2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Preview

So the new 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is a sexy, open air masterpiece that winds up to 195 mph. So the new Gallardo Spyder guarantees the finest parking spots, the wildest weekends, and more. So -- what kind of fuel economy does it get? Right -- as if that matters, when you’re living the Miami Vice life. Given the price, around $200,000, and a certain kind of prestige that comes with it, which is unending, gas by the gallon gets lost in the wind dancing over your head and streaming along the side of the Gallardo Spyder, spinning its own fairytale as you head down your favorite show-me strip. Just let us know what 520 horsepower feels like with the top down. Until then, we’ll appreciate the Gallardo from the Concourse at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, or in the valet section of the swankiest cafes and clubs.

What it is

It’s a dream that flies like a mad bat, driven by 520 horses and buffeted by the sweet music of a V10 engine and the wind whipping around your ears. A beautiful open-air version of one of the best-selling Lamborghinis ever, the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Spyder is still pretty much its own car, with significant structural changes and technology such as a top that folds out of sight in 20 seconds and a multi-media center that includes a CD changer – in the unlikely event that you get bored with the sound of the engine. Debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, the plan is to build just 350 Gallardo Spyders.

Why it matters

Cars like this matter because they fuel dreams and allow people with too much money to find an outlet for their angst, which frankly is darn amusing to us normal folks. Like an exquisitely crafted velvet Elvis painting, the 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder exists because, as a mechanical masterpiece, it should – if not to buy then to appreciate for its artistry, its technology and its sheer brute force power. Besides, with the Gallardo selling so well, it would be just plain silly not to add this model to the Lamborghini offering, as a twin or an alternative. Buy one today!

What’s under the hood

The mid-mounted, 5.0-liter V10 engine gets 520 horsepower and generates 376 lb. ft. of torque, mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. That’s an improvement over the 2005 Gallardo. Power goes to all four wheels, with a ratio of 70 front/30 rear. Wheels are clad with 235/35/19 Pirellis P Zeros in front and 295/30/19 rear-ward. Want power numbers? Try 0-62 in just 4 seconds, up to 195 mph, stopping courtesy of an Antilock Braking System (ABS). Other safety features include Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and an electronic stability system. While most of this is the same as the Gallardo, what’s different is the structure, thanks to reinforced A-pillars, side sills and a rollover protection system. The 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder gets a revised full independent suspension with double wishbones at each tire.

What’s inside

There’s sporty seating for two inside the 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, a multi-media center that includes a CD changer. The top folds down in 20 seconds, right into the engine compartment, and the rearview window can stay up or down, depending on your preference and desire for a wind blocker. The Spyder also features folding outside mirrors.

What it looks like

Even though the 2006 is a significantly different vehicle from the Gallardo, the design is quite similar, with front-hinged doors, gigantic side scoops and the traditional, low-slung and razor edgy design. The windshield is slanted considerably, and works its way into tight pillars that sweep into the overall design. Our opinion is that the 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is especially beautiful in white or black.

What Lamborghini says

At a price of $200,000 and a production run of just 350, the folks at Lamborghini are pretty quiet about their new model. What they do say about it, however, is that the Spyder is a completely different car that’s based on the existing Gallardo, one that offers its own significant enhancements, such as the folding fabric top, and ushers in more power and performance for the 2006 models. What Lamborghini won’t say is that the Gallardo Spyder is the result of a partnership between Lamborghini and Audi A.G., which is owned by Volkswagen. In other words, if you buy a Passat, why, you’re buying a small part of a Lamborghini. Only joking.

What we think

As one of the fastest and most beautiful cars, ever made, we think that we should drive one. With a limited run, it’s clearly a car for enterprising connoisseurs, one worth the $200,000 price tag – if that possible – thanks to its compelling design, power upgrade to 520 horsepower and top-down technology. The top is especially impressive, as it folds down into the engine compartment, does so in 20 seconds and has a rear window that can be controlled, up or down, by the driver. It all sounds great on paper. What we need to do is drive the thing in order to make up our minds, perhaps a long-term test to measure it against tough Southern California driving conditions. Please?

When you can buy it

You can’t. Seriously, with only 350 scheduled for the build, and at a price tag of $200,000, the 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is here to look at and be envied over. Unless you’re Leno, Seinfeld, or are willing to sell your (gifted) child to get one, forget about it, and enjoy the sensation of gawking every time one drives down the road. They should be coming this spring to a celebrity car nut near you.

Key specifications

Base Price $200,000 Engine Size and Type: 5.0-liter V10 Engine Horsepower: 520-hp @ 8,000 rpm Engine Torque: 376 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm Transmission: Six-speed sequential automatic w/OD EPA Fuel Economy: 10/19 Length: 193.4 inches Width: 74.8 inches Wheelbase: 100.8 inches Height: 45.9 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Two Competitors: Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S, Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Ferrari Superamerica Maranello, Saleen S7,

Photos courtesy of Lamborghini