2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Following on from the success of the Murcielago, and with the continued financial backing of the VAG, Lamborghini released their latest model at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. The stunning Gallardo's aluminium bodywork was styled by Ital Design's Fabrizio Giugiaro - son of the famous designer Giorgetto - and the sharply creased form manages to combine cutting edge beauty with a homogenous shape that is instantly recognisable as a Lamborghini. Despite being baby of the Prancing Bull family, the Gallardo boasted an impressive spec sheet, with permanent all-wheel drive, a mid-mounted V10 with 500 bhp on tap and a top speed in excess of 190 mph. The design brief for the Gallardo called for an ultra-exotic supercar that could still be driven on a daily basis and few would argue the Lambo does just that. Right from the outset, it was Lamborghini's intention to produce open versions of both the Murcielago and Gallardo. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005, the Gallardo Spyder was an instant hit - with an electronically-controlled black fabric hood developed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, the space frame has been suitably reinforced, the A-pillars strengthened and an automatic roll-over safety system installed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Lamborghini upped the power output from the V10, rating the car at 520 bhp at 8000 rpm while the six-speed gearbox had lower ratios, along with re-calibrated suspension and more direct steering. The Gallardo Spyder has amazing performance potential, topping 314 km/h where conditions allow (and with the roof up) and can reach 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.