Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster

SPECIFICATIONS

1. The LP640 Roadster generates 640-hp and 468 ft-lbs of torque from a 6.5L V12. 2. Lamborghini claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 201 mph. 3. Pricing is set at a lofty $382,400. 4. Recently Lamborghini unveiled its most hard-core Murciélago variant, a light-weight 670-hp LP670 SuperVeloce model.

PREVIEW

Few automobiles possess the required machismo to stop a person dead in their tracks, pull out a camera and take a multitude of pictures. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster is capable of causing such a reaction with not just one person, but a complete crowd. Spending two days behind the wheel of this incredible supercar in Bologna, Italy recently, I was impressed anew at the rock star status the Italian bull enjoys.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

Elongated scissor doors open wide to reveal a passenger cabin certain to make women swoon and grown men giddy with anticipation. In our test vehicle, a stylized black leather dash and center console housed the necessary equipment to unleash the massive power within. Carbon fiber wrapped the HVAC and navigation panel as well as switches for traction control, power windows, mirrors and the fuel filler release. 

Ensuring optimum driver and passenger comfort is the work of sculpted, one-piece sport seats. Complimenting the rest of the interior, our supercar featured black leather trim with red center inserts. Tight side bolsters restrict movement, but given the performance potential of the Murciélago and their excellent design, the amount of support provided was superb.

UNDER THE HOOD

Power for the LP640 Roadster comes in the form of a 12-cylinder 6.5-liter engine that produces a whopping 640-hp at 8000 rpm and 486 ft-lbs of torque at 6000 rpm. Performance numbers are extraordinary. Zero to 60 mph is reached in 3.4 seconds. Top speed is listed at 201 mph, but I have every reason to believe the Murciélago LP640 Roadster could indeed go significantly faster.

Two water-radiators plus twin oil-coolers keep engine temperatures from soaring into the stratosphere. Heat is an issue with so much horsepower available. I noticed this on several occasions while driving at speed; vapors blurring the image in my rearview mirror.Fuel economy suffers as a result of the high power numbers, achieving a combined average of 16-mpg. 

Drive-by-wire technology offers the advantage of direct communication between driver and engine. Press the pedal and the response of power is certain to push you back in your seat.