Skip advert
Advertisement

Watch - Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder: 201mph roadster debuts in Frankfurt

Updated with video. Stunning convertible is 40 per cent stiffer than the Gallardo Spyder

Lamborghini has launched its latest take on the Huracan at the Volkswagen Group’s traditional preview night, before the Frankfurt show opens its doors on Tuesday.

The car will be a natural progression of the Gallardo Spider – a car that became Lamborghini’s best-selling open-top model during its long production run. The new car, says Lamborghini president and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, should ‘exceed its predecessor in every way’.

Video

To that end, it features the same 5.2-litre, naturally-aspirated V10 engine as the Huracan LP 610-4 coupe, producing 602bhp at 8250rpm (with an 8700rpm red line) and 413lb ft of torque at a heady 6500rpm.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The V10’s output is fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and at the rear, a locking differential. Power can be attributed between the axles according to the car’s dynamic needs.

The result is a 0-62mph sprint of 3.4sec – two tenths shy of the fixed-roof car – 0-124mph in 10.2sec and a top speed of 201mph, just 1mph behind. The engine also features cylinder on demand technology, allowing it to shut down one cylinder bank under light load, facilitating combined economy of 23mpg.

A 43/57 front/rear weight distribution – the same as the coupe – should ensure the Spyder’s handling is similar, though a dry weight of 1542kg means the Spyder is 122kg heavier than its closed-roof counterpart. Lamborghini still offers Lamborghini Dynamic Steering as an option – one we’d ignore, since the standard steering feels so much more natural.

More positively, the Gallardo’s aluminium and carbonfibre structure is 40 per cent stiffer than that of the old Gallardo Spyder. The Huracan also develops 50 per cent more downforce than its predecessor. Stopping is handled by standard-fit carbon-ceramic brakes, with 380mm discts at the front.

The greatest change from the coupe is of course the new soft top. When the roof is up, Lamborghini extols the car’s low drag coefficient and resulting low noise; when it’s down – the process of 17 seconds of electrohydraulics – two movable fins rise from the roof casing give the rear deck an entirely new look.

Once ensconced, drivers sit behind of a 12.3-inch TFT display, on electric seats with five optional trim choices – Standard, Elegante, and three Sportivo finishes. Seventeen interior colours are available, along with three roof colours – black, brown or red – and eleven exterior shades.

Lamborghini hasn’t confirmed UK pricing yet, but in Europe the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder will start at 186,450 Euros plus local taxes. Deliveries begin Spring 2016.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus 004S: development ramps up for three-seat supercar
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus 004S
News

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus 004S: development ramps up for three-seat supercar

As the SCG 004 racer gears up for another Nürburgring 24 Hours, development is well underway for its road-legal relative
18 Mar 2024
Ford GT (2004 - 2006): review, history and specs of an icon
Ford GT evo 25
Features

Ford GT (2004 - 2006): review, history and specs of an icon

Few supercars have allowed such easy access to their performance as the original Ford GT, making it one of our top 25 cars of the last 25 years
18 Mar 2024
Ferrari 296 GTB 2024 review – fewer cylinders, greater thrills
Ferrari 296 GTB
Reviews

Ferrari 296 GTB 2024 review – fewer cylinders, greater thrills

Ferrari's first V6-powered road car redefines the £250,000 supercar with sensational speed and agility
15 Mar 2024
The new Porsche 911 (992.2) Turbo will arrive this summer
Porsche 911 (992.2) Turbo facelift – front
Spy shots

The new Porsche 911 (992.2) Turbo will arrive this summer

The Porsche 911 will receive a mid-life refresh this year, and it's expected to receive hybrid power for the first time ever
12 Mar 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST Mk1 Ford Escort
Reviews

MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven

The MST Mk1 is a brand new, 50-year-old, road-going rally car. It looks the business, but does it deliver? Strap yourself in…
15 Mar 2024
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from the TVR Tuscan to the CLS63 Shooting Brake
15 Mar 2024