Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, presented the new Gallardo Spyder to the media this afternoon during a very vibrant press conference in Frankfurt.

Heavily hyped by Lamborghini during the months leading up to this week's Frankfurt International Motor Show, the Gallardo Spyder derivative now expands the mid-size spotscar model's range, while a second interpretation - the stricktly limited edition Gallardo SE - was also unveiled today.

A special extra press day was scheduled by the Frankfurt Show organisers' for today, which was exclusively dedicated to the many German brands present. As Lamborghini is now wholly owned by Audi, their press conference thus took place at 1430 this afternoon.

Lamborghini have recently been busy creating an image of power, adrenaline and outright aggression, for the new Spider model, with a series of internet 'tasters' released over the past few weeks that have linked the car with extremely dangerous sports and activities. The launch today was similarly to be an upbeat affair. With the lights dimmed, a solo singer belted out Robbie Williams' hit single 'Let Me Entertain You', as first, huge covers at the rear of the stage slowly parted to reveal a brightly-lit Gallardo Spyder which had been vertically positioned, and then secondly, the covers were imperiously swept off an example which proudly stood centre stage. At the same time new car's innovative, electronically-operated folding hood and rear window - which neatly tuck away below the engine cover - were demonstrated.
 

Prior to all this razamatazz Winkelmann had talked of the Lamborghini brand's performance to date - in what is just over half a decade of German ownership - and he predicted a very bright future for the Bologna, Italy based sportscar maker. With dealer numbers set to hit the 80 mark next year, he confirmed that the Gallardo SE - which is to be limited to just 250 examples - had in fact sold out even before it had been publically presented for the first time this afternoon, while orders for the Gallardo Spyder now account for almost the entire 2006 production run. Describing Lamborghini as the "performance spear" of Audi, he listed a whole series of sporty new features which are designed to keep Lamborghini right at the forefront of the supercar pack, including the introduction of carbon-cermamic brakes across the range, and a brand new feature of the e-gear system - called "Thrust" - which optimises gear changes. The improved Murcielago MY2006 and Gallardo MY2006, were also revealed.

The Gallardo Spyder's chief designer - Luc Donckerwolke - was clearly overcome as he posed with his latest, and last, Raging Bull creation. The Belgian designer - who also is responsible for the V12 Murcielago - is now switching positions to focus on another VW/Audi Group brand, SEAT.

by Edd Ellison in Frankfurt