Lamborghini
Gallardo Spyder
It 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. The maximum
torque of 376 lb-ft at 4500 rpm gives the two differentials hell; fortunately,
both are limited-slip designs.
Tipping the scales at 3462 pounds, the Gallardo Spyder can accelerate from 0 to
62 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds, leaving two fat black stripes on the tarmac and
a red exclamation point in your mind. The forward thrust continues until the
Spyder eventually reaches a maximum speed of 195 mph with the top closed.
When the roof is down, it's briefly possible to experience 191 mph - your eyes
running with tears, your face strangely distorted, and your hair shedding a lock
every 500 yards.
