The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster benefits from the samernextensive modifications to the bodywork and mechanics as the LP640rnCoupé, as well as delivering its own distinct character.

Even more aggressive design

Inrntheir re-interpretation of the Roadster, the designers of thernLamborghini Centro Stile have remained true to the original stylernprinciples of purism, sportiness and functionality. As with the Coupérnit has now assumed a more aggressive appearance, a substantialrninfluence being the new front and rear bumpers. On the latter there isrna new rear diffuser, in which the exhaust system is integrated within arntailpipe. The rear lights are also new, increasing the distinguishingrnfeatures and making the Murciélago Roadster as unmistakable at night asrnin daylight. The asymmetrical design of the sides is particularlyrnstriking. Whilst the area behind the air inlet on the right is almostrnclosed, on the left there is a large opening for the ventilation of thernoil cooler. This, in addition to the aerodynamic form of the front andrnrear, is an illustration of how functionality dictates the shape of arnLamborghini.

Changes to the rear-view mirror make the MurciélagornRoadster more aerodynamic, with other features including new windscreenrnwipers and the option of new Hermera alloy wheels.

Therninstrument panel has also been redesigned with different displayrngraphics. This includes a new Kenwood car radio with a 6.5 inchrnwidescreen monitor and reader for DVD, MP3 and WMA. The navigationrnsystem (standard equipment in Japan) is also available as an option.

Likernits predecessor, the Murciélago LP640 Roadster can be customisedrnthrough special equipment packages. The 'ad personam' individualisationrnprogram offers even more scope to create a personal, unmistakeablyrnindividual sports car.

More powerful engine

Asrnwith the Coupé the new 6.5 litre (6.496 cm3) 60° V-engine and 640 PSrn(471 kW) at 8,000 min-1 is now used also in the Lamborghini MurciélagornRoadster. At 6,000 min-1 the 12-cylinder engine reaches the maximumrntorque of 660 Nm. Naturally the Lamborghini Murciélago meets all therncurrent valid European and North American emission standards.

Thernincreased power naturally leads to increased road performance. Thernmaximum speed now lies at 330 km/h compared to 320 km/h. The standardrnsprint from 0 to 100 km/h is now reached by the Murciélago LP640rnRoadster in an excellent 3.4 seconds making it 0.4 seconds faster thanrnits forerunner.

The engineers also focused their attention onrnoptimising the torque band. The driveability of the engine thusrnbenefits from the use of a continually variable timing system (intakernand exhaust side) and engine management with Drive-by-Wire-System.

Inrnorder to meet the increased thermal requirements of the engine, thernengineers built a larger oil cooler. On the exterior this isrnillustrated by a larger air inlet on the left wing of the vehicle. Thernliquid cooler on the other hand remains unchanged with the LamborghinirnVASC System (variable geometry air inlet system). Additionalrnelectronically controlled air scoops open according to the outsiderntemperature and cool air requirement. This guarantees maximumrnaerodynamic efficiency.

Gears and drive - more efficient and more resistant

Higherrnperformance and torque naturally mean increased demand on the driverncomponents. A six-gear transmission adapted to these requirements, plusrna stronger rear differential and new half-axles, have therefore beenrndeployed in the new Murciélago Roadster. An e-gear transmission with arnnewly tuned thrust mode (acceleration program) is also available as anrnoption.

Like its forerunner, the new Murciélago Roadster LP640rnhas permanent four-wheel drive. This is based on Lamborghini's provenrnVT-system (Viscous Traction), which is self-regulating without the aidrnof electronic controls. In standard cases the drive force isrndistributed between the front and rear axles at a ratio of 30 to 70. Anrnindependent control loop adjusts the distribution of the drive forcerndepending on dynamic oscillation, weight distribution and the relativernfriction values in synchronisation with the Visco clutch. In extremerncases, up to 100 percent of the drive force can thus be applied to onernaxle.

Electronics - closed loop for total control

Innovationsrnhave also been made to the electronics. With a closed loop controlrnsystem the revised electronic control units improve the roadrnperformance and the response characteristics of the engine. All enginernand vehicle parameters are controlled and monitored through arncombination of three 'master' and one 'slave' control units. These arerntwo electronic control units of the Lamborghini LIE type: a LamborghinirnGFA (Gestione Funzioni Ausiliarie, i.e. Auxiliary Function Control)rncontrol unit and a Lamborghini PMC (Power Motor Control, i.e. slavernunit). These control units are interconnected by means of a CAN bus.

Frame and chassis

Althoughrnthe Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster LP640 is principally based on thernMurciélago Coupé, it has further distinguishing features beyond itsrndistinctive appearance. First and foremost, newly designed framernstructure parts made of steel and carbon fibre guarantee an unswervingrntorsion resistance even without a roof. A special reinforcementrnstructure in the engine area makes a major contribution to this aspect.rnThis optically distinctive reinforcement can also be delivered inrncarbon fibre on request. Without impairing the extreme character of arntypical roadster, a canvas roof (R.top) can be fitted which, true tornthe design tradition of this type of vehicle, is principally conceivedrnfor temporary use (for example in a sudden shower of rain) and forrnspeeds of up to 160 km/h.

With its characteristic wing doors, thernbodywork of the Murciélago LP640 Roadster is still made from anrnextremely high quality combined structure of sheet steel and carbonrnhoneycomb. The combination of these materials is achieved by bondingrnand riveting.

The road performance, handling and stability atrnhigh speeds benefit from the use of new springs and stabilisers as wellrnas the revising of the electronically controlled silencers. Thernanti-dive and anti-squat properties of the axles which effectivelyrnprevent brake diving and squatting, remain unchanged. The springs (twornfor each rear wheel and one for each front wheel) and silencers arerncoaxially aligned.

The new aluminium Hermera rims measure 8 ½" xrn18" at the front and 13" x 18" at the rear. The vehicle is equippedrnwith mixed tyres of the type PIRELLI P Zero "ROSSO": the MurciélagornLP640 Roadster is driven at the front on tyres with the dimensionsrn245/35 ZR 18 and 335/30 ZR 18 at the rear. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyresrnare available as an option: particularly appropriate for use on racerntracks.

Brakes and safety

It goes withoutrnsaying that a super sports car such as the new Lamborghini MurciélagornLP640 Roadster goes hand-in-hand with a high level of safety.

Itsrnhydraulic dual circuit braking system with LP-brake servo (unit)rnensures impressive delay values under even the hardest strain. Therninternally ventilated brake disks measure 380 mm x 34 mm at the frontrnand 355 mm x 32 mm at the rear. The closed loop of the four-channelrnanti-lock braking system (ABS) is enhanced, with electronic brakingrnmanagement (DRP) and traction control (TCS). The system consists of anrnelectro-hydraulic control unit and four sensors for the wheel speeds.

Whenrnextremely high performance braking is required it is possible to equiprnthe vehicle with carbon ceramic brakes measuring 380 mm x 36 mm withrnsix-piston-brake callipers, which reduce pressure on the brake pedalrnand shorten the braking distance. Even under the toughest strain, therernis almost no brake fading. Substantially reduced weight and greaterrndurability are further advantages in addition to the carbon ceramicrnbrakes' attractive appearance.

The new Murciélago LP640 Roadsterrnmeets rigorous standards in terms of passive safety. With twornfront-seat air bags, a 60-litre airbag on the driver's side and arn130-litre airbag on the passenger side, it meets all existingrnworld-wide standards in the event of head-on and side crashes, impactrnagainst poles, occupant safety in the case of accident, fuel supplyrnintegrity and fuel combustibility. The luggage compartment alsorncomplies with childproof safety regulations. The Murciélago LP640rnRoadster has automatically lowered roll bars; if the electronic controlrnof this device detects a critical situation, the roll bars shoot outrnbehind the seats within just a few milliseconds.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace

Thisrnexclusive model is the fruit of an innovative collaboration betweenrnGianni Versace SpA and the prestigious luxury sports car works atrnSant'Agata Bolognese.

Working directly with Maison Versace'srndesigners, the specialists responsible for Lamborghini's "ad personam"rn(personalisation) programme have created a model offering significantrnenhancements to the interior fittings of the standard Murciélago LP640.

Thernlower section of the instrument panel, the doors, the roof panel, therncentral console and the seats are all upholstered in opulent full grainrnnappa, featuring the Greek fret motif, the unmistakable and distinctivernemblem of the Maison Versace.

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640rnVERSACE is equipped with all the optional extras available for thisrnmodel, as well as specially designed lack "Hermera" wheel rims, carbonrnfinish, an engine hood with transparent glass ribbing, and an e-gearrnautomatic gearbox with sequential shifting system.

To add anotherrndimension of luxury, this limited edition sports car comes suppliedrnwith a superb array of exclusively designed, hand-crafted accessories,rnall made to the exacting standards of the "Couture" line.

Thernluggage set, composed by two suitcases (for him and for her) and onernsuit carrier in matt black calfskin adorned with the Greek fret motif,rnis specially sized to fit in the boot of the Lamborghini Murciélago. Onrnthe outside an authentication tag in palladium-finished brass, carryingrnthe distinctive feature of Versace "Couture Limited Edition" , snapsrnopen to reveal, if required, the incised personal details of the owner.rnThe white satin interiors of the luggage are also embroidered with thernlogo of Versace "Couture Limited Edition".

Each item bears the same serial number as the car to which it belongs, incised on a tag applied on the inside.

Arnfabulous pair of driving shoes in blamatt blue calfskin together with arnpair of driving gloves will complement the Versace luxurious accessoryrnline.

The "Versace Precious Items" division has exclusivelyrncreated for the car buyers a Chrono Matt Soft Touch watch, available inrna glossy black ceramic version and in a white one, depending on the carrnmodel chosen. The watch accessories line will be featured by a preciousrnladies watch in glossy white ceramic set with extra clear diamonds.

The new Lamborghini Murciélago LP640

Thernnew version of this highly successful super-sports car featuresrnconsiderable innovations in terms of body design and mechanics. Andrnalso with a new name: Murciélago LP640, which refers to its enginernposition - longitudinale posteriore - and to its power 640 hp.rnDesigners and engineers have not only focused on reworking the engine,rnsuspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics, but alsornthe interior and exterior design; improvements that make the MurciélagornLP 640 the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class, placing itrnat the very top.

The first vehicles will be available in springrn2006. Since the original Murciélago's debut at the 2001 InternationalrnCar Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, around 2,000 vehicles have left the carrnplant in Sant' Agata Bolognese.

Unmistakable Design

Inrntheir reinterpretation of the Murciélago LP640, the designers at thernLamborghini Style Centre have remained true to the traditionalrnLamborghini principles of purism, sport and function. The MurciélagornLP640 now appears even more aggressive, with the new front and rearrnbumpers contributing significantly to its appearance. The exhaustrnsystem terminal has been incorporated in the diffuser on the rearrnbumper. Other innovations include the rear lights, which enhance therndistinguishing features of the Murciélago LP640, making it unmistakablerneven at night. The design of the sides is also worth mentioning: whilernthe area behind the air intake on the right side is practically closed,rnthe left side features a vast aperture for cooling the oil radiator.rnTogether with the aerodynamically defined front and rear, this provesrnyet again that the shape of a Lamborghini is dictated by function.

More powerful engine

Thernengine of the new Murciélago LP640 has undergone outstanding andrnradical modification. The increased bore and longer stroke have boostedrnthe displacement of the classic 60° V-engine from 6.2 litres to 6.5rnlitres (6,496 cm3). Thus the already extraordinary 580 hp engine powerrnhas now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 hp (471 kW) at 8,000rnmin-1. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 660 Nm atrn6,000 min-1. Naturally, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 complies withrnevery European and North American law governing exhaust fumes.

Thisrn"evolutionary leap forward" has been possible thanks to a coherentrnreview of every engine component: the cylinder head and the entirernintake system (based on the tried and tested Lamborghini variablerngeometry system), have been completely reworked. The crankshaft,rncamshafts and exhaust system have also undergone innovation.

Thernincrease in power naturally determines an increase in performance. Thernexcellent performance of the Murciélago LP640 means it can nowrnaccelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (0.4 seconds faster thanrnthe previous model).

Lamborghini engineers have also concentratedrnon improving torque development. The "drivability" of the engine isrnenhanced by a continuous variable timing system (intake and exhaustrnside) and a drive-by-wire engine management system.

To meet thernthermal requirements of the engine, the engineers have foreseen arnconsiderably larger oil radiator and subsequently, the air intake onrnthe left side of the vehicle has been enlarged. The liquid coolingrnsystem, characterised by the Lamborghini VACS system (variable geometryrnair inlet system) remains the same. Electronically managed air intakesrnopen depending on the outdoor temperature and the need for cooling air,rnensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

Gearbox and transmission: improved efficiency and strength

Morernpower and higher torque call for superior gearbox componentrnperformance. To meet these new demands, the new Murciélago LP640rnfeatures a modified sixratio gearbox as well as a tougher rearrndifferential and new axle shafts. On request, the e-gear automaticrngearbox is also available equipped with the new dedicated "Thrust"rn(acceleration programme) mode.

Just like its predecessors, thernMurciélago LP640 features permanent four-wheel drive, based on thernreliable Lamborghini VT (Viscous Traction) system. The system isrnself-governing and does not feature any electronic controls. The drivernforce is usually divided between the front and rear axles in the ratiornof 30 to 70. An independent control circuit adjusts the distribution ofrnthe drive force depending on dynamic oscillation, weight distributionrnand the relative friction factor in perfect synchronisation with thernVisco clutch. In extreme cases, up to 100% of the drive force can bernapplied to a single axle.

Electronics: a "closed loop" for total control

Thernelectronics have also been updated. The modified engine control unitsrnimprove engine performance and "driveability" thanks to "closed loop"rncontrol.

Every engine and vehicle parameter is managed andrncontrolled by three "master" control units and a "satellite" controlrnunit. The master control units consist of two Lamborghini "LIE" enginerncontrol units, a Lamborghini "GFA" (Auxiliary Function Management)rncontrol unit and a Lamborghini "PMC" (Power Motor Control) satelliterncontrol unit. The control units are interconnected by a CAN Bus line.

Frame and chassis: perfect harmony

Thernbody of the Murciélago LP640 with its characteristic scissor doors isrncreated from the prized union of sheet steel and honeycombed carbonrnfibre, glued and riveted together.

Driving, handling andrnstability at high speed are enhanced by new springs and stabilisers, asrnwell as by a redesigned electronically controlled damper. Thern"antidive" and "anti-squat" features on the axles, which efficientlyrnprevent so-called "brake diving" and "squatting", have not beenrnchanged. The two springs on every rear wheel, the single spring onrnevery front wheel and the damper are placed coaxially.

The newrnaluminium "Hermera" rims measure 8 ½" x 18" (fore carriage) and 13" xrn18" (rear axle). The vehicle can be fitted with various sized Pirelli PrnZero "Rosso" tyres. The Murciélago LP640 features 245/35 ZR 18 frontrntyres and 335/30 ZR 18 rear tyres. For sports use, especially onrnracetracks, Lamborghini provides optional Pirelli P Zero "Corsa" (Race)rntyres. Pirelli P "Sottozero" (Sub zero) winter tyres are currentlyrnbeing developed.

Brakes and safety: optional ceramic carbon brakes

A super sports car such as the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 ensures high safety levels.

Therndual hydraulic circuit brake system equipped with a vacuum brakernbooster ensures considerable deceleration values. The self-ventilatingrnfront and rear brake disks measure 380 mm x 34 mm and 355 mm x 32 mmrnrespectively. The control circuit of the four-channel anti-blockingrnsystem (ABS) with electronic brake control (DRP) and traction controlrn(TCS) features a new characteristic curve. The system consists in anrnelectro-hydraulic control unit and four speed sensors.

Whenrnparticularly high braking performance is required, on request it isrnpossible to equip the vehicle with 380 mm x 36 mm ceramic carbon brakesrnfeaturing six-piston brake callipers. Thus, less pressure needs to bernapplied to the brake pedal and the braking distance is reduced. Even inrnextremely demanding conditions there is almost no perceptible fading.rnConsiderably reduced weight and superior lifetime represent two furtherrnadvantages, as well as a captivating graphic design.

The newrnMurciélago LP640 also meets with even the most rigorous safetyrnrequirements. Thanks to the two front airbags (a 60-litre single stagernair bag on the driver side and a 130-litre two stage airbag on thernpassenger side), the Murciélago LP640 complies with every internationalrnlaw in effect in terms of head-on and side crashes, impacts againstrnposts, occupant safety, fuel supply integrity and flammability ofrnmaterials. The luggage compartment also complies with childproof safetyrnregulations.

Interior: even more exclusive and customised

Thernseats in the cockpit have undergone the most radical changes; morernspacious and equipped with redesigned head restraints, the seats nowrnensure better comfort. The leather upholstery features lozenge-shapedrnstitching called "Q-citura". The same design is recaptured on thernupholstery on the door panels, the panel between the seats and thernengine compartment, and on the roof panel.

A new instrument panelrnhas been developed with lights featuring a new graphic design, flankedrnby a new Kenwood car radio with a 6.5" widescreen monitor and DVD, MP3rnand WMA player. An optional navigation system is also availablern(standard in Japan).

Like its predecessors, the new MurciélagornLP640 can be customised thanks to the special fittings and upholsteryrnpackages. For the first time, the renowned characteristic MurciélagornRoadster asymmetric and driver-oriented fittings and upholstery arernavailable for the Coupé, featuring a perforated leather driver's seatrnand door panel.

Thanks to the "Privilegio" customisation program,rnany Murciélago LP640 can be transformed into a customised sports car.rnFor example, the cockpit can be enhanced with an extremely refinedrncarbon finish applied to the air conditioning control panel, therncontrol lever console and the parking brake.

Concept

Presented as a concept car in 2003 inrnDetroit - where it generated significant interest among Italianrnsupercar enthusiasts - the production version of the MurciélagornRoadster makes its official debut at the Geneva Show 2004. Manufacturernand sales are planned for the second half of this year for the Roadster.

The latest arrival at the House of the Raging Bull takes its inspiration from the great Italian tradition of open vehicles.

Asrnpowerful, fast and extreme as the Coupé version from which it derives,rnthe Lamborghini Murciélago carries on Lamborghini's twelve cylinderrnroadster tradition: from the 350 GTS to the Miura Roadster, right up tornthe most recent Diablo Roadster.

This has been achieved withoutrncompromising the performance expected from a real Lamborghini. Thanksrnto accurate design, the open version also delivers excellent handling,rnacceleration and driving safety characteristics.

The MurciélagornRoadster version builds on the extreme and exclusive features of thernCoupé thus confirming it as a real "icon" of the Lamborghini brand.

Thernnew Lamborghini era started in 2001 with the Murciélago, followed inrn2003 by the Gallardo, continues with the arrival in 2004 of thernMurciélago Roadster, which enhances and further increases thernundisputed value of the Murciélago range.

As with the Coupé, the design of the Murciélago Roadster is exclusive, aggressive and extreme.

Inrncreating the Roadster, the designer Luc Donckerwolke did not restrictrnhimself to "cutting off" the roof of the Coupé. He bestowed it with itsrnown sensational appearance, making the Murciélago Roadster a trulyrnunique model. A model which in series production has retained all thernemotional impact of the initial concept itself.

The exteriorrndesign is characterised by a true muscularity that interacts withrnaggressive lines, exploring the whole language of Lamborghini designrnand raising it to a new, higher level.

The aggressive, exclusivernand extreme themes are also reflected in the interior design, withrnstreamlined headrests that perfectly integrate mobile air vents andrn"asymmetrical" leather upholstery. This enhances the whole driver'srnpart of the cockpit.

The front and lateral glass parts have beenrndesigned like a crash helmet visor, in order to integrate perfectlyrnwith the structure of the vehicle. In order not to alter the aestheticsrnof the car, the electronically controlled safety roll bars arernautomatic, extending only when necessary. As a result, optimum vehiclernaerodynamics are maintained.

The newly conceived wheels are also in harmony with traditional Lamborghini design, with round holes that intersect the spokes.

There is easy access to the bonnet, which is opened at the front as was the case with the legendary Miura.

Finally, the exhausts are also new, with a more aggressive "section" than the Coupé.

Technical data

ThernRoadster differs from the Murciélago Coupé in certain importantrntechnical details. Various structural chassis components - in steel andrncarbon - have been redesigned to ensure adequate torsional stiffness,rneven though there is no roof.

In particular, there is a specialrnstiffening lattice on the engine compartment structure. As an optionalrnfeature, this lattice is also available in a visible carbon fibrernversion.

Without altering the extreme features of the car, therernis also the option of mounting a soft top roof ("R-top") which, as inrnthe tradition of this kind of model, is only designed for temporary usern(for example in the case of sudden rain) and at a recommended maximumrnspeed of 160 km/h.

Particular attention has been paid to safety.rnAs mentioned previously, the Murciélago Roadster is equipped with anrnautomatic, electronically-controlled roll bar, which extends from itsrnhousing behind the seats in only a few milliseconds during a roll-overrnemergency.

The overall dimensions are the same as for the coupé:rnlength is 4580 mm, width is 2045 mm, wheelbase is 2665 mm, front trackrnis 1635 and rear track is 1695 mm. The only variation is in height: thernMurciélago 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.

Thernengine is obviously the Lamborghini 12 cylinder 60° V, with arndisplacement of 6192 cc, producing 580 hp (426 kW) at 7500 rpm and arnmaximum torque of 650 Nm at 5400 rpm. The engine features thernLamborghini L.I.E. electronic engine management system. The standardrngearbox is a 6-speed manual, like the Coupé. As an optional feature, arn6-speed "e-gear" automatic version is available.

There is alsornLamborghini permanent four-wheel drive on the Roadster, with a centralrnviscous coupling and limited slip rear and front differentials (45%rnrear, 25% front).

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

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

Thernwheel rims are aluminium alloy with dimensions of 8.5" at the front andrn13" at the rear, with Pirelli Rosso 245/35ZR 18 tyres at the front andrn335/30ZR 18 at the rear.

The maximum speed of the MurciélagornRoadster (depending on aerodynamic configuration) is circa 320 km/h.rnThe 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.

Despiternthe absence of the roof, structural modifications have ensuredrnexcellent levels of rigidity. This rigidity and the optimisedrnsuspension ensure that driveability and performance are definitely notrninferior to those of the Coupé. Lap times for the two versions of thernMurciélago at various handling circuits have proven to be more or lessrnidentical.

Interior

The MurciélagornRoadster is more extreme and exclusive than ever, also with respect tornthe interior. This has "asymmetrical" leather upholstery: the left sidernhas different material compared to the right and is perforated. Thatrnpart of the cockpit designed for the driver is oriented towardsrnhim/her, so it is a real "Pilot Oriented Challenger".

The leftrnside door panel also has "perforated" cladding, whereas the centralrnpart of both seats is made of alcantara. The headrest area has beenrnmodified to allow the use of the glove compartment nets in the arearnbetween 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.

Therninstrumentation is clear and precise, with body computer and triprncomputer. Among other driver aids are electric control for thernelectrically-heated wing mirrors, a non-reflective rear view mirror andrnthe axle lifting system, which allows the front axle of the vehicle tornbe raised by 45 mm at low speeds.

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

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

Selling for roughly $273,000 USD (201,680 Euro), the Lamborghini Murcielago, big brother of the Lamborghini Gallardo,rnis a classic, high-performance sports car in the bullish tradition ofrnItalian automaker Ferruccio Lamborghini. Now a subsidiary of Audi AG,rnLamborghini has been the direct competitor of Enzo Ferrari's stable ofrnautomobiles since 1963.

The Lamborghini Murcielago is a two-seat,rntwo-door coupe with the trademark Lamborghini gull-wing doors. Thern6.2-liter V12 is mid-mounted and generates 575 hp @ 7500 rpm. At 5400rnrpm the engine produces 479 lb-ft of torque (approximately 650 Nm).

Therngear box has been fabricated into the front of the engine, it alsornfeatures integrated rear differential and permanent four-wheel drive.rnAdditionally, the 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago has an anti-lock brakingrnsystem, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist as well asrntechnology for traction and stability control. The rack and pinionrnsteering is also equipped with power assist. The Murcielago's carbonrnfibre body is sleek and uninterrupted thanks to front and rear bodyrncolor bumpers. Overall, the emphasis is on aerodynamic performance,rnwith numbers to backup the proposition.

The LamborghinirnMurcielago has a top speed of 205.1 mph (330 kph) and will make 0 to 60rnmph in 3.6 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.) The 0 to 100 mphrnleap takes just 8.7 seconds and the Lamborghini Murcielago will tickrnoff a quarter mile (0.402 km) in 12 seconds at 121 mph or 194.7 kph.rnComing down to a complete stop from 60 mph / 96.5 kph takes 122 feetrn(37.2 meters).

Inside you'll find leather upholstery andrnappointments. Standard features included air conditioning, powerrnwindows and locks, and an Alpine sound system. An onboard computerrnmeasures average speed and calculates range for available fuel. Expectrnto get about 9 mpg city and 13 mpg highway.

The 2002 LamborghinirnMurcielago makes serious improvements over previous models in terms ofrnbetter power, upgraded gearbox, smoother torque, lower center ofrngravity, optimized tires and suspension, and better torsional rigidity.rnThe Lamborghini Murcielago is yet another agile, graceful Italianrnpowerhouse from a premier automaker with 44-years' experience designingrnsome of the finest sports cars in the world.