Automobili Lamborghini, creator of the world's most exclusive super sport cars, today held the worldwide debut of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560—4 Spyder at the Los Angeles Auto Show. As the successor to the best-selling Lamborghini of all time, the new LP 560-4 Spyder combines the Coupé's design, performance and handling characteristics with the open-air pleasure only a soft top super sports car can deliver.

As the brand's largest global market, the United States – specifically Southern California - was strategically chosen as the perfect location to unveil the new open top super sports car. In 2007, Southern California contributed to approximately 30 percent of all Lamborghini sales in the United States, maintaining its position as the country's most successful region.

"The new LP 560-4 Spyder adds another dimension to the Gallardo's lineage with extreme design language and class-leading performance," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "The open version of the successful Gallardo LP 560-4 is the result of Lamborghini's two model strategy including the Gallardo and Murciélago."

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder (2009)
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder (2009) - picture 1 of 6
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder (2009) - picture 2 of 6
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder (2009) - picture 3 of 6
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder (2009) - picture 4 of 6
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder (2009) - picture 5 of 6
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder (2009) - picture 6 of 6

The much anticipated Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers a new 5.2 liter engine with 40 additional horsepower than its predecessor; allowing it to sprint from 0-62 mph in only four seconds with a top speed of 201 mph. The car's agility has also been greatly refined with a new, lighter transmission, which allows increased shift times by 40 percent (Corsa Mode), combined with an all-new chassis, suspension and Lamborghini's permanent all-wheel drive system. Despite increased performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 18 percent.

Since 2003, more than 8,500 Gallardos have left the production facility in the birth place of all Lamborghinis in Sant'Agata, Bolognese, Italy. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé was first unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008 with the dynamic launch taking place in Las Vegas later that spring. Each person who experienced the new Gallardo on the track or the streets unanimously agreed: the Gallardo LP 560-4 is an all-new car that can be enjoyed on any driving surface. Since, the new Gallardo has been critically acclaimed by customers and the media for its extreme performance, aggressive design and increased drivability. The highly anticipated LP 560-4 Spyder is set to continue this legacy. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder will be available in Lamborghini authorized dealerships in the spring of 2009 for $221,000 (MSRP).

In 2007, the United States market accounted for 39 percent of total Lamborghini sales worldwide and remains the brand's largest global market. Since the beginning of 2005, Automobili Lamborghini has strategically increased its global reach from 65 to 121 dealers worldwide; 31 of these dealers are located in the United States. Last year was a record year for the brand with 930 Lamborghinis delivered in the United States and 2,406 delivered worldwide.