Lamborghini Reveals Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder Ahead Of L.A.

At the rate manufacturers are whipping the wraps off vehicles prior to the Los Angeles Motor Show, there won't be much new to see when the show opens. Lamborghini is latest to 'pop the cork', having taken the cloak of its Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder ahead of schedule.

The Spyder is mechanically identical to its hardtop sibling, meaning it shares the same 5.2L V10 engine and all-wheel drive configuration. It's got 418kWs(560hp) and 540Nms on tap at a moment's notice. It's also got an automatic roof that will retract in around 20 seconds - and probably a lot quicker if you attempt it at speed.

The E-Gear automatic transmission is still the box of choice and Lamborghini promises that no sacrifices have been made with the Spyder when it comes to performance. There's no word on what's been done to the chassis to ensure structural rigidity is still adequate for hard cornering but the Spyder is supposedly capable of its 324km/h top speed with the roof on or off, should you dare.

A Lamborghini Gallardo will turn enough heads with or without a roof. But if you've got an irresistible penchant for top-down motoring, and suffering a serious case of stuffed wallet, then look no further than the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Given the Lambo's immense capabilities, we'll take ours in head-protecting hard-top configuration thanks.