A few details surfaced after the press conference/unveil of the LP640 Roadster. I was able to speak with Stephan Winkelmann, President and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. There is zero weight difference between the Coupe and Roadster versions of the LP640 -- it's merely redistributed. The main difference is the structure which surrounds the engine bay.
Also, if it should start raining, there is a cloth top which, in Mr. Winkelmann's words, could take as few as five minutes, depending on your familiarity with the procedure. Even with the top up, the LP640 Roadster is capable of 110 mph.
Finally, there will be just 200 units total produced, 100 of which will come to the U.S. beginning in the spring -- just in time for convertible weather.
--Chris Walton
ateixeira says:
09:07 AM, 11/30/06
5 minutes to put up the top? MINUTES?
I can do that on my Miata in 5 SECONDS.
I guess the rich owners will have to get the Butler to do it for them.
estreka says:
03:44 PM, 11/30/06
Yeah, I don't think you could drop the top at a stoplight. I'm sure you'd piss some people off.
A top speed of 110mph? With the top up?!? Wow, I could run circles around it...with the top down.
cwalton1 says:
07:35 AM, 12/ 1/06
Yes, the car was designed as an open-top roadster, only. The top is only meant for emergencies -- check the weather before leaving the palace, I guess. It is a bit ironic that the LP640's Vmax is higher without a top (205 mph) than with it (110 mph). We suppose that at speeds in excess of 110 mph, the turbulence would destroy said top.
--Chris Walton