NEWS
The origins of the Lamborghini Spyder
Today, the term Spyder is synonymous with some of the most exciting open-top Lamborghini models. Following the 1976 Silhouette, conceived as a compact, targa-roof Lamborghini, the subsequent Jalpa and various roadster interpretations of the V12 Diablo and Murciélago, Lamborghini introduced its first series-production Spyder in 2005. For the first time, the Gallardo Spyder combined the pleasure of open-top driving in a compact Lamborghini super sports car with a fully automatic fabric roof. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Automobili Lamborghini’s open-top tradition, creating a commercially successful segment that would continue beyond the Gallardo.
“The Gallardo Spyder represented an important step in the evolution of our model range and our vision of the customer experience,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Presented at a time of strong growth for Lamborghini, it expanded the Gallardo family by introducing a new driving dimension. The option of enjoying the performance and character of a Lamborghini with the roof down adds an emotional element that remains an integral part of our product philosophy.”
The history of open-top cars from Sant’Agata Bolognese reached an early milestone in 1976, with the presentation of the Lamborghini Silhouette at Geneva Motor Show. The first Lamborghini to feature a targa body with a removable roof, the Silhouette demonstrates how high performance can be combined with the freedom of open-top driving, even in a compact sports car.
Almost three decades later, the Centro Stile led by Luc Donckerwolke took up this legacy with the presentation of the Concept S. Its bold split cockpit, which clearly separates the driver and passenger, together with dedicated aerodynamic deflectors, made the Concept S a statement of design and emotion, anticipating the intention to create an open-top version of the Gallardo family.
The development of the Gallardo Spyder was rooted in the brand’s ambition to expand its range with a “baby supercar”, capable of standing alongside the imposing Murciélago. The Concept S gave concrete form to this vision and paved the way for the Gallardo Spyder, which brought a true convertible into series production for the first time in 2005.
From a technical standpoint, the Gallardo Spyder introduced significant dynamic refinements. Its 5.0-litre (4,961 cc) V10 produces 520 CV at 8,000 rpm, enabling a top speed of 314 km/h with the roof closed and 307 km/h with the roof open, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The driving experience is further enhanced by steering that is 20% more direct, recalibrated suspension with stiffer springs, and an exhaust system featuring a bypass system that accentuates the V10’s sound at high engine speeds.
The technical package was also further refined compared with the first Gallardo versions. The six-speed manual transmission, available alongside the six-speed automated e-gear transmission, was further developed with the introduction of the new model. The gear ratios were shortened compared with those of the first coupé, contributing to a more responsive driving experience. The e-gear control software was also updated to deliver faster and smoother gear changes, with a new calibration for the “Thrust Mode” function.
At the same time, the Gallardo Spyder introduced new personalization opportunities through the “Privilegio” programme, giving customers the possibility to create unique cars with special colours and dedicated equipment.
The Gallardo Spyder continued to evolve alongside the Gallardo family. In 2008, the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder made its debut, increasing output to 560 CV thanks to the new 5.2-litre engine with direct stratified injection, accompanied by an evolution in design. In 2010, the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante arrived, focusing on lightweight construction through the increased use of carbon fiber. This reduced weight by approximately 65 kg compared with the standard version, bringing it down to 1,485 kg. With 570 CV, the Performante reaches a top speed of 324 km/h. The final evolution comes in 2012 with the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante Edizione Tecnica, which further refined aerodynamics and chassis setup.
This evolution demonstrates how the Spyder configuration progressively becomes an integral part of the Lamborghini range, continuing with the Huracán family and establishing itself as one of the most distinctive and sought-after interpretations of open-top driving in the history of Automobili Lamborghini.
Alongside its technical development, the Gallardo Spyder introduced broader customization choices through the Privilegio program, enabling bespoke color selections and dedicated equipment. The open-top model subsequently evolved alongside the Gallardo range over several iterations.
In 2008, the LP 560-4 Spyder debuted with a 5.2-litre direct injection engine generating 560 CV, followed in 2010 by the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. Utilizing extensive carbon fibre, the Performante reduced weight by approximately 65 kg compared with the standard version down to 1,485 kg, producing 570 CV and attaining a top speed of 324 km/h. The lineup concluded in 2012 with the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante Edizione Tecnica, embedding the Spyder format into Lamborghini's ongoing product strategy.