Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Sold as Lamborghini's entry-level supercar, the Gallardo
Spyder is an excellent purchase for its price, which is
around $195,000.00. It is a beautiful vehicle with a retractable
soft-top, an eye-catching exterior and excellent maneuver and traction
in low-speed traffic, making it ideal for practical driving as opposed
to other cars in its class.
Lamborghini
Gallardo Spyder |
|
The production models were originally launched during the 2006
Los Angeles Auto Show. The very first Gallardo Spyder in North America
was delivered to Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer. Damn those rich,
old rock stars.
Features
The Gallardo Spyder is the first Lamborghini to run on their V10
engine based on parent company Audi's straight-5 design. The Lamborghini
Gallardo Spyder offers both six-gear manual transmission and an
electro-hydraulically controlled advanced transmission called the
"e-Gear." The "e-Gear" allows for faster gearshifts
like an automatic transmission with the flexibility of a manual
control via paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddles are designed
to avoid stalling the engine and the installed ECU ensures you can't
over-rev or engage a wrong gear.
The engine revs with a rich, powerful howl and produces a sweet
512 bhp at 8000 rpm with a maximum torque of 376 lb-ft at 4500 rpm.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, fast enough to
make your date cling tightly in awe. It has a maximum top-down speed
of 189 mph and 185 mph with the roof lowered.
The exterior of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder sports fine detail
and is highly optimized for maximum cooling. The radically angular
design highlights a sharp, athletic quality, an aesthetic for which
the Lamborghini is famous Two push-button controls on the dashboard
allow the driver to easily manage the raising and lowering of the
soft fabric roof. It folds and hides in the engine compartment in
a mere 20 seconds with the touch of a button.
The Gallardo Spyder offers an excellent rear view, a needed feature
in many sports cars, so you can see the people drooling at your
ride behind you. A camera is also available for the rear spoiler
for even better visibility. Steering is a full 20-percent faster
than any previous Gallardo and the suspension has been redesigned
to sharpen the handling.
Additional features for customizing the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
include: anti-theft systems, customized color and leather combinations,
an onboard computer, Lamborghini logo on rims, heated seats and
silver Callisto wheels.
The Word
Those who have driven the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder are now a
league of newfound admirers. The handling accuracy is light and
topnotch. The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder's rack-and-pinion steering
is extra fast, the response is razor-sharp and the brakes are strong
and full. Add to this the high-class finish, spot-on fit and head-turning
beauty and this convertible is a definite winner despite the number
of competing sport cars in its class, converting the harshest Lamborghini
critics into brand new fans.
Driving Your Own Gallardo
I first saw the Lamborghini Gallardo in a picture as a service
vehicle for the Italian police. My first thought was, "Good
luck to anyone trying to outrun those cops." Even with the
bland, uniform police paint detail, the car looked amazing.
While driving the Gallardo Spyder may not be an option for many,
you can get the pseudo-experience by popping your favorite console
racing games. Several Gallardo models are featured prominently in
Test Drive Unlimited and Need For Speed games, among other console
favorites.
|
