The Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder is the two-seater open-top model of the Gallardo LP560-4, which was announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of this year and has already begun deliveries in Japan. This is the arrival of an exquisite machine that offers not only Lamborghini's finest performance and handling but also the joy of open-air driving.

The engine is a 5.2-liter V10, the same as in the LP560-4 coupe. The maximum output is 540 hp, an increase of 40 hp from the previous model, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4 seconds and a top speed of 324 km/h.

The transmission is available as a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed e-gear automated manual transmission (the e-gear reduces shift times by 40% in Corsa mode). Combined with a newly designed chassis and refined suspension, its driving performance has undoubtedly evolved significantly. At the same time, fuel efficiency has been improved and CO2 emissions reduced by 18%, making environmental performance a major feature of the new model.

The highly anticipated new LP 560-4 Spyder inherits the ultimate performance, aggressive design, and improved drivability of the Gallardo LP560-4 coupe, which has been praised by automotive journalists worldwide. Deliveries in Japan are scheduled to begin in June 2009.

BRAND HISTORY
As Italy's leading sports car manufacturer, Lamborghini is often compared to Ferrari. This is only natural, as Lamborghini's origins lie in the ambition to surpass Ferrari.

Ferruccio Lamborghini founded Automobili Lamborghini in 1963, at the age of 47. After amassing wealth through tractors and air conditioning in the post-World War II era, Ferruccio owned numerous sports cars, none of which satisfied him. Ferrari was no exception. The famous anecdote tells of how, after complaining to Enzo Ferrari about his cars, he was told to "go back to driving your tractors." This spurred him to launch his own brand with the goal of defeating Ferrari.

Lamborghini immediately introduced the "350GTV" with its advanced V12 engine and beautiful body at the 1963 Turin Motor Show, followed by the production model "350GT" the next year. Subsequently, the company unveiled iconic models like the "Miura" and "Countach." However, due to setbacks in the tractor business and the impact of the oil crisis, the sports car maker bearing his name eventually changed hands.

Although the Lamborghini company changed ownership several times thereafter, it has seen steady growth since coming under the umbrella of Audi in 1998. The current lineup includes the V12-powered "Murciélago" and the V10 "Gallardo."