The city of angels turned a touch demonic this week with a new Lamborghini drop-top on the Italian firm's show stand at the
Los Angeles Auto Show. The new speedster is an open-topped version of Lamborghini's much-praised
Gallardo LP560-4. Like its coupé sibling, the LP560-4 Spyder is powered by a 5.2-litre V10 with 552bhp - the 560 in the name referring to the Gallardo's power output in PS - which allows it to reach 62mph in just four seconds.
If you're confident enough in your toupee-tape you can test it up to 201mph in the new Lamborghini drop-top, though it's more likely to be seen parked outside flash hotels in California than it is attempting v-max runs on the autobahn. Like the coupé, the Spyder is four-wheel drive and the revised gearbox allows shifts some 40% faster in the Corsa Mode than was previously possible.
All that power and pace comes without any added environmental impact; indeed the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder returns emissions and economy figures some 18% better than the outgoing Gallardo Spyder. On sale now with deliveries starting in Spring 2006 get your order in if you want one in time for the summer. Prices? Lamborghini currently isn't saying, but don't expect any change from £160,000.
Kyle Fortune - 20 Nov 2008