|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
6.5
liter V12 |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
487
lb-ft @ 6000 rpm |
|
HP |
631
hp |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
97.1
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
3.4
seconds |
Top Speed |
205
mph |
(from Lamborghini
Press Release) Lamborghini is presenting 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.
Even more 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.
More powerful engine
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.
