One of the fastest convertibles of its time, this Lambo tops out at a whopping 205mph!
The 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is a topless successor to the Diablo VT Roadster. It is based on the same L140 platform as the Murcielago coupe, and aesthetically, the Murcielago Roadster is pretty similar to its hard-top sibling. The engine cover opens rearwards and is a unique feature reminiscent of the Miura. Lamborghini also strengthened the Roadster by adding a reinforced metallic grid (also available in carbon fiber) beneath the engine cover. Lamborghini added a pretty flimsy fabric soft top that is indicated for temporary use in case of sudden rain. It is something that you have to install manually and requires two people to get the job done, which is not ideal for an expensive supercar.
Inside, there are no noticeable differences compared to the coupe: it features leather sport bucket seats and a tall center console. Lamborghini retained the traditional gated manual gearbox with the Murcielago Roadster, but a six-speed "e-gear" was offered as an option. The Italian supercar also came with decent features for its time, including automatic climate control, power windows, and an optional navigation system. A 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine is housed at the rear of the Murcielago Roadster, generating 580 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. With all that power sent to all four wheels, the Roadster could accelerate from 0-60 mph in an astonishing 3.8 seconds and reach an electronically restricted top speed of 205 mph. As a flagship convertible from Lamborghini, the Murcielago Roadster carried a hefty price tag of $319,250. Its rivals include the Ferrari 360 Spider and Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.
Pros
Exceptional performance
Distinctive, striking design
Brand prestige and exclusivity
Cons
Poor fuel efficiency
Limited practicality for everyday use
High maintenance and insurance costs
Performance: V12 Power Unleashed
The Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V12 engine, slightly bigger than the engine that powers the Diablo VT. This powerhouse churns out a hefty 580 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Similar to older Lambos, a 6-speed manual transmission was offered as standard, and it routes all of the power to all four wheels, providing optimal grip and performance. However, the Murcielago Roadster had a six-speed “e-gear†automated manual gearbox as an option, actuated through paddle shifters.
Performance-wise, the Murcielago Roadster impresses with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds, thanks to the all-wheel drive system. This convertible supercar can clock a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds and continue speeding until it hits the speed limit at 205mph. However, if you have the fabric roof installed, it is recommended to drive the supercar not faster than 100mph. With so much performance on offer, the Murcielago Roadster is considered to be one of the fastest convertibles of its era. Compared to its arch rivals like the Ferrari 360 Spider and Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, the Murcielago Roadster outperforms in terms of raw power and speed.
Fuel Economy: The Murcielago Roadster Is A Thirsty Supercar
The Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, like many supercars, obviously prioritizes power and performance over fuel efficiency. Its highly potent naturally aspirated V12 engine does provide the oomph but is thirsty by nature. According to the EPA, the supercar is rated at approximately nine miles per gallon mpg in the city, 13 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined figure of around 11 miles per gallon.
These numbers are consistent with the vehicle’s high-performance orientation, reminding us that this beast of a convertible, aims to deliver thrilling speed and acceleration rather than fuel economy. Furthermore, the Murcielago Roadster is equipped with a 26.4-gallon gas tank, which could provide a driving range of around 340 miles before you need to pull over into a gas station.
Exterior: Design Details That Are Unique To The Roadster
The 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is a testament to Lamborghini’s signature bold and aggressive design language. Styled by Belgian designer, Luke Donckerwolke, the low-slung Murcielago stays true to its Lambo roots with sharp, angular lines reminiscent of predecessors like the Countach and Diablo defined by the late Marcello Gandini, who influenced Italian car design for decades. However, Donkerwolkde takes things a step further with the Roadster featuring some truly unique details and a distinctive, aerodynamically-informed silhouette.
Sitting about 3.0 inches lower than the coupe, the exterior styling of the sleek Murcielago Roadster is dominated by aggressive lines, broad arches, and a low-slung, aerodynamic profile, embodying a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and functional aerodynamics. There are xenon headlamps rather than LEDs at the front. It sits on 18-inch alloy wheels featuring a unique 5-spoke pattern that adds to the overall aggressive aesthetics the supercar is renowned for.
Since the Murcielago Roadster does not come with a fixed roof, Lamborghini added structural reinforcements to improve rigidity. But despite this, the Roadster doesn’t take a penalty and weighs, about the same at 3,678 pounds for a 42:50 weight distribution. You get a detachable manual two-piece fabric top, in case you encounter rain on the go. However, the whole process of installing the roof is pretty frustrating for a six-figure convertible, as the roof does not retract inside the body. You would have to get out of the car and ask your passenger to help you set the roof, which is a bummer. Also, the roof takes up a substantial amount of space in the frunk.
The Murcielago Roadster features an automatically adjustable spoiler that adapts to the car’s speed for optimal aerodynamic balance. Also, there are retractable air intake vents called "bat wings" that feed air to the massive V12. Color options for the Murcielago Roadster are extensive, reflecting Lamborghini’s tradition of offering personalized choices. You could choose from a broad spectrum of colors, from the iconic Giallo Evros (yellow) and Verde Ithaca (green) to the more understated Grigio Antares (metallic grey) and Nero Aldebaran (black).
Interior: Civilised Luxury Meets Sport
Taking a look inside the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster exudes a level of luxury and craftsmanship that complements the exterior’s aggressive stance. The cabin, primarily cloaked in high-grade leather, comes with optional carbon fiber accents, enhancing the sense of performance and opulence. In addition, the dashboard design merges functionality and style, showcasing a driver-oriented layout that houses an array of analog gauges and dials reflecting the vehicle’s racing DNA. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, ensuring a firm and comfortable grip.
Centered on the dashboard are the Lamborghini plaque and the radio. Though relatively minimalistic by modern standards, it hosts key functionalities like audio control, and pressing the plaque will reveal the climate control buttons. The center console has a lot of carbon fiber and metal finishes, giving the interior a proper supercar feel. Moving on to the features, the Murcielago Roadster embodies the spirit of luxury. Seats draped in leather and fine stitching are bolstered to support during spirited drives, and comfort isn’t compromised either.
Practicality, though not a primary focus in supercars, is surprisingly decent in the Murcielago Roadster. Unlike Lambo’s of old which suffered from terrible ergonomics, the Murcielago is a lot more civilized with owner Audi infusing a good dose of sensibility. The Murcielago was the first product post-VW Group’s takeover of Lamborghini in 1998. However, the cargo space is a little compromised with its 5.3 cubic feet frunk. The Murcielago maintains a balance between performance, luxury, and a degree of practicality that aligns with its supercar status.
Safety: This Raging Bull Is A Tamable Beast
As a product of the mid-2000s, the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster does pack essential safety features such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) offers added control during demanding driving conditions. The Murcielago Roadster offers dual airbags for the driver and passenger for added protection in the event of a collision. But crucially, Lamborghini added an automatic electronically controlled roll bar to the Murcielago Roadster, which extends from its housing behind the seats for a few milliseconds in case of a roll-over emergency.
Verdict: The Murcielago Roadster Is A German-Italian Exotic Car Done Right
The 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is a dazzling spectacle that combines ferocious performance with head-turning beauty. Compared to rivals, like the Porsche 911 Turbo S Convertible and the Ferrari 360 Spider, the Murcielago Roadster is more powerful, courtesy of its V12 engine. It also can get to a top speed of 205mph, making it one of the fastest convertibles of its era. However, the crazy soft-top mechanism is one of the few cons of this convertible supercar.
Produced between 2004-2010, and the total production number still remains a mystery. A facelift came in 2006 in the form of the LP640 Roadster. We think fewer examples of the Roadster exist compared to the coupe, which could make it pretty rare. The original Roadster carries an average value of $250,000 today. So in summary, while it might not be the most practical or fuel-efficient choice for the discerning driver seeking pure, undiluted driving pleasure, there’s simply nothing quite like a Murcielago Roadster.
This has been achieved without compromising the performance expected from a real Lamborghini. Thanks to accurate design, the open version also delivers excellent handling, acceleration and driving safety characteristics.
The exterior design is characterised by a true muscularity that interacts with aggressive lines, exploring the whole language of Lamborghini design and raising it to a new, higher level.
The aggressive, exclusive and extreme themes are also reflected in the interior design, with streamlined headrests that perfectly integrate mobile air vents and "asymmetrical" leather upholstery. This enhances the whole driver’s part of the cockpit.
The front and lateral glass parts have been designed like a crash helmet visor, in order to integrate perfectly with the structure of the vehicle. In order not to alter the aesthetics of the car, the electronically controlled safety roll bars are automatic, extending only when necessary. As a result, optimum vehicle aerodynamics are maintained.
The newly conceived wheels are also in harmony with traditional Lamborghini design, with round holes that intersect the spokes.
There is easy access to the bonnet, which is opened at the front as was the case with the legendary Miura.
In particular, there is a special stiffening lattice on the engine compartment structure. As an optional feature, this lattice is also available in a visible carbon fibre version.
Without altering the extreme features of the car, there is also the option of mounting a soft top roof ("R-top") which, as in the tradition of this kind of model, is only designed for temporary use (for example in the case of sudden rain) and at a recommended maximum speed of 160 km/h.
There is also Lamborghini permanent four-wheel drive on the Roadster, with a central viscous coupling and limited slip rear and front differentials (45% rear, 25% front).
There is independent front and rear double wishbone suspension and anti-roll bars with front "Antidive" and rear "Antisquat" systems. Koni FSD (Frequency Selecting Dampers) self-adjusting shock absorbers are used.
The braking system is the H-type with power braking, with ABS and four ventilated disks.
The wheel rims are aluminium alloy with dimensions of 8.5" at the front and 13" at the rear, with Pirelli Rosso 245/35ZR 18 tyres at the front and 335/30ZR 18 at the rear.
The left side door panel also has "perforated" cladding, whereas the central part of both seats is made of alcantara. The headrest area has been modified to allow the use of the glove compartment nets in the area between the cockpit and the engine.
The steering wheel is also upholstered in leather and partially perforated. In the centre is the Lamborghini coat of arms.
The instrumentation is clear and precise, with body computer and trip computer. Among other driver aids are electric control for the electrically-heated wing mirrors, a non-reflective rear view mirror and the axle lifting system, which allows the front axle of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm at low speeds.
The automatic air conditioning, optional navigation system and convenient glove compartments also all contribute to comfort.