there is an opening for cooling the oil radiator. "Lamborghini's engineers realized that the LP640 would need a larger oil radiator, so they increased the air intake on the left side of the car," de Giaxa explains. The system works electronically: As the outdoor temperature increases, the intake opens to maximize cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. Those who live year round in the desert will appreciate that in July.
"This design for the air intakes, like the aerodynamics of the front and rear of the car, shows once again how function and form coordinate for Lamborghini," de Giaxa says. Even the newly designed rear-view mirror adds to the aerodynamics.
Inside, the upholstery has new lozenge-shaped stitching, and the instrument panel has been redesigned with new display graphics. The new Kenwood car radio features a 6.5- inch widescreen monitor and reader for DVD, MP3 and WMA. And, buyers may choose a navigation system - just in case they went too far too fast.
As with the Coupe, the Roadster frame and chassis incorporates sheet steel and honeycombed carbon-fiber parts, glued and riveted for maximum torsion resistance. Similarly, in the engine area, engineers have provided steel reinforcement. This, in fact, can be ordered in carbon fiber to enhance visual appeal.
For speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, owners can order a special canvas R top. Coupe buyers, by the way, can even request an engine hood made of |
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transparent glass. In addition, with the Lamborghini "Privilegio" customizing program, fortunate owners can enhance their new Roadster with details such as a carbon finish on the air conditioning control panel, the control lever console and the parking brake.
The brakes, as in the Coupe, are self-ventilating ABS front and rear brake disks. Owners can purchase larger ceramic carbon brakes featuring six-piston brake callipers, reducing braking distance and vehicle weight as well as increasing attractiveness. And, although the Roadster will often be top down, it maintains safety throughout - including details such as the childproof luggage compartment, de Giaxa notes.
Finally, new "Hermera" aluminum wheel rims measure 8 1 inches x 18 inches at the front and 13 inches x 18 inches at the rear. Lamborghini outfits every Murcielago with Pirelli P Zero "ROSSOs": at the front 245/35 ZR18and 335/30 ZR18 at the rear. Driversmay upgrade to Pirelli P Zero Corsas-designed for use on race tracks. Pirelli P "Sottozero" (Sub zero) winter tires are being developed.
"With the top down, this is the alpha Murcielago, the most distinguished Lamborghini, the lead bull," de Giaxa says. "If there is a greater motoring pleasure in this world, with our warm desert sun or our starlit nights visible above you, and 600 horses under you, I just don't know where to find it-or, for that matter, how to think about creating it."
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