Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder: Another review

We found another review of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Can't get enough of it!

It’s Friday night, and we’re inching down Collins Avenue, a multicylinder, multiwatt, multidollar, bumper-to-bumper convoy. In this star-spangled parade of flash, the new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder triggers more flashed headlamps and thumbs-up signals than the inevitable flock of Maybachs, Maseratis, Ferraris, and Bentleys. This car seems to collect dates faster than George Clooney at large, which is a bit surprising when you consider that the Gallardo coupe was first released back in 2003. But in Miami’s extroverted environment, being able to lower the Gallardo’s canvas roof—a fully automatic, twenty-second procedure—makes all the difference.

t is difficult not to be fascinated by the sheer presence and the daring proportions of this radically angular sports car, but it is downright impossible not to be thrilled by the Gallardo’s aural charm. The thunder-and-lightning show begins with a twist of the ignition key—mercifully, the Italians have spared us the mushrooming nuisance of including both a key and a starter button. Even at idle, the 7-8-5-2-1-10-9-4-6-3 firing order stimulates your eardrums. The 5.0-liter V-10 needs a chainsaw-like 8000 rpm to develop 512 hp (19 hp more than last year). The maximum torque of 376 lb-ft at 4500 rpm gives the two differentials hell; fortunately, both are limited-slip designs.

The Gallardo’s build quality is now truly impressive. The fabric roof of our test car never spoke a word, the leatherwork was assembled to the highest standard, fit and finish were spot-on, and the surfaces were every bit as classy as those of an Audi A8. There are less expensive sports cars on the market, and even more complete ones. But as far as blending ability and curb appeal is concerned, the Gallardo Spyder is very special.