2011 LA Auto Show: 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder revealed

The Iconic, Italian Sports car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini, has unveiled its Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder version in California. This car is planned to be officially launched at the 'Los Angeles Auto show', which is scheduled between 17 and 27 of November, 2011. However, this open top version was uncovered in a private function, before the actual launch, with premium members. The spy-shots of a Lamborghini car, which were released earlier, made us predict that there will be a Lamborghini debut soon. As to everybody's surprise, it is Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder version. This model could be considered as the upgraded version of Lamborghini's LP550-2 Valentino Balbino model, however, this roofless version possess significant and laudable modifications.

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

First impression

Lamborghini's drop-top feature captivates everybody at the first glimpse itself. Also, the blue painted model creates a classic feeling among the auto enthusiasts and visitors. The spokes of the alloy wheels adds beauty to this luxurious machine. As you might be familiar that the number 550 in the vehicle's name represents the car's engine capacity, while LP represents the engine's Longitudinal positioning. Two grille rails are designed above the engine compartment, in the rear body. This model's external shape has been modified a bit, which is barely noticeable. However, the aerodynamic results, proves the advantages.

The powertrain

Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder features a 5.2 liter, 10 cylinder engine that belongs to the V type cylinder arrangement. This engine is longitudinally mounted at the rear part, which could also be imagined as behind the seating compartment when viewed from the front side of the car. This engine is capable of producing an impressive power of about 552 hp at 8000 RPM, with a peak torque of 398 pound feet at 6500 RPM.

With such a powerful engine, this car could cruise from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of around 200 mph. The rear wheels forms the driving wheels, which obviously mean that the front wheels are driven. A six speed manual gearbox is available as a standard feature, while a Semi-Automatic, Electronic-gearbox transmission system is available as an option. A Limited Slip Differential system transmits the power equally and as required, to the driving wheels.

The Exterior & Interior

The open-top frame is one of the major modifications made in this coupe. The shape of the body has been slight tweaked, to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency. However, these changes are not explicitly identifiable. The under-body panels play a major role in improving the aerodynamic properties of the car. This version's suspension system has been finely tuned to suit the newer weight specifications.

In fact, the weight of the body is distributed with 47 percent of the total weight to the front and the rest to the rear part. This unequal distribution is to compensate the weight transfer during braking and acceleration phases. Nothing could be criticized about this coupe's interiors, as it possesses sophisticated features with extra-ordinary luxury. Safety features like the Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control, Air bags, etc., are available as standard. Front Air Conditioning system, heated seats, Dual zone climate control, etc., form the sophisticated features of this coupe.

What's new?

As mentioned earlier, the open-top feature is one of the most amazing features of Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder version. The Semi Automatic transmission system eliminates the use of a clutch, thus provides smoother and rapid transition. The manufacturer opens up, that the inclusion of rear wheel driving methods in this version signifies the company's logical expansion with its Spyder models. Features have been tweaked, customized, redesigned, reshaped and re-tuned. The inclusion of a wind deflector behind the seats, makes the roofless driving, comfortable and less noisy. However, new and innovative implementations are unnoticed.

What's refreshing?

As only the rear wheels are the driving wheels, considerable weight is reduced due to the absence of a separate differential and mated parts to the front wheels. This reduced weight made Lamborghini's engineers to re-tune the suspension system, according the newer weights. The tweaked shape of the body not only improves the aerodynamics of the car, but also makes the open-air drives more comfortable. This luxurious sports coupe delivers a reasonable mileage range along the city roads and highways, however the, exact values are unavailable. The low body profile, with a ground clearance of about 5 inches, improves the dynamics of the car with its low center of gravity point.

Price and availability

With just the vehicle's launch, the price of Lamborgini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder is not declared, yet. However, we may expect the production version of this coupe in USA, by Summer, 2012. But, the production units of this car might be limited to few numbers.

Picture Gallery

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder is rear-drive open-top fun