The impressive Murciélago LP640 was only introduced a few months ago on the Geneva Auto Show in March 2006, but in December 2006, Automobili Lamborghini SpA already unveiled their ‘topless’ edition, the long awaited Roadster version of this new flagship.
The canvas roof was still there, with 640hp on tap and looks like that, the Roadster edition would become an instant success.
The LP640 Roadster was an impressive looking work of art on wheels, the same new wheel design as available on coupé combined with the extremely impressive central mounted exhaust pipe surrounded by the new rear diffuser, deep front spoiler and extreme side air exhausts, the Roadster edition was one mean looking super car to say the least.
Waiting time would be long on this new model, as many potential buyers didn’t order the outgoing Roadster but waited for this new LP640 Roadster, so you could be sure the orders for this ‘fighter’ on wheels started pouring in when it debuted at the Los Angeles Motor Show on December 1 and on the Bologna Motor Show on December 7.
Again, a true flagship V12 ‘open top’ model from Sant’Agata.
Performance
The heart of the LP 640 Roadster is a naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine. This mechanical marvel, draped in the Lamborghini’s signature longitudinal mid-engine design, cranks out a mammoth 640 horsepower (hence the LP 640 moniker) at 8,000 rpm and a torque of 487 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm. The result is an exhilarating 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. These figures translate to a real-world driving experience that’s nothing short of electrifying.
What’s more, the Murciélago LP 640 Roadster features an all-wheel-drive system with viscous traction, ensuring optimal power distribution. This, combined with the six-speed e-Gear automated manual transmission, allows for an ultra-responsive and smooth ride, whether you’re cruising along coastal highways or testing the car’s limits on a track.
Equally impressive is the Murciélago’s handling. The double-wishbone suspension, complemented by an anti-dive and anti-squat system, provides a perfect balance between comfort and performance. The steering, precise and responsive, enhances the driving experience, making the car feel nimble despite its size. Aiding this agility is the car’s dry weight of just 3,850 pounds, courtesy of the extensive use of carbon fiber and high-strength steel in the body construction.
Murciélago LP 640 Roadster Interior & Exterior Design
The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 Roadster is a physical embodiment of the brand’s commitment to audacious design and meticulous craftsmanship.
On the exterior, the LP 640 Roadster is a seamless blend of aggression and elegance. Its muscular and aerodynamic contours are an homage to the trademark Lamborghini style. The design is low and wide, with a sharply raked windshield and large air intakes that highlight the car’s performance-focused nature. The bi-xenon headlamps offer both aesthetic appeal and practical illumination, and the distinctive scissor doors – a signature of Lamborghini – reinforce the supercar’s exotic allure. The removable roof, made of fabric and carbon fiber, allows drivers to convert this beast into a top-down cruiser at their whim, adding another layer of exhilaration to the driving experience.
The Murciélago’s rear features a complex lattice work of vents and grilles that cool the massive V12 engine, and the centrally mounted exhaust, surrounded by a diffuser, indicates the car’s track-ready potential. The 18-inch Hermera alloy wheels, shod in Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires, further enhance the car’s aggressive stance.
The interior of the LP 640 Roadster is just as impressive. It’s a cockpit built for both luxury and functionality. The seats are upholstered in hand-stitched Italian leather, available in a myriad of colors and finishes. Carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin highlight the car’s lightweight construction and sporty pedigree.
The instrument cluster features classic analog dials for speed and RPM, along with a digital display for other essential information. The center console houses controls for the climate system and the Lamborghini multimedia system, which includes a state-of-the-art navigation system and audio controls.
Ergonomics within the cabin have been thoughtfully addressed. The seats offer substantial bolstering to keep occupants in place during spirited driving, while the adjustable steering column ensures a comfortable driving position. Despite its low-slung design, visibility is commendable thanks to cleverly designed mirrors and a rearview camera.