Like the closed Berlinetta, the Gallardo Spyder features permanent four-wheel drive, but the spaceframe has been reinforced with strengthened sills and A pillars. There are also a number of important modifications to the original engine and transmission. Although dimensionally unchanged at 4961cc, the 90° V10 now develops 520bhp at 8000rpm whilst the six-speed gearbox has lower ratios to all gears (first is 27% lower, second is 13% lower, third, fourth and fifth are all 6% lower and sixth gear is 3.5% lower). Additionally, the Spyder benefits from more direct steering and recalibrated suspension. Outside, the familiar Gallardo styling theme continues albeit with a more steeply raked windscreen and neat electrically operated black fabric hood. Lamborghini's system for opening and closing the roof utilises the engine compartment to conceal the top when lowered and incorporates automatic roll-over protection with two pop-up hoops integrated with the air bag system. The retractable roof is operated by way of two buttons on the centre console and takes just over 20 seconds to raise or lower. Furthermore, the rear window can also be electrically raised and lowered when the hood is up. Carbon fibre is used for the engine cover (this also acting as a hood cover) and lightweight aluminium for the rest of the body panels. Two special body colours have been introduced for the Spyder, Celeste Phoebe (light blue) and Verde Picus (green) being joined by Marrone Janus (brown) as the main colour for the interior with Bianco Polar (white) as a contrast colour and carpets in either Marrone Janus (brown), Rosso Centaurus (red) or Arancio Leonis (orange).
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