Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster (2004)

Particular attention has been paid to safety. As mentioned previously, the Murciélago Roadster is equipped with an automatic, electronically-controlled roll bar, which extends from its housing behind the seats in only a few milliseconds during a roll-over emergency.

The overall dimensions are the same as for the coupé: length is 4580 mm, width is 2045 mm, wheelbase is 2665 mm, front track is 1635 and rear track is 1695 mm. The only variation is in height: the Murciélago Roadster is 70mm lower than the coupé.

The dry weight is 1650 kg, with a weight distribution of 42% at the front and 58% at the rear.

The engine is obviously the Lamborghini 12 cylinder 60° V, with a displacement of 6192 cc, producing 580 hp (426 kW) at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 5400 rpm. The engine features the Lamborghini L.I.E. electronic engine management system. The standard gearbox is a 6-speed manual, like the Coupé. As an optional feature, a 6-speed "e-gear" automatic version is available.

There is also Lamborghini permanent four-wheel drive on the Roadster, with a central viscous coupling and limited slip rear and front differentials (45% rear, 25% front).

There is independent front and rear double wishbone suspension and anti-roll bars with front "Antidive" and rear "Antisquat" systems. Koni FSD (Frequency Selecting Dampers) self-adjusting shock absorbers are used.

The braking system is the H-type with power braking, with ABS and four ventilated disks.

The wheel rims are aluminium alloy with dimensions of 8.5" at the front and 13" at the rear, with Pirelli Rosso 245/35ZR 18 tyres at the front and 335/30ZR 18 at the rear.

The maximum speed of the Murciélago Roadster (depending on aerodynamic configuration) is circa 320 km/h. The recommended maximum speed with the roof in place is 160 km/h.

The Murciélago Roadster takes 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h.

Despite the absence of the roof, structural modifications have ensured excellent levels of rigidity. This rigidity and the optimised suspension ensure that driveability and performance are definitely not inferior to those of the Coupé. Lap times for the two versions of the Murciélago at various handling circuits have proven to be more or less identical.

Interior

The Murciélago Roadster is more extreme and exclusive than ever, also with respect to the interior. This has "asymmetrical" leather upholstery: the left side has different material compared to the right and is perforated. That part of the cockpit designed for the driver is oriented towards him/her, so it is a real "Pilot Oriented Challenger".

The left side door panel also has "perforated" cladding, whereas the central part of both seats is made of alcantara. The headrest area has been modified to allow the use of the glove compartment nets in the area between the cockpit and the engine.

The steering wheel is also upholstered in leather and partially perforated. In the centre is the Lamborghini coat of arms.

Sitting at the wheel of the Murciélago Roadster, everything is under control, just as on the Coupé version.

The instrumentation is clear and precise, with body computer and trip computer. Among other driver aids are electric control for the electrically-heated wing mirrors, a non-reflective rear view mirror and the axle lifting system, which allows the front axle of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm at low speeds.

The automatic air conditioning, optional navigation system and convenient glove compartments also all contribute to comfort.

Among the optional features planned for the Murciélago Roadster are a carbon fibre version of the special stiffening lattice on the engine compartment structure (which is in black steel on production models), a carbon fibre internal engine cover, and "windbreaks" behind the seats and on the windscreen.