2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster

Raging Roadster

The stunning Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster can race the sun to the horizon with its convertible top and 640-horsepower engine.

For the few wealthy buyers who can afford it, and who can handle its potent powerplant, the Murcielago LP640 Roadster is one of the quickest and most exotic convertibles available.

In the LP640 designation, “LP” stands for longitudinale posteriore. That means the vehicle’s massive V12 engine is oriented north-south (like most engines, as opposed to transverse, or east-west) and it is behind the cockpit. The “640” denotes the 640 horsepower the engine produces. That’s 60 hp more than the 2006 Murcielago Roadster, which the LP640 variant replaced. The extra power comes from a bump in engine displacement, from 6.2 liters to 6.5 liters.

Lamborghini says the added power shaves 0.4 seconds from the 0-62 mile-per-hour sprint, bringing it down to a scant 3.4 seconds. (Why 62 mph instead of 60 mph? Sixty-two is the equivalent of 100 kilometers per hour, which is a more familiar measurement to Europeans.)

Other than being able to run sans roof, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster is mechanically identical to the coupe and comes with unique front and rear bumper designs as well as specific taillights. A cloth top is included, but it’s only for occasional use — the automaker advises owners not to take their cars above 100 mph when the roof is in place, to avoid damaging the fabric.

Owners can show off the heart of their beast with an optional glass engine cover. Archrival Ferrari has offered similar transparent paneling as standard equipment on its mid-engine models for more than two decades.

The LP640 has an extra intake just ahead of the driver’s-side rear wheel that pipes cool air to the oil radiator. The lightweight 18-inch wheels are wrapped in performance tires. Racing tires are optional.

The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster has a permanent all-wheel-drive system with electronic traction control, which doesn't just improve performance but is essential to tame this high-powered monster. Under normal conditions, 70 percent of the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. During intense driving, up to 100 percent of the drive force can be sent to either the front or rear axles.

The LP640 Roadster has an electronically controlled adaptive suspension and six-speed manual transmission linked to a stronger rear differential and beefed-up axles. A sequential manual transmission, which Lamborghini calls E-gear, is optional. It uses paddles on the steering wheel and offers two modes — “Thrust” and “Sport” — the latter employing aggressive shift parameters for split-second gear changes.

Massive brake discs — the front ones are roughly 15 inches in diameter — are a little larger than those on the previous model. Slightly thicker carbon-ceramic brake discs are optional and designed to reduce fade — when brakes become less effective as the discs overheat from severe use, such as on a racetrack.

The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster features exotic carbon-fiber body panels and steel doors that scissor open in signature Lamborghini style.

The LP640’s seats have been redesigned for comfort and increased headroom. They incorporate quilted leather upholstery, as do the door inserts and ceiling. All Lamborghinis can be customized with carbon-fiber trim as well as other special materials and finishes in the cockpit.

Is the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster for You?

Buy the Murcielago LP640 Roadster if	You’re an attention-seeker and a would-be racecar driver.
Keep Looking if	You’d rather use the money to buy a house or three Maseratis; you need something more practical; you like to keep a low profile.
Who Fits?	The scissor-action doors look cool and ease the difficult entry and exit, especially with the roof in place; the interior is surprisingly accommodating for a two-seat exotic car, though there's little room for belongings.
Closest Competitors	Ferrari F430 Spider Spyker C8
Did You Know?	The Murcielago's LP640 designation resurrects a naming convention that originated with the 1973 Countach LP400, so called for its longitudinal, mid-mounted, 3,929 cubic-centimeter V12 engine.