German Car Zone

Raging bull loses its head
As the Los Angeles Auto Show opens today, we know which stand we'll be rushing to first.

Lamborghini has chosen the West Coast extravaganza to unveil its Murciélago LP640 Roadster - and it's going to be difficult to miss.

Essentially the chop-top version of Lambo's outrageous LP640 Coupe, the Roadster is as subtle as a bull in dark glasses... and every bit as intimidating.

The 640, of course, refers to the horsepower produced by the Roadster's 6.5-litre V12, while LP stands for 'longitudinale posteriore', which means the engine is mounted lengthways behind the cockpit.

All of which allows the Roadster to spin up to 8,000rpm and develop a meaty 486lb ft of torque - enough to propel it to 62mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of almost 200mph.

Yes, that's a fraction slower than the coupe version. But without a roof to provide at least a little protection from the deafening growl of the V12, we're betting that the driving experience will be even more intense.

Removing the roof has required Lamborghini to make some serious structural adjustments to stop the LP640 from splitting in half as it hits warp speed.

A newly designed frame structure made of steel and carbon fibre keeps the Roadster rigid, with particular reinforcement given to the engine area. Lambo will even sculpt these reinforcements out of carbon fibre if you ask nicely.

Lamborghini also reluctantly offers a canvas roof, but warns that it is only for temporary use at speeds of under 100mph. Better drive fast enough to beat the rainstorms, then.

Devotees of the raging bull will notice a few other touches unique to the Roadster. The chop-top gets a new rear diffuser, with the exhaust system integrated within a tailpipe, as well as fresh windscreen wipers, a revised rear-light cluster and the option of new Hermera alloy wheels.

Otherwise the Roadster stays true to its Coupe roots. The monster 335/30 rear tyres remain, with Pirelli Corsa tyres an option for those who want to test out the Roadster on the track.

If you're brave or stupid enough to fancy charging the Murciélago on near-slicks, the LP640 Roadster arrives in the UK in spring 2007.

The price tag? Lambo is staying coy, but we reckon it'll cost you at least £200,000 to feel the wind in your hair and 640 horses behind your back.

Sam Philip www.topgear.com

Looks great

No thanks! Never liked Lambo, roof or not, sorry...

Very nice. It looks almost the same as the roofed LP640 because it's so sleek.

hotness the 3rd hottest roadster in the world

I'm guessing Zonda, CGT and then this...?

I'm in love with this car

oops im sorry didnt think of the CGT as a roadster..
in that case 4th hottest..

1. Zonda F Roadster
2. Zonda S Roadster
3. CGT
4. LP 640 R

Thanks much Ben