Lambo lifts the lid on low-volume Roadster

Lamborghini is clearly intent on maximising the appeal of its Murcielago flagship as the current-generation V12-powered rocket approaches its expiry date (a replacement, possibly dubbed 'Jota', is expected to debut next year).

We've already reported on the pumped-up, stripped-down Murcie LP 670-4 SuperVeloce that debuted at the recent Geneva show (more here), and now Bologna's raging bull has revealed the first official images of its limited-edition Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster.

Resplendent in its grey and orange paintwork, just 50 examples of the non-shy-and-retiring drop-top will be offered for sale.

And as for the LP650-4 nomenclature, it's a reference to the fact the car puts 650 neddies (or 478kW) at the disposal of your right foot -- compared with 640 (metric) horses for the existing Roadster. The peak torque figure of 660Nm remains unchanged, but it wasn't exactly lacking in the first place.

Lambo quotes a 0-100km/h split of 3.4sec and top whack of 330km/h, so the Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster will remain one of the fastest drop-tops offered for sale in most markets.

As per its less extroverted LP640-4 Roadster sibling, the LP650-4 isn't much heavier than the Murciélago coupé, and carbonfibre bracing around the engine is intended to at least partially compensate for the structural stiffness lost by lopping off the roof.

There's not much chance of cruising in anonymity, as the Arancia orange splashes on the front spoiler and spills only add to what's a jaw-dropping package even when coated in subdued white paintwork.

The brake calipers are also orange, while the transparent engine cover enables passers-by to gawk at the magnificent V12.

The cabin is no less extroverted than the grey-and-orange exterior as, besides the orange flashes, the dashboard is asymmetric, with black Alcantara Nera on the driver's side, including the door panel and central tunnel, and black leather Nero Perseus on the passenger's side.

No prices have as yet been announced for the Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster, but it's expected to cost 10 per cent more than the standard car, which equates to $900k-plus for our market. Phew!