Lamborghini launched three new models at the Frankfurt IAA International Motor Show on Monday, the Gallardo SE, the Murcielago 'Model Year 2006' and the highly anticipated Gallardo Spyder. The latter being undoubtedly one of the stars of the show.

With the Gallardo Spyder, Lamborghini aim to expand their already successful model range in a logical fashion. The newcomer is undoubtedly a Lamborghini, designed around raw speed, power and masculinity. As Lamborghini aim to improve their market share, their bold image in developing countries is certainly becoming noticeable against other Italian supercar manufacturers. Representing their second soft top alongside the Murcièlago Roadster, the Gallardo Spyder has an electro-hydraulic push-button soft top. Despite being less radical than the Murcièlago Roadster, the Gallardo Spyder builds on the beautiful line of the coupé model. The styling and finish of the Spyder certainly impressed the press during the launch at the IAA, and certain reporters were moved to say that it looks even better than the already well regarded coupe version.

Unlike the 493 bhp Gallardo coupe, the Spyder is fitted with a 522 bhp version of the V10 engine. This engine is also fitted in the Gallardo SE, and will also be delivered with the Concept S.
 

Various packages are available for the Spyder, including a special Smoker’s Package which replaces the standard cup holder with an ashtray. Priced at $8,600 there is also a Carbon Fibre Interior Package, which replaces the standard dashboard, centre console, air vents and inner door areas with carbon fibre trim. Alongside this there is also a Leather Option, which retrims the same parts as in the Carbon Fibre Interior Package with leather. The Leather Option unbelievably includes the air vents being finished in leather instead of matte plastic (although this is also an option with Porsche and Audi). On top of this there is a $4,000 special leather option which uses perforated Napa leather as on the Murcièlago. A Branding Package includes Gallardo Spyder script on the dashboard and rear of the car and the CI shield in the headrests.

The striking and popular glass bonnet is unfortunately not an option on the Spyder, which is due to the positioning of the ragtop storage space, consuming as it does, a portion of the engine bay.

Two Gallardo Spyder models are being presented in Frankfurt for the duration of the prestigious show which takes place in the heart of Europe's biggest new car market. One example is position centre stage, flanked on either side by the Gallardo SE and the Murcielago MY2006, while a second is mounted vertically in a recess at the rear of Lamborghini's compact stand.

The new car was unveiled during a press conference last Monday, hosted by Automobili Lamborghini President and Chief Executive Officer, Stephan Winkelmann, with the car's Belgian designer, Luc Donckerwolke, now departing to take over design duties at SEAT, joining him. The covers were swept away while a singer pranced on the stage as he belted out a track by English popstar Robbie Williams, a terribly inappropriate method to choose to unveil an exciting new Italian sportscar.

Shortly after the Frankfurt IAA, the Gallardo Spyder will make its Asian debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. Deliveries will start in early 2006.

by James Granger & Edd Ellison in Frankfurt