Melbourne show: Lambo’s new baby on show

AUSTRALIA gets its first look at the top-down Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder at the Melbourne show.

The LP560-4 Spyder is the most recent refinement of the Luc Donckerwolke-designed Gallardo, which has become Lamborghini’s best seller of all time since its release in 2003.

The 560-4 is fitted with the all-new, lighter 5.2-litre V10 which produces 412kW (560hp, hence the name). It puts its power down through an all-wheel-drive chassis which, along with a 43:57 front/rear weight distribution, optimises traction.

The Spyder accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds – faster than the previous Spyder thanks to an extra 29kW and 20kg less mass to drag around.

The new engine gets direct fuel injection which contributes to an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy, lifting it to an average of 13.7L/100km.

The drivetrain has a central viscous coupling distributing the power between front and rear axles in a ratio of 30 to 70, although that changes in milliseconds with any variation in traction.

Customers can choose between an H pattern manual transmission or the robotised single clutch manual which can change automatically or be controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.

For those worried about safety in a convertible, the LP560-4 Spyder comes with two spring-loaded rollover bars behind the seats that can be activated in 250 milliseconds.

The Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder will be released in the second half of the year, when prices will be confirmed.

Also on the stand in Melbourne is the Gallardo LP560-4 coupe and a top-of-the-range Murcielago LP640-4.

Read more:

LA Show: Convertible Gallardo unveiled

First look: Lamborghini unveils Gallardo Spyder