2008 Lamborghini Murcielago

There are few cars that will stop streets like a Murcielago and the LP640 even more so.Supercars like this are now getting few and far between,so we should rejoice in the insanity while we have access to it.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 is an exotic supercar that comes in two-seat coupe and convertible roadster body styles. The roadster comes with a soft-cloth targa-style roof. Standard features include 18-inch wheels with 245/35ZR18 performance tires in front and 335/30ZR18s in back, an adjustable suspension that can raise the front to prevent curb or parking-block scraping, xenon headlights, a tilt/telescoping steering column, leather upholstery and interior trim, automatic climate control and a CD/DVD/MP3 stereo.

Optional upgrades are extensive and expensive. They include carbon ceramic brakes, a Kenwood touchscreen navigation system, carbon-fiber or titanium trim packages and a glass engine cover. Should you want to give the car your own look, Lamborghini's Ad Personam program allows innumerable ways to customize the interior and exterior via unique colors and accent materials.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Murciélago LP640 is powered by a 6.5-liter V12 that produces 632 hp and 660 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, as are front, center and rear limited-slip differentials. A six-speed manual transmission with a gated metal shifter is standard, while the paddle-shifted "e-gear" automated-clutch manual is optional.

According to the company, the Murciélago accelerates up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a spine-bending 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 211 mph. Fuel mileage with the manual transmission is 8 mpg city/13 mpg highway and 10 mpg combined -- not that you'd really care, but it's nice to know, should someone ask.

Safety

The 2009 Lamborghini Murciélago comes with AWD, traction control and massive ventilated antilock brakes with six-piston brake calipers. The roadster also comes with automatically deploying rollover bars. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional on both body styles, but neither side airbags nor stability control is available.

Interior Design and Special Features

With its trademark scissor doors, it's hard to confuse the exterior of the 2009 Murciélago with anything other than perhaps another Lamborghini, the Gallardo. However, parent company Audi's influence is obvious inside the LP640, with plenty of properly fitting leather and soft-touch materials. Unlike with the Gallardo, however, the stereo and climate controls are not borrowed from Audi, and look a little strange and out of place as a result.

The roomy cockpit features comfortable seating that, unlike that of past Lambos, won't leave you looking for painkillers after a day's drive. Though not as flamboyant as the exterior, the interior styling is still befitting a vehicle that commands such a high price of admission. The roadster's convertible roof is more aptly described as a toupee perched atop the cockpit. The top is also difficult to put on, and due to its tenuous nature, Lamborghini warns that it not be used above 100 mph -- which can be achieved in 2nd gear.

Driving Impressions

With a width only a Hummer H1 owner could love, the 2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 can be difficult to maneuver around town and in parking lots. But really, who actually cares about a Lambo's practicality? Thanks to the 632 hp and AWD, full-throttle acceleration is otherworldly, with a soundtrack to match.

Around corners, the Murciélago hardly feels like a precision instrument because of its girth, but it's capable nonetheless, with a flat cornering attitude. It should be noted, however, that the limits for this car are fairly high and not for the inexperienced to explore. Push it hard in the corners, and the Murciélago will grip and grip and grip some more -- but once you finally reach the limits of adhesion and the car slides, it's nearly impossible to recover.