Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder Named Germany’s 2009 Sports Car of the Year
Auto Bild readers select the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder as their top sports car for 2009, recognising its performance, design and four-wheel-drive capability.
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder has been voted Germany’s Sports Car of the Year for 2009 by readers of Auto Bild, the country’s largest motoring magazine. The award, announced in late November 2009, reflects the preferences of over 51,000 enthusiasts who participated in the annual poll.
Auto Bild divides its awards into eight classes, covering both production and tuned vehicles. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder took the top spot in the series production sports car segment, underlining its appeal in a market known for its demanding standards and strong domestic competition. Previous winners have included both German and international marques, but Lamborghini’s victory with the open-top Gallardo marks a notable achievement for the Italian manufacturer in Germany.
What sets the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder apart?
Launched in 2008, the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder brought a host of technical improvements over the original Gallardo Spyder. Its naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 produces 560hp, up from the previous model’s 520hp, and delivers power to all four wheels through Lamborghini’s permanent four-wheel-drive system. The result is a 0-62mph time of around four seconds and a top speed exceeding 200mph, making it one of the fastest convertibles in its class at the time.
The Spyder’s appeal lies not only in its performance figures but also in its design and driving experience. The revised styling, with sharper lines and improved aerodynamics, complements the car’s mechanical upgrades. The open roof adds another layer of excitement, giving drivers the full sound of the V10 and a direct connection to the elements.
Recognition in a competitive market
Germany’s sports car sector is crowded with home-grown contenders from Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-AMG and Audi. For Lamborghini to win a reader-voted award in this market signals strong enthusiasm for the Gallardo’s blend of Italian design and engineering. The Gallardo line has become Lamborghini’s most successful, with the LP 560-4 Spyder helping to sustain its sales momentum through the late 2000s.
The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder’s win places it alongside other notable sports cars recognised by Auto Bild in 2009. For those interested in how Lamborghini’s line-up evolved, the rear-wheel-drive LP550-2 Spyder would arrive later, offering a different take on the Gallardo formula. For more on that model, see Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder priced at $209,000 in the US.
Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder: key specifications (2009)
| Engine | 5.2-litre V10, naturally aspirated |
|---|---|
| Power output | 560hp |
| Drivetrain | Permanent four-wheel drive |
| 0-62mph | Approx. 4.0 seconds |
| Top speed | Over 200mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or e-gear automated manual |