New Barchetta Limited to 200 Units Annually
Lamborghini's concept roadster debuted last year at the Detroit auto show, causing young boys to dream and the wealthy to make plans.
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| It's official, the Murciélago Barchetta will be Lamborghini's new roadster. (Photo: Lamborghini Canada) |
Lamborghini's concept has now been given a name and official production status. The Murciélago Barchetta, has been engineered, tested and readied for assembly as a 2005 model. It will be the first convertible in Lamborghini's range since the departure of the open topped Diablo, but unlike its predecessor will not feature a roof.
Overall few exterior modifications separate the Murciélago and the Barchetta below the beltline. Above shoulder level, triangular-shaped rollover bars have been incorporated into the backs of the headrests. The removal of the roof has yielded a look that's quite similar to the flat-panels used on stealth fighters.
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| The 580-hp V12 Barchetta will be one of the fastest convertibles available. (Photo: Lamborghini Canada) |
With a powerful 580 horsepower 6.2 liter V12 on board, the Barchetta will be one of the fastest convertibles on the market competing only with Ferrari's old F50, and Pagani's Zonda C-12S Spyder. The Barchetta's top speed has been rated at 330 km/h (205 mph) though not recommend on public roads. The new Lamborghini can reportedly reach 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
But despite the car's reduced content the final product will be more expensive than the Murciélago coupe, at E250,000 ($417,500 CAD, $312,500 USD). Despite the stratospheric price tag, expect every one of the 200 annual limited copies to be sold.