Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The Gallardo Spyder has always been one of the most extreme convertibles in the world and now it's got a little bit more power. Typical Lamborghini stuff, but the LP560-4 Spyder does it with a great deal of finesse. For starters, the rear bodywork is reshaped from the Coupé's to accommodate the soft-top roof when it's folded away, giving the Spyder an even more aggressive look. The front and rear bumpers now have the same jutting air vents as the Coupé, while LED lights at both ends also add a menacing touch.

Hunkered down under the engine deck, sitting in the middle of the car, the 5.2-litre V10 engine now produces 553bhp - which is 33bhp up on the previous model. With more mid-rev shove too, the LP560-4 Spyder covers 0-62mph in four seconds exactly and can hit a top speed of 201mph. Those are both fractionally slower than the Coupé model's figures, but few will argue that the Gallardo Spyder isn't one of the quickest cars on the planet. It's also a little kinder to the environment than before, as Lamborghini has reduced carbon dioxide emissions from the old model's 400g/km to 351g/km for the six-speed manual gearbox version and 330/g/km for the E-gear variant with its paddle shift transmission.

Is it any good?

With 552bhp to play with, four-wheel drive and performance to stagger, there is no doubt the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder has all the right ingredients. Putting them together is where Lamborghini has shown its true skill as this Gallardo is remarkably easy to drive, even when you start to make use of the upper reaches of its abilities. The acceleration and howl from the engine are the first things to stamp themselves into your memory, but more time with the Gallardo shows up it has the sort of handling finesse few supercars achieve. Far from being intimidating, the Gallardo builds confidence and lets the driver explore further in the knowledge that the car is not going to bite back. For those who enjoy their thrills with a bit more noise, the Sport button unleashes the exhaust bark more of the time, while the Corse button is best reserved for track use as it bangs home the gear changes in the paddle shift E-gear 'box too insistently for road driving.

Ease off the gas a bit and you'll find the Spyder is easy to live with. It's not so big as to be tricky to park, though you need the optional reversing camera to take the guess work out of parking bays. It can also cruise on the motorway or trundle through town without feeling as if you have a tiger by its tail. The suspension is supple and does a great job of cushioning blows from the UK's wonky road surfaces. Even the driving position is comfortable on longer trips, though taller drivers may find legroom a little compromised.

Should I call the bank manager?

You may have to visit the bank with a sawn off shotgun and mask on if you want to withdraw the necessary cash to buy a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Or you could sell your house. We wouldn't dissuade you from either action as this is one of the best supercars in the business. You will need deep pockets to run the Gallardo as average fuel economy is claimed at 20.0mpg, though we reckon the reality is somewhere below that. Insurance will also be another big expense and servicing a Gallardo does not come cheaply at 7,500-mile intervals.

Summary

The Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder lives up to the Lamborghini myth. It is spectacular in every respect and has 'want one' written all over it, yet it's also markedly cleaner and greener than the car it replaces to work as a supercar for the current climate. Yes, you need a bulging wallet to afford this car, but with its easy usability, quality and reliability you could drive this car anywhere, anytime - and you will want to.

Alisdair Suttie