2016 LA Motor Show: Lamborghini Huracan LP580-2 Spyder revealed

It’s now cheaper to own a Lamborghini roadster, with the Italian supercar maker unveiling a two-wheel-drive version of the Lamborghini V-10 Huracán Spyder at the LA Auto Show.

The LP580-2 Huracán Spyder will be priced from $429,000 when it arrives here in January – $50,000 less than the AWD LP610-4 Huracán Spyder and $366,000 cheaper than the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster.

And unlike the LP610-4 coupe, the 426kW generated by the LP580-2’s naturally aspirated V10 engine is only transferred to the rear axle instead of all four paws. Not that’s anything wrong that, especially when you consider its 0-100km/h time of 3.6secs is just 0.2secs slower than the AWD Spyder and it has a toupee-destroying top speed of 319km/h.

It’s tuned very differently to the AWD version, with softer springs and stiffer anti-roll bars, specific Pirelli P Zero tyres, tailored electronic stability control, and unique power steering or optional Lamborghini Dynamic Steering that adapts to different speeds, conditions and driving modes.

The decision to produce a rear-wheel-drive Spyder is good news for the purists and not just because of the 50-grand saving – something that Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali seems happy to acknowledge.

“This is a Lamborghini for those with a passion for life and the purest driving experience on the open road,” said Domenicali.

“It’s also a Huracán for those entering the Lamborghini family, wanting a true Spyder experience without compromising on the performance and dynamic handling of a rear-wheel drive car.”

The new Huracán Spyder looks more aggressive than its AWD siblings, with newly designed front and rear ends including broader air intakes for increased downforce.

The soft-top can be opened and closed in 17 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h and rear windshield can be electronically opened to let in that sweet V10 din when you have the roof up.