New Lamborghini Convertible
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by Mike Meredith
Source: MSN Autos EditorialFebruary 27, 2009
Joining the Lamborghini LP560-4 coupe that has been on sale since early 2008, the open-top LP560-4 Spyder made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, boasting performance and styling updates that raise the level of driving excitement.
Lamborghini began by adding extra horsepower to its best-selling Gallardo model, along with 4-wheel drive to help control that power.
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder is powered by a new 560-horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine. The LP560-4 receives a permanent 4-wheel-drive viscous traction system and new suspension to improve traction and dynamics. The 4 in the name refers to the viscous traction system, first introduced on the Diablo VT in 1993, which relies on a viscous coupling in the transmission to distribute torque between the front and rear axles.
The original Gallardo Spyder design, with its crisp, sharp lines and clean surfaces, becomes even more aggressive but at the same time is also more efficient and aerodynamic. The new design begins with lower, larger air intakes at the front that are more prominent than on its predecessor and clearly distinguish the new design while increasing the flow of air to the engine. A center spoiler is added between the air intakes to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds.
The new headlights have Y-shaped daytime running lights consisting of 15 LEDs, and the similar treatment for the taillights was inspired by the Miura Concept, the Murcielago LP640 and the Reventon, with the Y pattern repeated three times.
The redesigned rear end includes cooling vents, new bumper design and diffuser, which make the Gallardo LP560-4 look extremely wide, while the streamlined panels to each side of the engine cover add length. The diffuser is more efficient and aids steering stability at high speed.
Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, said the LP560-4 will consolidate the Gallardo success story.
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder is powered by a new 560-horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine. The LP560-4 receives a permanent 4-wheel-drive viscous traction system and new suspension to improve traction and dynamics. The 4 in the name refers to the viscous traction system, first introduced on the Diablo VT in 1993, which relies on a viscous coupling in the transmission to distribute torque between the front and rear axles.
The original Gallardo Spyder design, with its crisp, sharp lines and clean surfaces, becomes even more aggressive but at the same time is also more efficient and aerodynamic. The new design begins with lower, larger air intakes at the front that are more prominent than on its predecessor and clearly distinguish the new design while increasing the flow of air to the engine. A center spoiler is added between the air intakes to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds.
The new headlights have Y-shaped daytime running lights consisting of 15 LEDs, and the similar treatment for the taillights was inspired by the Miura Concept, the Murcielago LP640 and the Reventon, with the Y pattern repeated three times.
The redesigned rear end includes cooling vents, new bumper design and diffuser, which make the Gallardo LP560-4 look extremely wide, while the streamlined panels to each side of the engine cover add length. The diffuser is more efficient and aids steering stability at high speed.
Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, said the LP560-4 will consolidate the Gallardo success story.
"The new Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder is a simply breathtaking automobile and utterly unparalleled in its commitment to extreme motoring," Winkelmann said. "It will outclass its predecessor in every aspect; its dynamics are distinctly breathtaking and its design sets new standards. With the introduction of the Gallardo LP560-4, we will consistently continue Lamborghini’s growth strategy."
The new 5.2-liter V10 is more efficient than the previous engine, with an 18 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and carbon-dioxide emissions, despite offering an extra 40 horsepower. According to Lamborghini, the Gallardo LP560-4 will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaches 124 mph in just 11.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of around 200 mph.
The automated e-gear transmission has been improved and updated with a 40 percent reduction in gear-shift time in "Corsa" mode. The driver can choose among five different driving and gear-change modes: Normal, Sport, Corsa, Thrust and Automatic.
The new braking system features Brembo Specialist 8-piston calipers on the front and Brembo 4-piston calipers on the rear, with 365 mm (approximately 14.3 inches) discs in the front and 356 mm (approximately 14 inch) discs in the rear. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available that are 380 mm (approximately 15 inches) at the front and 356 mm (approximately 14 inches) at the rear.
The new 5.2-liter V10 is more efficient than the previous engine, with an 18 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and carbon-dioxide emissions, despite offering an extra 40 horsepower. According to Lamborghini, the Gallardo LP560-4 will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaches 124 mph in just 11.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of around 200 mph.
The automated e-gear transmission has been improved and updated with a 40 percent reduction in gear-shift time in "Corsa" mode. The driver can choose among five different driving and gear-change modes: Normal, Sport, Corsa, Thrust and Automatic.
The new braking system features Brembo Specialist 8-piston calipers on the front and Brembo 4-piston calipers on the rear, with 365 mm (approximately 14.3 inches) discs in the front and 356 mm (approximately 14 inch) discs in the rear. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available that are 380 mm (approximately 15 inches) at the front and 356 mm (approximately 14 inches) at the rear.
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