THE operation of an electrically operated roof on any convertible is always an entertaining spectacle - the various cloth and metal bits fold and flip before the whole mechanism is swallowed up in a graceful ballet of moving parts. But the one on the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is especially intriguing to behold.

Where mere convertibles pop the trunk or lift the tonneau cover to accommodate the hood, the Gallardo Spyder actually raises its entire carbon fibre bonnet, thus revealing the exquisite V10 engine for all to see. This is, after all, a mid-engined exoticar.

The Gallardo Spyder is the roadster version of the Gallardo Coupe and has the same V10 engine mounted behind the two-seat passenger compartment. But the 2006 Spyder - which made its debut two years after the hardtop - incorporates upgrades to the five-litre engine and suspension.

These modifications include boosting maximum power by 20 horses - from 500 hp to 520. The steering ratio is reduced so it is now 20 per cent faster; so, in some corners where you used to have to take your hands off an older Coupe's wheel while turning, you don't need to in the Spyder.

Software and hardware changes to the clever clutchless manual E-gear transmission have resulted in smoother gear changes. There is still a need to regulate the gas pedal when charging hard - especially in Sport mode - but otherwise, the words 'shift shock' have been banished from this Lambo's lexicon.

But it is the visual delight it provides that has to be the main attraction of the Spyder. The sculpted lines of this low, flat car exude a certain sensuousness and it looks great with or without the hood up. No wonder an international jury of designers, car and art historians and journalists gave it 'The World's Most Beautiful Car' award soon after its debut.

Then, there is the aural delight of the redesigned exhaust. Made to be more free-flowing at higher engine speeds, it begins with an angry snarl as the revs climb before culminating in a sharp bark when the gears change up. Even the automatic blip of the throttle when downshifting sounds magical.

All these add up to a sensational experience when driving the all-aluminium Spyder. The Lambo roadster is one of the stiffest open-top models available and there is little body flex or scuttle shake to discourage you from going faster.

With the Gallardo's permanent-all-wheel drive and recalibrated suspension, the Spyder is confident and well-planted in fast, sweeping curves. Its dry weight of 1,570 kg may mean it has a 140 kg deficit compared with the lighter Coupe. But the enormous torque and the sharp steering make it feel as nimble and enthusiastic as something half its size.

As a convertible, few others can match the Spyder in terms of extravagance. It is the glamorous and slightly outrageous choice. Plus it has all the charms of a soft, cloth roof.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Engine: 4,961 cc V10
Gearbox: 6-speed manual or E-gear transmission
Max power: 520 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Max torque: 510 Nm @ 4,250 rpm
0-100 kmh: 4.3 secs
Top speed: 314 kmh (roof up); 307 kmh (roof down)
Price: from $848,000 (with COE)
Distributor: Lamborghini Singapore, tel: 6565 5995