Lamborghini debuted its more powerful, cleaner-running Gallardo LP 560-4 earlier this year, and Bologna's raging bull has now followed up by releasing the inevitable drop-top -- or Spyder -- version.

As per the coupe, propulsion for the Spyder comes from a 5.2-litre V10 that belts out 412kW at 8000rpm, which represents an increase of 29kW over its predecessor. Its power-to-weight ratio also benefits from a 20kg reduction in kerb mass.

The claimed performance numbers are eye-opening, as Lambo quotes a 0-100km/h split of 4.0sec, while 200km/h is dispatched in 13.1sec. For what it's worth, v-max is quoted at 324km/h (or 201mph in the old scale).

Despite the boost in performance, Lamborghini claims the new direct-injection engine and other tweaks have reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by a sizeable 18 percent.

The company also boasts of improved traction, handling and stability at high speeds, thanks to a re-engineered AWD drivetrain, new suspension, a stiffer Spyder bodyshell and optimised aerodynamics.

Visual changes bring the new Gallardo Spyder in line with the mega-exclusive Reventon, with large frontal air intakes, daytime running lights and a new tail-light cluster in which the LEDs are arranged in a Y form.

The fully-lined fabric top -- available in black, blue, grey and beige -- can be lowered or raised via two switches located on the centre console, and the canvas roof takes 20 seconds to deploy, according to its maker.

In order to ensure maximum safety, Lamborghini engineers have integrated two spring-loaded rollover bars behind the seats. Controlled by a sensor, they deploy in 250 milliseconds should the car be in danger of going shiny-side down.

The LP560-4 Spyder is due here in the second quarter of 2009, wearing a price tag in the vicinity of $515,000. This will put it in the same general ballpark as the Mercedes SL 65 AMG and Ferrari F430 Spider.

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