Lamborghini Murcielago Coupe (2005-2010) review

The current range-topper in Lamborghini's current two-car line-up, the Murcielago was the first car to be developed under the watchful eye of Lamborghini's owners Audi. Like all the previous V12 flagships the Murcielago is certainly not lacking in drama, it's a sensational looking car. Everything from its trademark scissor doors to the active bodywork that protrudes at speed to suck more cooling air into that monstrous mid-mounted V12 engine, mark it out as extreme as its famous predecessors. Audi's control over the firm clearly not having diluted Lamborghini's unique individuality. Its mighty V12 engine is another characteristic this 6.2-litre example endowing the Murcielago with 572bhp and 200mph+ capability. All that power could corrupt, but to ensure none of it's wasted the Murcielago distributes its ample grunt to the road via a four-wheel-drive transmission allowing it to catapult to 62mph in a scant 4.0 seconds.

Where it differs from previous Lamborghini supercars is in its usability. The chassis is responsive, the controls providing feedback, allowing the driver to exploit the Murcielago's huge performance more often - there's never been a more wieldy flagship Lamborghini - despite its ample size. An optional paddle-shift transmission allows even quicker gear changes as you exercise that tremendous engine and there's also an open version if you want to hear that engine in all its glory. Inside it's fairly cramped, visibility is limited and there's some Audi switchgear but, really, who cares?