Lamborghini’s new lightweight ethos continues with the reveal today of the all-new Gallardo Spyder Performante LP 570-4, a stripped out and more hardcore version of the open-top Gallardo that’s set to scorch highways all across the country next summer.

Essentially the Spyder version of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, or “super light”, the new Performante has been made lighter thanks to carbon fiber technology. The engineers in Sant'Agata Bolognese managed to reduce the weight of the new Spyder Performante by 143 pounds, meaning the open-top supercar now tips the scales with a dry weight of no more than 3,274 pounds--a new best for that highly exclusive market segment occupied by Lamborghini.

The light weight is due in large part to exterior and interior components made from carbon fiber. These advanced composite materials are perfectly suited to supercars because they combine reduced weight with improved technical characteristics. Performance is optimized as a result of lower weight, while CO2 emissions are reduced as well.

The V-10 power unit with a displacement of 5.2-liters still generates 570 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to accelerate the vehicle from 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and see it reach a top speed of 201 mph.

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, improving handling dynamics.

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 provides the race car-like sound of the V-10.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante LP 570-4

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante LP 570-4

The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante LP 570-4 comes with the six-speed e-gear transmission operated via steering wheel paddles, as standard. The 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.

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 V-10 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.

The Spyder Performante’s bodyshell is made from aluminum, with cast node elements and extruded profile forming an extremely stiff framework into which the aluminum panels are integrated. This then sits on an aluminum spaceframe chassis. To save weight engineers used carbon fiber to replace certain components such as the panel covering the folded soft-top roof, rear spoiler, sills, diffuser, parts of the underbody paneling and the exterior mirror casings.

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 advanced material is also used for the sports seats' shells, where they make a significant contribution to overall weight reduction.

[Lamborghini]