Yesterday, thanks to an online leak, we got out first taste of the all-new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. Today, the Italian manufacturer officially unveiled the 570 hp soft-top supercar, confirming that considerable effort was put into reducing the weight by 65 kg (143 lbs) and, this way, improving the Spyder's performance.
Lamborghini achieved this by replacing numerous parts with carbon fiber components, both in the cabin and on the body. Those obsessed with numbers should know that 40% of the weight savings can be traced back to the exotic composite.
The body shell is a spaceframe structure, made from aluminum, another material that goes easy on the scales, while being extremely strong. Making this setup even better was a huge task, Lamborghini says, but, thanks to the aforementioned carbon fiber parts, in the end, engineers pulled it off.
They used the material for the panel covering the soft-top, engine and transmission, and also for parts of the bodykit, like the rear spoiler, diffuser and mirror casings. Furthermore, the center tunnel cover is also made from carbon fiber, as are the door panels and the sport seats' shell.
As previously reported, the end result is total weight of 1,485 kg (3,275 lbs), which is nothing short of impressive when you factor in that open-top cars need serious strengthening to maintain the optimal structural rigidity.
The engine is the same 5.2-liter V10 unit, used by the Superleggera (http://autos-wallscreen.blogspot.com/2010/03/geneva-show-lamborghini-gallardo-lp570.html), delivering an output of 570 hp at 8,000 rpm and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels through an automated e-gear six-speed transmission (with launch control), which means that you'll seldom run out of grip. A six-speed manual is offered as well, at no additional cost.
The standard brake disks measure 365 mm in the front and 356 mm in the back. Optionally, buyers can get a set of carbon-ceramic brakes, in which case, the front disks measure an impressive 380 millimeters.
With a 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds, the Spyder Performante is half a second slower than its the Superleggera coupe. If you really want to, you can reach a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph), but keep in mind that your hairdo might suffer some dire consequences.
Stability is really important when you go that fast, so Lamborghini engineers didn't mess around and used a running gear directly derived from motorsport, featuring a high-tech aluminum double wishbone setup.
The car runs on 19-inch super-lightweight rims with titanium bearings and bolts and shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. The Italian maker says that this way it saved another 13 kg or 29 lbs.
Just like the Superleggera, the Performante shed weight without ditching all the comfort: it still comes with air conditioning and electric windows as standard.
More information on pricing and availability should follow shortly.
By Csaba Daradics
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