The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster, with 640 bhp and a 6.5-litre V12, has arrived with first photos and information being released just as the car makes its public debut in Los Angeles today. The LP640 theme, which was presented to the world in coupé format at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is now extended to the Roadster version, with breathtaking results.

The designation LP640 refers to the horsepower (640 bhp) and the longitudinal positioning (longitudinale posteriore) of the engine behind the cockpit. Removing the roof section on the Roadster involved developing a structurally integral cell to allow it to put its fearsome power down on the road, and this steel-and-carbon fibre setup has been evolved by Lamborghini's factory engineering development team to cope with the additional horsepower turned out by the Murciélago in new LP640 format. The new LP640 Roadster retains the previous chop-top model's very sharp and angular looks and its distinctive bulging engine cover.

With the additional weight that the LP640 Roadster is set to be burdened with compared to its closed-roof sister, being pared to an absolute minimum by Lamborghini's engineers, the performance figures for both models are expected to be very close to each other. The 640 bhp (471 kW) is delivered at 8,000 rpm while the 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

The previous Murciélago Roadster model featured a potent 580bhp 6.2-litre V12 engine. The new unit is an “evolutionary leap forward” from this power plant, which has been made possible thanks to a coherent review of every engine component: the cylinder head and the entire intake system (based on the tried and tested Lamborghini variable geometry system), have been completely reworked. The crankshaft, camshafts and exhaust system have also undergone innovation. Top speed and acceleration times of the new LP640 Roadster will be fractions less that the LP640 coupé.
 

The new Murciélago LP640 Roadster gets all the additional visual features and improvements already seen on the LP640 coupé, making it appear even more aggressive, with the new front and rear bumpers contributing significantly to its appearance. The exhaust system terminal which was incorporated in the diffuser on the rear bumper of the LP640 coupé is carried over, while other innovations to make it onto the new Roadster include the rear lights which make it unmistakable even at night; and the design of the sides is also worth mentioning: while the area behind the air intake on the right side is practically closed, the left side features a vast aperture for cooling the oil radiator.

The suspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics all underwent an upgrade on the LP640 and are carried over to the new Roadster version, with an emphasis on enhancing active and passive safety. The 335/30 rear tyres, fitted to the new wheels seen on the LP640 coupé, are retained and Pirelli Corsa tyres are optional. Inside the LP640 Roadster features a new seat and panel finish, which differentiate it from the 'diamond' shaped stitching used on the coupé version. The same removable canvas roof as supplied with the outgoing Roadster is available for 'emergency' use on the new model, although the Lamborghini factory doesn't recommend its activity at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

The new Murciélago LP640 Roadster makes its debut in front of the North American media today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, before its European debut next Tuesday at the Bologna Motor Show. First deliveries are expected to commence early next year.