(View our slide show of the new Lambo)

The unveiling of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder follows the recent announcement of the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, which is a hardcore version of the F430 Spider and is capable of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 195mph.

Lamborghini has fitted the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder with a soft top which will open or close in just over 20 seconds via the operation of two controls in the car's centre console.

The unveiling of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder at the LA Motor Show is the latest in a line of surprise debuts made by the Italian supercar maker at a major event.

At the Paris Motor Show, the stunning Lamborghini Estoque concept made its debut, with the four-door super saloon expected to make production in 2010.

Prior to the Estoque, the original Gallardo LP560-4 was the star of March’s Geneva Motor Show with the increased power resulting in the first Gallardo to break 200mph.

The LP560-4 shared a similar front to Lamborghini’s most extravagant car of all time – the carbon fibre Reventon which stole the limelight at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Standard Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 slide show

Prices for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder are yet to be announced but we’d expect it to cost around £160,000 when it goes on sale next year – a £12,000 premium over the hardtop LP560-4.

Like supercars? View one of our 250mph+ car slide shows below

Bugatti Veyron - 253mph