Driven by the launch of the Gallardo Spyder early in 2006 and followed by the Murcielago LP640 Coupe in the summer of 2006, Lamborghini announced record sales of 2087 cars for the 2006 calendar year.

Following the two new models is the Murcielago LP640 Roadster that debuted in November with production beginning in early spring 2007. Sales growth worldwide was 30.4 percent compared to sales of 1600 sales in 2005, with 876 vehicles sold in the U.S., an increase of 37 percent.

Lamborghini's new flagship Murcielago LP640 Roadster receives the same styling and powerful engine as the LP640 Coupe with stunning results. The updated design adds new lower bodywork while retaining the steeply raked windshield, tapered side windows and radical rear buttresses that flow into the rear fenders.

A unique style element that also functions to provide additional chassis rigidity is the reinforcement structure in the engine bay that is visible through the engine cover and is also offered in carbon fiber. The LP640 Roadster also features the distinctive Lamborghini wing doors that rotate up at the front of the door to provide access to the interior.

The new front and rear bumpers incorporate sharp, crisp lines with larger air intakes and a more angular splitter at the front and a new rear diffuser that includes a single large center exhaust outlet. The rear lights are a new design with a single piece lens and individual lights behind.

The sides are an asymmetrical design with the air intake for the engine on the right side and nearly closed at the rear, while the large intake on the left feeds air through the oil cooler that is open at the rear to allow airflow.

The interior continues the asymmetrical design from the previous model with the entire interior oriented towards the driver. The instrument panel has been redesigned with new graphics, the Kenwood car stereo includes a 6.5-inch monitor and navigation system is optional.

Power of the Italian Stallion

The Murcielago LP640 Coupe and Murcielago LP640 Roadster are both powered by a new 6.5-liter V12 engine that develops 640 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 487 lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm. Lamborghini claims a top speed of 205 mph with acceleration from zero to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

To deliver the increased power the LP640 Roadster receives a new 6-speed transmission, a stronger rear differential and new axle half-shafts. An e-gear transmission that automatically operates the clutch and changes gears based on the driver's input with paddles located behind the steering wheel is available as an option.

The LP640 Roadster has permanent all-wheel drive, based on Lamborghini's VT (Viscous Traction) System which distributes the torque front to rear without the use of electronic controls. The usual torque split is 30 percent to the front and 70 percent to the rear, but up to 100 percent of the torque can be delivered to one axle.

The LP640 Roadster features new aluminum Hermera wheels that are 8.5 x 18 inches in the front and 13 x 18 inches at the rear and are fitted with 245/35ZR18 tires in the front and 335/30ZR18 tires at the rear. Front brakes discs are 380mm in diameter with 355mm discs at the rear.

The LP640 Roadster can be fitted with a canvas roof for temporary use at speeds up to 100 mph.

Gallardo Spyder

The Gallardo Spyder adds an exciting new open-top version alongside the coupe, with a style that exudes athleticism and sharpness. As with the coupe, the Gallardo Spyder is characterized by edges and straight surfaces with the driving position far forward and a sharply raked windshield. The front includes distinctive air intakes and large trapezoidal light units.

The Gallardo Spyder's fully automatic soft-top folds and stores under the carbon fiber engine cover.

Powered by the same 520-horsepower 5.0-liter V10 engine that powers the 2006 Gallardo coupe, the Gallardo Spyder will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds according to Lamborghini.