2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 579-4 Spyder Performante Photos, engines & full specs

Lamborghini introduced the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante in 2010 as an open-top version of the Gallardo Superleggera.

Usually, an open-top version of a vehicle is much heavier due to the added reinforcements of the chassis. On the other hand, Lamborghini managed to keep this issue under control since it developed both the open-top and the closed-top version right from the start. Moreover, the Syder Performante version was enhanced with lightweight materials and, as a result, it became one of the lightest vehicles in its class with a dry weight of just 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs.). To achieve that, the car manufacturer from Sant'Agata Bolognese used the same materials as those installed in the Gallardo Superleggera.

At the front, the car got a new lower bumper with wider side scoops and a splitter that enhanced downforce. On its side, the automaker added extracting vents that also improved aerodynamics. All these parts were made from CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) materials, which tipped the scale at a lower value than those made from plastic or ABS. The side sills were also redesigned and sported the "Performante" signature shown in front of the rear wheels. On the engine's lid, placed behind the cabin, the car got a fully functional carbon fiber wing that also incorporated the third braking light. Underneath the bumper, the automaker added a redesigned diffuser and two pairs of round exhausts that further emphasized the car's sports look and also improved the sound of the V10 engine.

The carmaker knew that its customers wanted beefed-up cabins for their expensive supercars. As a result, it wrapped the dashboard in Alcantara, which also reduced glare and reflections. The sport bucket seats with high-bolstered areas featured integrated headrests and contrast stitching on their leather upholstery. Lamborghini didn't cheap out on other areas of the cabin and used expensive materials on the door cards and the center stack as well. The driver fronted a flat-bottom steering wheel with carbon fiber inserts on the lower side. Like the rest of the Gallardo range, the Spyder Performante version featured an instrument cluster filled with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer flanked by the fuel level and temperature gauge. In the middle, the automaker placed a small TFT display showing onboard computer data. The center console housed the controls for the gearbox and was adorned with carbon fiber trims.

But the most significant part of the car was behind the cockpit, where the Gallardo 570-4 Spyder Performante featured a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 engine. It was paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, while a six-speed manual was available as a no-cost option. Power went in all corners with a 30/70 torque distribution via a center viscous coupling differential. Furthermore, the rear differential featured a 45% lock to improve traction. As a result, the car could get an excellent 0-62 MPH (0-100 kph) time of just 3.9 seconds, while the maximum speed reached 201 MPH (324 kph).