Launched for the 2015 model year as a successor to the very popular Gallardo, the 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 has already received a couple of race-ready versions: the 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP620-2 Super Trofeo and the 2015 Lamborghini Huracan GT3. But to be able to replace the Gallardo completely, the Huracan needs to spawn even more iterations, including a Roadster and a lighter, Superleggera model. At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Italians have finally unveiled the drop-top version, dubbed thee Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder.

With the 2015 McLaren 650S Spider already on the street and with Ferrari having just unveiled the 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider as a successor to the iconic 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider, Lamborghini had no choice but to bring its very own drop-top to the party earlier than it did with the Gallardo.

And so it did, as the Huracan Spider arrived only a year after the coupe broke cover, whereas the Gallardo needed about three years to receive an open-top version. Keep reading for the full rundown.

Updated 07/14/2016: Lamborghini dropped a new video showing the new Huracan Spyder in action at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Hit "play" to watch Lord March, Goodwood Founder, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, riding the hillclimb behind the wheel of the latest Lamborghini supercar.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Sypder.

2016 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder
• Engine/Motor: V10
• Horsepower: 610 @ 8250
• Torque: 413 @ 6500
• Transmission: Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

As expected, the Huracan Spyder is identical to the coupe from the waist down, with only the soft-top, the engine lid, and the rear haunches setting it apart.

The new soft-top is arguably the highlight of the Huracan Spyder, as it was designed with the utmost attention as to not alter the coupe's aerodynamic shape too much. Of course, the Spyder differs significantly, especially in the rear section, but that's mainly because of the added vents above the rear wheel arches rather than the shape of soft-top. With the top up, the Spyder's roofline is pretty much identical to the coupe's, a feature customers will most likely appreciate.

Available in three colors -- black, brown, and red -- the soft-top opens via a button positioned on the center console in only 17 seconds, but only at a driving speed of up to 31 mph. The driver can also electronically open the rear window whether the top is up or down.

Lambo says the top is hidden away into "the most efficient space possible, maintaining the Spyder’s perfect center of gravity."

Moving over to the engine hood, the Huracan's massive, louvered lid has been replaced by a new cover featuring two buttresses that connect to the seats' headrests and two smaller vents toward the rear fascia. Though this design change is more about practicality than looks, I must say the Huracan Spyder is definitely sexier when viewed from above. Too bad only semi drivers will be able to notice that.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

When it comes to V-10-powered supercars, there’s nothing like driving them with the top down. The Huracan Roadster will allow you to do just that and enjoy one of the industry’s most entertaining V-10 powerplants. Infinite headroom and access to a gorgeous soundtrack aside, the Roadster will bring you the same interior design and features as the standard model.

Highlights include a redesigned dashboard and center console with new knobs and switches, a 12.3-inch TFT display with all the necessary info, and large amounts of carbon fiber, high-quality leather, and Alcantara. Of course, the center console feature two additional buttons. One to open the soft-top and one to lower the rear window.

Drivetrain

Arguably the most exciting feature of the Huracan Roadster is the 5.2-liter V-10 under the hood. Shared with both the Huracan coupe and the 2016 Audi R8, the powerplant produces 610 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque that travels to all four wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. You'll be able to choose between three driving modes -- Strada, Sport, and Corsa -- which impact how the gearbox, suspension, steering, exhaust and stability control function.

Charging to 62 mph in the Huracan Roadster takes 3.4 seconds, while 124 mph comes in 10.2 ticks. Top speed sits at 201 mph. These figures make the Spyder 0.2 and 0.3 seconds slower than the coupe, respectively. The coupe's top speed is also rated at "more than 202 mph." On the other hand, the Huracan Spyder is nearly a half-second quicker than its predecessor, the Gallardo Spyder.

Despite these impressive performance numbers, the Huracan is still able to return good fuel economy. Lambo says fuel consumption is a mere 12.3 liters per 100 km, which converts to 19.1 U.S. mpg.

Drivetrain Specifications

Chassis

Much like the Huracan Coupe, the Spyder's chassis combines aluminum components front and rear with carbon-fiber elements in the occupants' cell. Although light, the chassis provides outstanding torsional stiffness for a convertible, making the Huracan Spyder 40 percent stiffer than its predecessor. The drop-top weighs in at 3,399 pounds, 264 pounds more than the coupe. In terms of downforce, the Huracan Spyder exceeds its forerunner by a whopping 50 percent. Stopping power is provided by standard carbon-ceramic brakes, while the suspension system consists of lightweight aluminum double wishbone arms at all corners. A Lamborghini Dynamic Steering system, which adapts its ratio to the road speed and damper control, is available as an option.

Safety

Like most modern supercars, the Huracan Spyder comes equipped with plenty of safety features. There are dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and side impact beams. Standard features also include electronic stability control, ABS, driveline traction control, and low tire pressure warning, among other features.

Prices

Although Lamborghini is still mum on the details, the Huracan Spyder is expected to to start from around $250,000 in the U.S. In Europe, deliveries will begin in the spring of 2016 at a price of €186,450 (around $211,000) + taxes.

Competitors

2016 Ferrari 488 Spider

Lamborghini's traditional rival in this segment has just unveiled its new successor to the 458 Italia for the 2016 model. It's called 488 Spider, and much like its coupe sibling, the 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB, is a big deal for both Ferrari->ke252 and the supercar world. And that's because Maranello's entry-level supercar is no longer motivated by the familiar 4.5-liter V-8, which has been replaced by a turbocharged. 3.9-liter V-8. While some yelled "blasphemy!" other rejoiced as soon as they laid their eyes on the car's spec sheet.

Specifically, the turbocharged plant produces a whopping 660 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque, which accounts for a 66-horsepower and 162-pound-feet improvement over the 458 Spider. As a result, it's significantly quicker than its predecessor from 0 to 62 mph, covering the distance in exactly three seconds. The 458 Spider needed 3.2 ticks. Pricing is not yet available, but it should cost around $265,000.

Find out more about the Ferrari 488 Spider here.

2015 McLaren 650S Spider

Initially aimed at the aging 458 Spider, the 650S Spider is awesome and powerful enough to give the 488 Spider a run for its money, too. And as soon as the Huracan Roadster arrives, the McLaren->ke284 will have yet another friend to play with to form one of coolest supercar trios in history.

Like its rival, the 650S Spider has plenty of things to brag about. First, the 3.8-liter V-8 cranks out 640 turbocharged horses and 500 pound-feet of torque. Second, although it lags behind the Italians as far as horsepower goes, it's actually the quickest of the bunch, charging from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Third, it's packed with McLaren's latest in terms of racing technology and it's ready to hit the track on a daily basis. It's also significantly more expensive, at $280,225.

Read more about the McLaren 650S Spider here.

Conclusion

Lamborghini has been offering roadsters on a regular basis since the Diablo,->ke376 and it's now the Huracan's turn to lose its top. Much like the Coupe, the Spyder has a pair of big shoes to fill, as the Gallardo Spyder has been around for seven years to become the brand's best-selling and most-popular drop-top. But given the Huracan's immense popularity with supercar enthusiasts and Lambo's updated drivetrain and technology, the Spyder should have what it takes to climb atop its predecessor in just about any department.

Renderings

Updated History

Updated 05/04/2016: Lamborghini dropped a new video in which it puts its Huracan lineup: Spyder, Coupé and RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) in a race against time. Hit "Play" to see which version is better.

Updated 10/09/2015: Lamborghini dropped a new video with highlights from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show where the new Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder was the star. Enjoy!

Updated 09/24/2015: We’ve added a series of new photos we took at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Find them in the "Pictures" tab.

Updated 09/14/2015: The new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Sypder made its world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Updated 09/09/2015: The new Huracan Spyder (which we now know it will be called) will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, 12:20 PM CET.