Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder Engine
Published: 21st November 2008
The engine of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is a completely new development. All that remains is the number of cylinders, - that magical ten - which provides a perfect synthesis of high-revs, pulling power, athletic agility, compact dimensions and low weight that is unique within this performance class.
The engine has a displacement of 5.2 liters (5204 cm3 ), generating an extreme 560 hp (412 kW) at 8,000 rpm – giving class-topping output per litre of 107.6 hp. The engine delivers a maximum torque of 398 Ib-ft (540 Nm) at 6,500 rpm. The ample torque curve guarantees outstanding thrust at all engine speeds. With acceleration of 4.0 seconds from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) and a top speed of 201 mph (324 km/h), the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder shoots into the orbit of the most extreme high-performance sports cars and is only one km/h less swift than the LP 560-4 Coupe.
Even more astounding is the fact that engineers at Sant'Agata succeeded in lowering the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the super sports car by 18 percent, despite a considerable improvement in performance. Relative to engine power and performance, the average fuel consumption of the Gallardo LP 560- 4 Spyder e.gear is astonishingly low at only 16mpg combined (20 hwy/13city) (14 litres per 100 kilometres).
The engine in this new model is also located longitudinally behind the driver – hence the model denomination Longitudinale Posteriore. The mid-engine concept is peerless in sports car design, creating the basis for the perfect weight distribution of the LP 560-4 Spyder of 43 percent on the front axle and 57 percent on the rear. In combination with the permanent all-wheel drive transmission, it guarantees the Gallardo’s superior handling stability in all situations.
The cylinder bore surfaces of the new Lamborghini ten-cylinder are made of a hypereutectic aluminium alloy. The hard silicon crystals of the bore surfaces are chemically released following the honing process. The connecting rods are made from forged steel and the pistons from aluminium alloy. The systematic reduction of mass and internal friction contributes to the engine’s impressive high-revving characteristics.
The engine is unusually wide for a V10, with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. The advantage of this layout is the lower centre of gravity. The dry sump lubrication serves the same purpose, as well as guaranteeing a reliable supply of oil even during extreme lateral acceleration on the race track.
The new V10 uses the direct fuel-injection system 'Iniezione Diretta Stratificata' as an innovative way to optimize performance in all conditions, while achieving moderate fuel consumption. The fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber from a common-rail system at pressures of up to 100 bar via laterally-position injectors. This ensures the perfect 'tumble' of the homogeneous fuel/air mixture and forms the basis of highly efficient combustion.
Direct injection boosts the extremely efficient full-load performance of the V10, reduces its knock sensitivity, provides an internal cooling effect and thus facilitates a very high compression ratio of 12.5:1. The cylinder heads have been optimised to deliver a rapid charge cycle, while the variable valve control system on all four camshafts improves charge efficiency across the entire engine speed range. Transmission
Lamborghini Gallardo
Our Lamborghini Gallardo Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Gallardo range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £146,170 - £155,805
Body Styles:
Fuel:
Models in the range: 2
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 14th Feb 2010
