570 drop-top horsepower.
Lamborghini has decided to unveil an exciting new Gallardo before the new Murciélago replacement makes its long-awaited debut. The new Gallardo is a Spyder version of the lightweight and powerful LP570-4 Superleggera, utilizing carbon fiber components, striking aerodynamics, and even more power. The LP570-4 Spyder Performante brings a new level of performance to the high-end convertible market with a distinct Italian V-10 melody.
So what makes the Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante so different from the rest of the Gallardo lineup? Well, it has the name “Performante” attached to it which, for those fluent in Italian, means “Performance”. This performance comes from a longitudinally-mounted 5.2-liter V-10 sitting right behind the cockpit. The long-stroke engine produces 570 horsepower at 8,000 RPM, and 398.3 lb-ft. at 6,500 RPM. The additional power comes from a new dedicated engine management strategy. Being a convertible Lamborghini, the potent V-10 emits a ferocious exhaust note that fills the cabin, just begging the diver to floor the throttle.
By doing so, occupants are consumed by the stunning “Performante” of the open-top Gallardo as it effortlessly shifts through the e-gear transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels, through an advanced all-wheel drive system with a central viscous coupling and 45 percent rear limited-slip differential. Three operating modes are available with the e-gear transmission; the “Thrust Mode” being the best choice to show off the 3.9 second 0-62 mph time and 201-mph top speed.
Lamborghini didn’t just slap the “Performante” name on the Gallardo Spyder because of the 570 horsepower engine. The Italian automaker stuck the name on the newly redesigned bodywork due to the reduced weight engineers were able to achieve. To shed weight, engineers used carbon fiber for the side sills, rear spoiler, underbody components, side mirrors, and diffuser. The front fascia is sharp, with three-dimensional trapezoidal air intakes that increase downforce at the front axle and draw in massive amounts of air. Aerodynamic efficiency is also increased with a completely-covered underbody, large rear diffuser, and side sills in a contrasting color that bear the “Performance” badge. As an option, customers can order a large rear diffuser with integrated brake light.
While some believe that convertible models are not true driving machines, Lamborghini has pulled out all the stops to disprove the notion. The aluminum double-wishbone suspension and rack-and-pinion steering used in the Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante comes directly from the motorsport department at Lamborghini. The same 19-inch wheels featured on the Gallardo Superleggera have been fitted and wear 235/25 front and 295/30 rear Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, saving a total of 28.6 pounds. Even the wheel bearings and bolts shed weight, as the base Gallardo components are replaced with titanium units. Bringing the Spyder to a stop are powerful aluminum eight-piston calipers with 365 mm ventilated discs up front and four-piston calipers and 356 mm discs at the rear. Customers can also upgrade to the fade-resistant, lightweight carbon fiber ceramic brakes for unmatched stopping power.
Inside is a lightweight interior covered in a sea of alcantara and carbon fiber. The strong material contributes to 40 percent of the total 143 pounds shed from the entire Spyder, and covers the center tunnel cover, door panels, and e-gear surround. In addition, the shells of the sports seats are also made of carbon fiber and clad in alcantara instead of leather due to the material’s light weight and improved grip. Comfort is not sacrificed in the name of performance, as the Spyder still features air conditioning and electronic windows standard.
In all, the Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante weighs just 3,274 pounds. Add the 570-horsepower V-10 and that’s what we call open-top “Performante”!
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante
Engine:
Displacement: 5.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-10
Lubrication: Dry-sump
Crankshaft: Dual-plane
Crankcase: Aluminum
Maximum Horsepower: 570 at 8,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 398.3 lb-ft. at 6,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed e-gear automated manual or six-speed manual
Drive: All-wheel, 30:70 ratio
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 201 mph
Dry Weight: 3,274 lbs.
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: 19-inch Gallardo Superleggera with titanium bolts
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa
Front Tires: 235/35
Rear Tires: 295/30
Suspension: Aluminum double-wishbone
Front Brakes: Six-piston, 365 mm ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: Four-piston, 356 mm ventilated discs
Exterior:
-Revised front bumper with enlarged air intakes and front splitter
-Carbon fiber side sills
-Carbon fiber rear diffuser
-Carbon fiber side mirrors
-Flat underbody with carbon fiber components
-Optional carbon fiber rear spoiler with integrated brake light
Interior:
-Carbon fiber e-gear surround
-Carbon fiber center tunnel cover
-Carbon fiber door panels
-Carbon fiber seat shells, alcantara covering
-Alcantara dashboard
-Alcantara steering wheel
-Air conditioning
-Electronic windows
[Source: Lamborghini]
Does the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante offer enough performance for you to consider buying a Lamborghini convertible? Leave a comment and let us know!
