Skip to main content

Lamborghini’s Huracán Spyder convertible soaks in the sun at LA auto show

Temperatures may be dropping in much of the country, but it’s still sunny in Los Angeles, which made the 2016 L.A. Auto Show the perfect place for Lamborghini to unveil its latest convertible supercar.

Following the launch of the rear-wheel drive Huracán LP580-2 coupe, Lamborghini is adding a convertible Spyder version to the lineup. The rear-wheel drive LP580-2 Spyder really is the perfect car for sunny L.A., where drivers probably won’t miss the all-wheel drive system offered in other Huracán models as much as their counterparts in rainier and snowier parts of the country.

This new model combines the convertible Spyder body, previously offered only with all-wheel drive, and the mechanicals of the LP580-2 coupe. That means drive goes to the back wheels only, allowing more slides, tire smoke, and general hooliganism. It’s exactly what you want in a Lambo, provided your driving skills can handle it. The convertible top takes 17 seconds to open or close, and can operate at speeds up to 31 mph.

Like the LP580-2 coupe, the Spyder uses a detuned version of Lamborghini’s 5.2-liter V10. In rear-wheel drive models, this engine produces 572 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, while all-wheel drive models get 602hp and 413 lb-ft. Still, the LP580-2 Spyder can do 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 198 mph, Lamborghini says.

Just like all other Huracán variants, the LP580-2 Spyder uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also gets the same tech as other Huracán models, including adaptive electric power steering and magnetorheological dampers, which use fluid containing metal particles, allowing them to be adjusted near instantaneously using an electric current.

The Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 Spyder goes on sale in January. Lamborghini says its price will fall between that of the rear-wheel drive LP580-2 coupe and the all-wheel drive coupe model, meaning somewhere north of $200,000. Some of Los Angeles’ wealthier residents have probably already put down deposits.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations
The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more