Designer edition Lambo blings it up

Lamborghini and Versace... It's a formidable pairing, and the two exalted Italian brands have joined forces to create the uber-exclusive Murcielago LP640 Roadster Versace, which is complemented, naturally, by a swag of branded accessories tailor-made for the car.

Priced at a million bucks even, the Versace-branded Lambo will be built to order and distinguished by its pristine white paintwork, adorned by a Versace Greek key motif on the lower part of the door.

However, if the white paintwork or any other facet of the bespoke Lambo doesn't tickle their fancy, would-be owners can specify their own body colour and mod-con wish list via the Lamborghini 'ad personam' project.

The Lambo Roadster's shock-and-awe features include a transparent engine cover that lets bystanders revel in the visual glory of the monstrous 6.5-litre V12. The latter pumps out 471kW so -- as per the donor car -- the Versace edition clearly isn't a chariot for limp-wristed poseurs.

Power is relayed to all four wheels by a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system that splits power in a 70:30 ratio under normal conditions. That said, up to 100 per cent can be channelled to either axle if grip is exceeded at the other end.

The cabin is trimmed in black and white leather, and the nappa leather seats are hand-embroidered with the Versace Greek fret motif to further ram home its designer-edition credentials.

Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann says the partnership with Versace is an example of "how we are pursuing our strategy of developing luxury products outside of luxury sports cars."

"We are proud to be in this prestigious, 'Made in Italy' partnership with Versace."

It's not just about the car, as the Versace Collection LP 640 range of accessories includes a trolley bag, suit carrier, sports bag, as well as a briefcase, suitcase, gloves, driving shoes, belt, wallet, key ring, beauty case, hat and jeans.

Crafted in black calf skin, each luggage item comes with a palladium- engraved tag displaying both the Versace and Lamborghini logos to ensure the hotel porter will know you didn't pick them up at K-Mart.

The Collection LP640 will be available from November in Versace boutiques and selected Lamborghini showrooms around the world.

The Murcielago is now getting long in the tooth, having debuted in coupe form as long ago as 2001, but the range gained new impetus with the launch of the pumped-up LP640 (of which the coupe debuted at the 2006 Paris show, followed by the Roadster at the Los Angeles motor show later in the same year).

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