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More than a supercar, the Lamborghini Murcielago is an unpretentiously vulgar animal. It is a supercar and makes no effort to present itself otherwise. It has dramatic lines, sharp edges, amazing speed and an utter disregard for practicality and utility. Built for speed, nothing more.
As the open-top version of Lamborghini's high-end coupe, the Murcielago Roadster was introduced in 2004 with various structural and design modifications that set it apart from its roofed predecessor while retaining the emotional impact that characterized the model.The exterior is defined with increased muscularity. The stance is firm and dramatic. Everything feels lowered, from the windshield to the spoilers down to the scoops. The interior has been streamlined to provide better driving experience.
Features
Powered by a mid-mounted 6.5-liter V12 engine, it cranks out a usable power of 580 bhp at 7500 rpm with maximum torque of 651 Nm at 5400 rpm . It allows top speeds in the vicinity of 320 kph and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in a mere 3.8 seconds.
The chassis has been refined from the coupe version to ensure adequate stiffness despite the absence of a roof. The vehicle features an advanced four-wheel drive system based on the proven Lamborghini Viscous Traction specification, allowing it to maintain a traction force distribution of 30% at the front and 70% at the rear. It is available in both standard six-gear manual transmission and Lamborghini's "E-Gear," a robotized sequential shifting system. The "E-Gear' has been making quite a buzz with its advanced electro-hydraulic system although recent reviews of the vehicle hint at the amazing lightness and ease of the manual transmission.
For additional benefits in traction, braking and handling, the Murcielago Roadster retains standard Lamborghini specifications for weight distribution at 52% front and 48% rear, while tipping the scales at a healthy 3638 lbs. Exterior is built out of carbon fiber with the exception of the steel roof. Optional equipment include carbon-ceramic brakes replacement and an "Interior Carbon Package," which substitutes various cabin components with carbon fiber make.
Performance
Road tests place the 2-door, 2-seater Murcielago Roadster convertible as a class act: top-notch performance, exceptional stability, and high production quality. On a straight track, any bumps and sidewinds are near-impossible to notice. It's a smooth drag vehicle, from the first rev to finish.
On a curve, it is a bit hard to handle, but with a bit of finesse and a little getting used to, it gives unbelievable pace. Race car performance from a race car. The way Lamborghinis are supposed to do.
The car is a tad impractical for regular driving. The cabin is too small, the windshield angle is too low at near eye-level, seating position is awkward, and the dashboard ends up an uneasy reach. Plus, the all-wheel drive and wide tires causes it to lurch frequently when parking. It is too uncomfortable for both everyday and long distance use.
Additionally, the Roadster is intended to drive without a roof. The supplied top is structurally suspect, takes upwards of 10 minutes to assemble, and is badly fit. The maximum recommended speed is also reduced to half when the vehicle wears its top, lest risk blowing it off with the wind.
At a retail price of $418,000, however, I doubt anyone is intending to use the Murcielago Roadster for an everyday ride or a week-long sojourn in the country backroads. It's an extravagant toy for when you feel like playing.