2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster Review
Price
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Installment
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2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster at a glance
The 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster looks and feels like a proper supercar, and dropping its top has compromised little on the dynamics and performance. And there is no Ferrari 599 rival. So what's not to like?
2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
A supercar can take on many forms, but it seems more and more so-called supercars are taking the politically correct route of downsizing, and appearing more civilised along the way. Not the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster. Big, mean, dramatic, this Italian stallion shouts supercar from every angle. The 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is probably the last of old-school supercars, so savour it however you can.
Handling
The chassis has been strengthened, including a carbon fibre bracing around the engine. The springs and dampers are a touch softer than the Lamborghini Murcielago coupe's but the driving experience is largely the same—meaning superb body control, massive grip and an agility that belies its size. Despite a steering lock-to-lock of three turns, the steering is light, accurate and feelsome. This is a supercar that can now be piloted with more confidence, although the sheer size of the car could intimidate. The four-wheel drive provides good traction but the enormous power can easily overwhelm the available grip levels, if you are not careful.
Comfort
You can feel the body flex a little over uneven roads, but otherwise the ride is reasonably smooth and compliant for a supercar. The 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster makes a fine grand tourer, too, with wind and road noise kept in the background. The V12 orchestra still plays with amazing might, however. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is a fairly easy affair, if you are of the right height (most Malaysians are). Controls are logically placed and work with minimum fuss. Seat height adjustments are not available, but the steering adjusts for both reach and rake. Rear visibility is poor, making parking the ultimate chore.
Quality + Reliability
Being under Audi's ownership certainly helps in the quality department; The well-designed, solidly-built cabin is a far cry from previous Lamborghinis'. Audi's influence brought about an apparent improvement in fit-and-finish standards, along with fine, soft-touch materials. The cabin however lacks the charm and elegance found in the Ferrari 599. Given the proper maintenance, the underlying mechanicals, including the V12 engine, should prove reliable in the longer run.
Performance
With roots tracing back to the V12 first used in the Lamborghini Miura, the 6.5-litre V12 engine remains one of the greatest powerplants, producing a monstrous performance with a magnificent soundtrack to match. How powerful? 631 bhp at 8000 rpm, 660 Nm at 6000 rpm, and 352 bhp per tonne, to be exact—sufficient to complete 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 322 km/h. Unsurprisingly, the 25 kg weight gained by the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster over its coupe sibling is not felt at all. There are lesser engine vibrations and smoother e-gear gear shifts compared to before, too.
Roominess
Despite improvements over its predecessor in this area, the 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is still poor in terms of the room and practicality it provides. Much taller occupants will struggle to get comfortable behind the wheel, though most Malaysians should fit in the cabin just fine. Still, head- and leg-room are at a premium. Other than a reasonably deep boot, there is not much else stowage space. Putting the roof back up takes considerable time, too.
Running Costs
Out of this world. The official fuel consumption of 7.5 km/litre can only get worse when you discover how fun it will be to go full throttle. Servicing will be regular and expensive. Lamborghini Murcielago Roadsters are even rarer than Murcielago coupes, so the limited supply should keep depreciation reasonable in percentage terms, even though the drop in absolute amount would be massive.
Value for Money
The 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster looks, feels and drives like a proper old-school supercar. The monstrous performance, V12 orchestra and great handling are hallmarks of true supercars. Audi's influence further improved the cabin quality and perceived reliability. And dropping its top has compromised little, instead providing you with the opportunity to better enjoy the best-sounding engine soundtrack. In spite of its many flaws, the 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is as charming and exciting as supercars can be. How do you put a price on that?
Equipment
You will be disappointed if you are expecting the equipment level to match the price tag. Alloy wheels, leather seats, climate control, electric windows, electric mirrors, an audio system, twin front and side airbags, plus braking, traction and stability controls are all you get with the 2011 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster.
Environment
Forget the 7.5 km/litre official fuel economy, because real-world (enthusiastic) driving will return a much worse figure. The 500 grams/km carbon dioxide emission level is equally disastrous. Lucky for the environment that the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, like most supercars, is likely to be driven far less than a normal car.
Live Life Drive Verdict
No Ferrari 599 rival
Monstrous performance
Great handling
Putting back the roof takes some time
Not easy to maneuver around traffic
Out-of-this-world costs involved
