Carbon-Fiber Materials in the Interior
Altogether, carbon-fiber
components make up around 40% of the weight saved. In the interior, too,
engineers aimed to reduce weight as much as possible. The center tunnel cover,
the door panels and the surround of the e-gear automated manual transmission
lever are made from carbon-fiber. The high-end material is also used for the
sports seats' shells, where they make a significant contribution to overall
weight reduction.
Just like the rest of the cockpit, the sports seats are
clad in lightweight Alcantara instead of leather. However, weight reduction at
Lamborghini certainly does not mean sacrifice - the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder
Performante still comes with air conditioning and electric windows as standard.
The extent to which Lamborghini values the very highest level of meticulous
craftsmanship is immediately evident in the interior of the Spyder Performante.
All parts are perfectly designed and assembled down to the very last detail;
high-quality materials indulge the senses. The interior retains a sporty black
finish in Alcantara. As contrasting colors for seat stitching, customers can
choose from green, yellow, orange and two shades of gray. They match exterior
paint finishes in Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Nero Noctis
and Bianco Monocerus.
The Engine
In the Gallardo LP 570-4
Spyder Performante, LP stands for "Longitudinale Posteriore" and refers to the
orientation of the V10 engine - which is mounted longitudinally behind the
driver, just like every Lamborghini engine. The number 570 refers to the maximum
power output in hp, which is available at 8,000 rpm. Equally impressive is the
pulling power - the torque curve peaks at 398 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. The increase
of 10 hp is the result of the new dedicated engine management strategy.
The V10 has a displacement of 5,204 cc and achieves a specific output of 109.6
hp per liter. Special features on this long-stroke engine with an aluminum
crankcase include dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. Both
solutions lower the center of gravity, thus improving handling dynamics. To
ensure ideal combustion chamber fill, the engine has an adjustable intake
manifold and continuous control of the chain-driven camshafts.
The
crankshaft is conceived as a dual-plane crank - the connecting rods of opposing
pistons share one bearing. This configuration delivers alternating ignition
intervals of 54 and 90 degrees; a unique sequence that is the reason for the
compelling, racing car-like sound of the V10. As the revs rise, resounding bass
notes are overlaid with razor sharp harmonics.
The powerful V10, combined
with the model's weight reduction, gives the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder
Performante breathtaking performance. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just
3.7 seconds. Drive continues relentlessly to a top speed of 201 mph.
The Transmission
The Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante comes with
the e-gear transmission operated via steering wheel paddles, as standard. The
automated system with electronic management shifts through its six gears
extremely smoothly and far more quickly than could be achieved by human
reflexes.
The e-gear control unit has three operating modes, two of which
are also available in automatic. The "Thrust mode" delivers maximum off-the-line
performance and is programmed to manage starting revs of around 5,000 rpm with
minimal wheel slip.
Every single mile in the Gallardo Spyder Performante
is utterly thrilling - not least because of the relentless traction in
practically every situation. This is largely attributable to the four driven
wheels, as indicated by the number 4 in the model name.
The permanent
all-wheel drive incorporates a central viscous coupling and a 45 percent limited
slip differential on the rear axle. In normal circumstances, the power delivered
by the V10 is channeled with a ratio of 30:70 to the front and rear axles. The
weight distribution of the superlight Gallardo is 43/57 percent front/rear.
In 1993, the Diablo VT was the first Italian super sports car with an
all-wheel drive set-up, and Lamborghini has been steadily consolidating its
leadership ever since. In fact, thanks to the car's superior traction,
Lamborghini drivers can accelerate earlier out of a bend than drivers of
rear-wheel drive cars.
The Chassis
Its chassis is made from
aluminum, with cast node elements and extruded profile forming an extremely
stiff framework into which the aluminum panels are integrated. The spaceframe
structure is extremely impact-resistant and forms the basis for the super sports
car's precise handling.
Against this background, the task of reducing
weight by a further 143 lbs compared to the Gallardo Spyder presented a huge
challenge to the engineers. The Lamborghini experts handled the task as they
usually do - with hi-tech competence and aesthetic flair. With its minimal
weight and extremely high stiffness, carbon-fiber is the ideal material for a
super sports car. The large panel covering the soft-top, engine and transmission
is a complex and extremely high-quality carbon fiber component. Engineers also
selected carbon-fiber for the rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, parts of the
underbody paneling and the fine exterior mirror casings.
The Running
Gear
The Gallardo Spyder Performante is a highly-concentrated driving
machine - it thrills with breathtaking cornering speeds and fast, immediate
reflexes. Its handling is always precise, stable and predictable.
The
running gear layout is derived directly from motorsport. The suspension features
aluminum double wishbones, while the precise rack-and-pinion steering keeps the
driver closely connected with the road. Its specific set-up enables the running
gear to reach its full dynamic potential.
Another special feature of the
Gallardo Spyder Performante is the incredibly light 19-inch wheels - identical
to those on the Gallardo Superleggera - which save 13 kilograms (28.6 lb). The
wheel bearings and bolts are made from titanium and are also incredibly light
and stiff. The tires are 235/35 at the front and 295/30 at the rear and come
from the Pirelli P Zero Corsa series. Developed specifically for the new top
model in the Gallardo range, they are closely related to pure race rubber.
Behind the huge wheels are brakes that deliver uncompromising stopping power
and are managed by the standard-fit ESP stability control system. The front
wheels are served by aluminum eight-piston calipers, with four-piston units at
the rear. The ventilated brake discs have diameters of 365 and 356 millimeters
(o 14.37 x 1.34 in and 14.02 x 1.26 in) respectively. As an optional extra,
Lamborghini can fit extremely fade-resistant and lightweight discs made from
carbon-fiber ceramic with six-piston calipers up front. The front ceramic discs
have a diameter of 380 millimeters (o 15 x 1.5 in).
Equipment: Hi-Tech
for Road and Track
Alongside its specialized carbon-fiber lightweight
components, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante is delivered
ex-works with an array of other high-end features. Highlights include the e-gear
transmission - the manual gearbox is available at no additional cost - the
dedicated chassis set-up, the Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tires and the sports
seats. Alcantara upholstery and a hand-stitched steering wheel clad in suede set
accents in the interior.
The range of special equipment is quite
particular. For the interior, Lamborghini offers special floor mats and leather
steering wheels, a storage package and an alarm system. An additional
carbon-fiber package includes center console and instrument panel trim, the
parking brake handle, the lower part of the steering wheel and the door handles.
Further special equipment enhances comfort and convenience - the multimedia
navigation system, the lifting system for raising the front of the car, a garage
door opener and a rear view camera. Customers wanting to personalize their
Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante can refer to the wide-ranging options of
Lamborghini's "Ad Personam" individualization program.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications