What’s the Spyder Performante like? Imagine the Audi R8 V-10 Spyder’s bawdy Italian cousin; more chest hair, more noise, more fun. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
With all-wheel drive providing grip and almost 400 pound-feet of torque, entering and exiting turns at speed is an exercise in ego-magnification. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Inside, contributing to the Spyder Performante being 143 pounds lighter than the base Gallardo Spyder, carbon fiber covers the door panels, seat shells and center console cover. Alcantara covers every other surface. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The LP refers to the positioning of the engine. The 570 refers to the horsepower (the better to differentiate yourself from the plebian buyer of the Gallardo 560-4 Spyder). And 4 means the car is all-wheel drive. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
The suspension is stiffer than a stock 560-4 Spyder and body roll is nary an issue. Steering feel on the rack-and-pinion system is impeccable; direct, communicative and responsive to quick inputs or corrections. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
Around town, this Gallardo is fairly easy to drive. Cabin noise is minimal with the top up or down. (David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)
