cab-forward cockpit is integrated in the body by a strongly-slanted front screen and tensed pillars.

The Gallardo Spyder includes a unique system for opening and closing the fabric roof. The raising/lowering mechanism is extremely simple to operate, by way of two push-buttons on the centre of the dashboard, with the whole operation taking just over 20 seconds.

An electronic control system, integrated in the car’s CAN-BUS network, controls movement of the roof. The engine compartment is utilised to store the folded roof, covered by the carbon fibre engine bonnet that also functions as a hood cover. Electric actuators lock the catch at the front of the hood and release the bonnet catch, and a separate motor raises and lowers the rear window.

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 choose to have the screen in the lowered position (including when the roof is raised) by pressing the appropriate button on the dashboard. A ‘service function’ positions the roof to allow access to the engine.

Great care has been taken over the structural design of the new Gallardo Spyder which, of course, complies fully with all the relevant safety standards. The space frame has been reinforced in the area of the sills and the A pillars have been strengthened with the adoption of an automatic roll-over protection system (comprising two ‘pop-ups’) integrated with the air bag system. Like other models in the range, the Gallardo Spyder also benefits from aluminium bodywork and features permanent four-wheel drive.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder features a number of important modifications to the original Gallardo Coupé’s engine and transmission system. The 10-cylinder 4961cc propulsion unit now develops 382 kW at 8,000rpm. The six-speed gearbox provides a more dynamic performance with lower ratios: first gear is 27% lower, second gear is 13%. Third, fourth and fifth gears are all 6% lower, while sixth gear is 3.5% lower. The steering is also more direct and precise and the suspension has been recalibrated.

The Gallardo Spyder complies with EURO 4 homologation standards, and reaches a top speed of 314 km/h with the roof up and 307 km/h with the roof down, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Standard equipment on the Gallardo Spyder includes power steering fluid cooler (for sports use); automatic door locking at speeds of over 15 km/h, and the Lamborghini Multimedia System will be included as standard for some markets.

There are also two new special body colours available to complement the existing Gallardo colour range: Celeste Phoebe (light blue) and Verde Picus (green). Marrone Janus (brown) is available as a new interior leather colour with Bianco Polar (white) as a contrast colour, and carpets in Marrone Janus (brown), Rosso Centaurus (red) or Arancio Leonis (orange).

The optional equipment range on the Gallardo Spyder includes a video camera on the rear spoiler (also available on the coupé version); new colour/perforated leather combinations for the dashboard, seats and door trim, and contrast colour stitching.

Other optional equipment (also offered on the Gallardo Coupé) includes a choice of colour and leather and/or Alcantara combinations; anti-theft system, heated mirrors, onboard computer, protective cover, ‘coming home’ function, e-gear, set of two suitcases, lifting system, navigation system, coloured Lamborghini logo on wheel rims, rear spoiler and a smokers’ version. Silver Callisto wheels, heated electric seats and coloured brake callipers are available and various packages are offered to further customise the car including a leather package, carbon fibre package, branding package, winter package, travel set and sports set-up.