A Closer Look at the Gallardo Spyder LP560-4
The Lamborghini Gallardo has become a very popular item among the wealthy exotic car crowd since its 2004 inception. Beyond the fact that it’s less expensive than its larger sibling, the Murcielago, the Gallardo’s smaller dimensions and lighter body have garnered it preference from the Sant’Agata collection. Even with that, Lamborghini has tried to keep the Gallardo fresh with improvements and specials.
The latest Gallardo update is christened the “LP-460-4,” and has now had its final specs for the topless spyder made available. The only remotely noticeable cosmetic difference with the LP-460-4 over the first Gallardo are the widened ducts at the front, done to increase air intake and reduce resistance. That may not seem like much, but the real differences are inside.
The LP runs on a direct-injected 5.2 L V-10 engine with permanent four-wheel-drive (hence, the “4″ in LP-460-4). The 5.2 generates a maximum of 560 hp at a very high 8,000 revs: a forty-eight horsepower increase. Torque peaks at 390 ft.-lbs.; the news there is that the peak figure (a mere fourteen foot-pound-increase) comes in at 6,000 rpm, as opposed to just 4,000 with the ’06 Spyder.
Following the natural role of progress, engineers have trimmed weight to 3,310 lbs. In there lies a reduction of forty pounds from the first Spyder. Combined with a 6 spd. auto-clutch manual gearbox, the LP will hit sixty in just four seconds. Top speed is officially marked at 201 mph.
Added innovations for those unfamiliar with the Gallardo include an automated rear spoiler that adjusts to computer-detected aero factors, and electronically secured side mirrors that seal inward. Stopping power is provided by eight-piston carbon-ceramic brakes, the standard in the business.
Pricing for the LP-460-4 is estimated to be $220,000.
