When Lamborghini showed us the Concept-S concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in March we knew that it was a preview to a new production open-top version of the Gallardo. It was never likely that the double cockpit design of the concept would make it into the production car, but the new car, which made its debut in Frankfurt, is no less dramatic.

If any of you have had the 'pleasure' of erecting the roof on the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, you'll not have too much faith in the Italian company's ability to make an easy to use convertible roof. Thankfully a bit more thought was put into the electrically folding fabric roof on the new Spyder, the whole thing folding under the engine cover with just a press of a button in 20 seconds. The rear screen returns to the upright position by default, acting as a windbreaker when the roof is down, but the driver can lower it by the press of a button.

Even with the roof down, the Gallardo Spyder can apparently top 191mph, with a few more miles per hour possible with the roof locked in place. More importantly, the Spyder dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in a savage 4.3 seconds thanks to its upgraded 5-litre V10 engine now putting out 520bhp at 8,000rpm (up 20bhp from the current Gallardo, though that car is to receive the same upgrade). The six-speed manual from the coupe is standard, though featuring lower gearing. As on the coupe, drive is to all four wheels.

The show car pictured features plenty of extra equipment such as a rear facing parking camera and stunning 'Callisto' alloy wheels as fitted to the limited edition Gallardo SE also at the show. The launch of the Spyder also sees the addition of new body and trim colours to the Gallardo range, with a mix of leathers and Alcantara available in the snug cockpit. Prices for the Gallardo Spyder will start at about £130,000 in the UK.

Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Sep 2005