One of the fastest convertibles of its time, this Lambo tops out at a whopping 205mph!
by Amreetam Basu on May 9, 2023, 12:30The 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.
- Performance: V12 Power Unleashed
- Fuel Economy: The Murcielago Roadster Is A Thirsty Supercar
- Exterior: Design Details That Are Unique To The Roadster
- Interior: Civilised Luxury Meets Sport
- Safety: This Raging Bull Is A Tamable Beast
- Verdict: The Murcielago Roadster Is A German-Italian Exotic Car Done Right
2001 - 2006 Lamborghini Murcielago
- Year:
- 2001 - 2006
- Make:
- Lamborghini
- Model:
- Murcielago
- Body style:
- Convertible
- Size:
- Medium
- 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.
| Specification | Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster | 2004 Ferrari 360 Spider | 2004 Porsche 911 Turbo S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L naturally aspirated V12 | 3.6L naturally aspirated V8 | 3.6L twin-turbo Flat-6 | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | |
| Horsepower | 580 hp | 400 hp | 444 hp | |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft | 275 lb-ft | 457 lb-ft | |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 sec | 4.6 sec | 3.9 sec | |
| Quarter mile | 11.8 sec | 13.2 sec | 12.2 sec | |
| Top speed | 205 mph | 186 mph | 190 mph | |
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.
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster | 9 | 13 | 11 |
| Ferrari 360 Spider | 11 | 16 | 13 |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S Convertible | 15 | 22 | 18 |
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).
| Dimensions | Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster |
|---|---|
| Length | 180.3 inches |
| Width | 81.0 inches |
| Height | 44.7 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 5.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 104.9 inches |
| Weight | 3768 pounds |
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.
Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster
Concept
Presented as a concept car in 2003 in Detroit - where it generated significant interest among Italian supercar enthusiasts - the production version of the Murciélago Roadster makes its official debut at the Geneva Show 2004. Manufacture and sales are planned for the second half of this year for the Roadster.
The latest arrival at the House of the Raging Bull takes its inspiration from the great Italian tradition of open vehicles.
As powerful, fast and extreme as the Coupé version from which it derives, the Lamborghini Murciélago carries on Lamborghini’s twelve cylinder roadster tradition: from the 350 GTS to the Miura Roadster, right up to the most recent Diablo 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 Murciélago Roadster version builds on the extreme and exclusive features of the Coupé thus confirming it as a real "icon" of the Lamborghini brand.
The new Lamborghini era started in 2001 with the Murciélago, followed in 2003 by the Gallardo, continues with the arrival in 2004 of the Murciélago Roadster, which enhances and further increases the undisputed value of the Murciélago range.
Design
As with the Coupé, the design of the Murciélago Roadster is exclusive, aggressive and extreme.
In creating the Roadster, the designer Luc Donckerwolke did not restrict himself to "cutting off" the roof of the Coupé. He bestowed it with its own sensational appearance, making the Murciélago Roadster a truly unique model. A model which in series production has retained all the emotional impact of the initial concept itself.
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.
Finally, the exhausts are also new, with a more aggressive "section" than the Coupé.
Technical data
The Roadster differs from the Murciélago Coupé in certain important technical details. Various structural chassis components - in steel and carbon - have been redesigned to ensure adequate torsional stiffness, even though there is no roof.
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.
Particular attention has been paid to safety. As mentioned previously, the Murciélago Roadster is equipped with an automatic, electronically-controlled roll bar, which extends from its housing behind the seats in only a few milliseconds during a roll-over emergency.
The overall dimensions are the same as for the coupé: length is 4580 mm, width is 2045 mm, wheelbase is 2665 mm, front track is 1635 and rear track is 1695 mm. The only variation is in height: the Murciélago Roadster is 70mm lower than the coupé.
The dry weight is 1650 kg, with a weight distribution of 42% at the front and 58% at the rear.
The engine is obviously the Lamborghini 12 cylinder 60° V, with a displacement of 6192 cc, producing 580 hp (426 kW) at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 5400 rpm. The engine features the Lamborghini L.I.E. electronic engine management system. The standard gearbox is a 6-speed manual, like the Coupé. As an optional feature, a 6-speed "e-gear" automatic version is available.
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 maximum speed of the Murciélago Roadster (depending on aerodynamic configuration) is circa 320 km/h. The recommended maximum speed with the roof in place is 160 km/h.
The Murciélago Roadster takes 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h.
Despite the absence of the roof, structural modifications have ensured excellent levels of rigidity. This rigidity and the optimised suspension ensure that driveability and performance are definitely not inferior to those of the Coupé. Lap times for the two versions of the Murciélago at various handling circuits have proven to be more or less identical.
Interior
The Murciélago Roadster is more extreme and exclusive than ever, also with respect to the interior. This has "asymmetrical" leather upholstery: the left side has different material compared to the right and is perforated. That part of the cockpit designed for the driver is oriented towards him/her, so it is a real "Pilot Oriented Challenger".
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.
Sitting at the wheel of the Murciélago Roadster, everything is under control, just as on the Coupé version.
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.
Among the optional features planned for the Murciélago Roadster are a carbon fibre version of the special stiffening lattice on the engine compartment structure (which is in black steel on production models), a carbon fibre internal engine cover, and "windbreaks" behind the seats and on the windscreen.
Amreetam Basu
While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio
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