Los Angeles, 1st December 2006
Lamborghini launched the new version of the Lamborghini
Murciélago Roadster at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster benefits from the same
extensive modifications to the bodywork and mechanics as the LP640
Coupé, as well as delivering its own distinct character.
Aggressive design
In their re-interpretation of the Roadster, the designers of the Lamborghini
Centro Stile have remained true to the original style principles of purism,
sportiness and functionality. As with the Coupé it has now assumed a
more aggressive appearance, a substantial influence being the new front
and rear bumpers. On the latter there is a new rear diffuser, in which the
exhaust system is integrated within a tailpipe. The rear lights are also
new, increasing the distinguishing features and making the Murciélago
Roadster as unmistakable at night as in daylight. The asymmetrical
design of the sides is particularly striking. Whilst the area behind the air
inlet on the right is almost closed, on the left there is a large opening for
the ventilation of the oil cooler. This, in addition to the aerodynamic form of
the front and rear, is an illustration of how functionality dictates the shape
of a Lamborghini.
Changes to the rear-view mirror make the Murciélago Roadster more
aerodynamic, with other features including new windscreen wipers and the
option of new Hermera alloy wheels.
From its forerunner, the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster LP640 has
inherited the characteristic asymmetrical interior arrangement. The whole
interior is tailored to the driver and arranged in such a way that a true
driver-focused experience is offered; a car which challenges yet at the
same time is entirely geared to the driver. This is illustrated in the use of
perforated leather for the chair cushions, the dashboard tunnel console and
the door lining on the driver’s side.
The instrument panel has also been redesigned with different display
graphics. This includes a new Kenwood car radio with a 6.5 inch
widescreen monitor and reader for DVD, MP3 and WMA. The navigation
system (standard equipment in Japan) is also available as an option.
Like its predecessor, the Murciélago LP640 Roadster can be customised
through special equipment packages. The ‘ad personam’ individualisation
program offers even more scope to create a personal, unmistakeably
individual sports car.
Increased engine power
As with the Coupé the new 6.5 litre (6.496 cm3) 60° V-engine and 640 PS
(471 kW) at 8,000 min-1 is now used also in the Lamborghini Murciélago
Roadster. At 6,000 min-1 the 12-cylinder engine reaches the maximum
torque of 660 Nm. Naturally the Lamborghini Murciélago meets all the
current valid European and North American emission standards.
The increased power naturally leads to increased road performance. The
maximum speed now lies at 330 km/h compared to 320 km/h. The
standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is now reached by the Murciélago
LP640 Roadster in an excellent 3.4 seconds making it 0.4 seconds faster
than its forerunner.
The engineers also focused their attention on optimising the torque band.
The driveability of the engine thus benefits from the use of a continually
variable timing system (intake and exhaust side) and engine management
with Drive-by-Wire-System.
In order to meet the increased thermal requirements of the engine, the
engineers built a larger oil cooler. On the exterior this is illustrated by a
larger air inlet on the left wing of the vehicle. The liquid cooler on the other
hand remains unchanged with the Lamborghini VASC System (variable
geometry air inlet system). Additional electronically controlled air scoops
open according to the outside temperature and cool air requirement. This
guarantees maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
Gears and drive – more efficient and more resistant
Higher performance and torque naturally mean increased demand on the
drive components. A six-gear transmission adapted to these requirements,
plus a stronger rear differential and new half-axles, have therefore been
deployed in the new Murciélago Roadster. An e-gear transmission with a
newly tuned thrust mode (acceleration program) is also available as an
option.
Like its forerunner, the new Murciélago Roadster LP640 has permanent
four-wheel drive. This is based on Lamborghini’s proven VT-system
(Viscous Traction), which is self-regulating without the aid of electronic
controls. In standard cases the drive force is distributed between the front
and rear axles at a ratio of 30 to 70. An independent control loop adjusts
the distribution of the drive force depending on dynamic oscillation, weight
distribution and the relative friction values in synchronisation with the Visco
clutch. In extreme cases, up to 100 percent of the drive force can thus be
applied to one axle.
Electronics – closed loop for total control
Innovations have also been made to the electronics. With a closed loop
control system the revised electronic control units improve the road
performance and the response characteristics of the engine. All engine
and vehicle parameters are controlled and monitored through a
combination of three ‘master’ and one ‘slave’ control units. These are two
electronic control units of the Lamborghini LIE type: a Lamborghini GFA
(Gestione Funzioni Ausiliarie, i.e. Auxiliary Function Control) control unit
and a Lamborghini PMC (Power Motor Control, i.e. slave unit). These
control units are interconnected by means of a CAN bus.
Frame and chassis
Although the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster LP640 is principally based
on the Murciélago Coupé, it has further distinguishing features beyond its
distinctive appearance. First and foremost, newly designed frame structure
parts made of steel and carbon fibre guarantee an unswerving torsion
resistance even without a roof. A special reinforcement structure in the
engine area makes a major contribution to this aspect. This optically
distinctive reinforcement can also be delivered in carbon fibre on request.
Without impairing the extreme character of a typical roadster, a canvas
roof (R.top) can be fitted which, true to the design tradition of this type of
vehicle, is principally conceived for temporary use (for example in a sudden
shower of rain) and for speeds of up to 160 km/h.
With its characteristic wing doors, the bodywork of the Murciélago LP640
Roadster is still made from an extremely high quality combined structure
of sheet steel and carbon honeycomb. The combination of these materials
is achieved by bonding and riveting.
The road performance, handling and stability at high speeds benefit from
the use of new springs and stabilisers as well as the revising of the
electronically controlled silencers. The anti-dive and anti-squat properties
of the axles which effectively prevent brake diving and squatting, remain
unchanged. The springs (two for each rear wheel and one for each front
wheel) and silencers are coaxially aligned.
The new aluminium Hermera rims measure 8 ½" x 18" at the front and 13"
x 18" at the rear. The vehicle is equipped with mixed tyres of the type
PIRELLI P Zero "ROSSO": the Murciélago LP640 Roadster is driven at the
front on tyres with the dimensions 245/35 ZR 18 and 335/30 ZR 18 at the
rear. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres are available as an option: particularly
appropriate for use on race tracks.
Brakes and safety
It goes without saying that a super sports car such as the new
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster goes hand-in-hand with a high
level of safety.
Its hydraulic dual circuit braking system with LP-brake servo (unit) ensures
impressive delay values under even the hardest strain. The internally
ventilated brake disks measure 380 mm x 34 mm at the front and 355 mm
x 32 mm at the rear. The closed loop of the four-channel anti-lock braking
system (ABS) is enhanced, with electronic braking management (DRP)
and traction control (TCS). The system consists of an electro-hydraulic
control unit and four sensors for the wheel speeds.
When extremely high performance braking is required it is possible to
equip the vehicle with carbon ceramic brakes measuring 380 mm x 36 mm
with six-piston-brake callipers, which reduce pressure on the brake pedal
and shorten the braking distance. Even under the toughest strain, there is
almost no brake fading. Substantially reduced weight and greater durability
are further advantages in addition to the carbon ceramic brakes’ attractive
appearance.
The new Murciélago LP640 Roadster meets rigorous standards in terms of
passive safety. With two front-seat air bags, a 60-litre airbag on the driver’s
side and a 130-litre airbag on the passenger side, it meets all existing
world-wide standards in the event of head-on and side crashes, impact
against poles, occupant safety in the case of accident, fuel supply
integrity and fuel combustibility. The luggage compartment also complies
with childproof safety regulations. The Murciélago LP640 Roadster has
automatically lowered roll bars; if the electronic control of this device
detects a critical situation, the roll bars shoot out behind the seats within
just a few milliseconds.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Versace
This exclusive model is the fruit of an innovative collaboration
between Gianni Versace SpA and the prestigious luxury sports car
works at Sant’Agata Bolognese.
Working directly with Maison Versace’s designers, the specialists
responsible for Lamborghini’s "ad personam" (personalisation) programme
have created a model offering significant enhancements to the interior
fittings of the standard Murciélago LP640.
The lower section of the instrument panel, the doors, the roof panel, the
central console and the seats are all upholstered in opulent full grain
nappa, featuring the Greek fret motif, the unmistakable and distinctive
emblem of the Maison Versace.
The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 VERSACE is equipped with all the
optional extras available for this model, as well as specially designed lack
"Hermera" wheel rims, carbon finish, an engine hood with transparent
glass ribbing, and an e-gear automatic gearbox with sequential shifting
system.
To add another dimension of luxury, this limited edition sports car comes
supplied with a superb array of exclusively designed, hand-crafted
accessories, all made to the exacting standards of the "Couture" line.
The luggage set, composed by two suitcases (for him and for her) and one
suit carrier in matt black calfskin adorned with the Greek fret motif, is
specially sized to fit in the boot of the Lamborghini Murciélago. On the
outside an authentication tag in palladium-finished brass, carrying the
distinctive feature of Versace "Couture Limited Edition" , snaps open to
reveal, if required, the incised personal details of the owner. The white
satin interiors of the luggage are also embroidered with the logo 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.
A fabulous pair of driving shoes in blamatt blue calfskin together with a pair
of driving gloves will complement the Versace luxurious accessory line.
The "Versace Precious Items" division has exclusively created for the car
buyers a Chrono Matt Soft Touch watch, available in a glossy black
ceramic version and in a white one, depending on the car model chosen.
The watch accessories line will be featured by a precious ladies watch in
glossy white ceramic set with extra clear diamonds.
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