11.03.2004 THREE MODEL LINE UP FROM LAMBORGHINI IN GENEVA AS THE MURCIELAGO ROADSTER GEARS UP FOR PRODUCTION

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 made its official debut in Geneva last week.

Joining its closed-roof coupe sister and the mid-size Gallardo on Lamborghini's traditionally minimalist stand, the Raging Bull marque now has a three model line-up as its revival under Audi ownership continues to gather pace.

The dark painted Roadster is sandwiched by the coupe version and the sole Gallardo at the centre of the Lamborghini stand. It appears very sleek due to its low windshield and cropped side windows. Close attention has been paid to the redesigned engine cover, covered roll-over bars and finishing trims which give the Roadster a clear, tidy look, keeping it away from the 'coupe with a chopped off roof' effect that is so often projected by roadsters.

This latest arrival 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.

The new Lamborghini era started in 2001 with the Murciélago, was followed in 2003 by the Gallardo, and has continued with the arrival in 2004 of the Murciélago Roadster, which enhances and further increases the undisputed value of the Murciélago range. The 6.2-litre V12 Murcielago and the 5.0-litre Gallardo, which returns to the Swiss show a year after its World Premiere here, complete the line-up.