Lamborghini has always offered more luxury appointments than its exotic car competitors and the Murciélago is no exception. An automatic climate control system with eight separate blower settings, automatic recirculation and compressor control keep occupants at the appropriate temperature, a giant leap forward when compared to the heat-exhausting mid-engine exotics of the distant past. The seats, as well as much of the surrounding trim, are covered in rich Italian hides. The dash, center stack and console area appears more integrated than previous Lamborghinis while material quality and general fit and finish show a tremendous improvement. It's clear that VW/Audi, lauded for their superb automotive interiors, has been at work here. The passenger is equipped with a leather-clad oh-!@%$ handle - a necessary feature. Why? As if you need to ask.
The Murciélago incorporates a tubular steel chassis with carbon-fiber/honeycomb attachments 'glued' and riveted into place. Steel keeps the roof and body panels relatively stiff, especially when considering they're mated to a carbon-fiber floorpan underneath. This results in 14,747 lb-ft per degree of torsional rigidity. At all four wheels upper and lower A-arms join coil springs - twin coils at each side in the rear - resulting in a very firm ride. To compensate Lamborghini has equipped shock absorbers with driver-selectable electronic damping, but it is said the improvements in ride quality are nominal at best. Still, this is an exotic sports car so complaining about ride harshness is not allowed. After all, only a handful of cars are capable of its awe-inspiring handling dynamics, as it should be considering the $370,000 price of entry.
For that price is it perfect? Apparently not. A recent recall cites the lower steering column shaft coupling suspect to separating from the input shaft of the steering rack - a definite problem at 330 km/h (205 mph). As it seems it may have been installed with too much clearance between the bottom of the coupling and the steering rack input housing. So if you happen to be one of 28 fortunate owners affected, have James take your car to the dealer for a re and re.