Lamborghini has released official photographs of the limited edition Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster that we first got the chance to see through a set of leaked presentations sheets just before the Geneva Motor Show. To be produced in a limited run of just 50 units, the Roadster version of the Murcielago comes with permanent four-wheel drive and is powered by an uprated 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 650HP (+10HP) and 660 Nm (486.8 lbs) of torque – hence the model’s LP 650-4 moniker.

The Italian firm claims that the special edition version of the Murcielago Roadster can sprint from 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of around 330 Km/h (205mph).
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At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show that runs from March 5th to 15th, Audi pulled the covers off the most potent version of the TT, the RS which revives the spirit of the Audi quattro coupes of the 1980s with its 340-horsepower five-cylinder turbocharged engine. Available to order in Europe -but unfortunately, not in the States- in Coupe and Roadster forms from late March, Audi’s new high performance sports cars will reach their first customers this summer.

The modern-day successor to the 200HP-plus quattro coupes of the Eighties gets a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine derived from the U.S.-market Jetta that develops 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. Power is channeled to all four wheels through a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox.

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Not to be outdone by the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, this is Mercedes’ own ultra-fast open-top. Snappily named as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, it’s a convertible version of the special edition 722 variant. And yes, Merc is indeed eking all it can out of the SLR supercar before the SL Black and SLC/Gullwing arrive.

Just 150 722 SLR S models will be built and that ‘722’ designation (sadly) doesn’t refer to the brake horsepower output, but the number of Stirling Moss’s race-winning 300 SLR from the 1955 Mille Miglia.

Is this Mercedes 722 S drop-top merely a mix of other SLR parts?

Essentially yes. The S is an SLR roadster with all the 722′s special tweaks.

So we start with a carbonfibre SLR, but add a ’722 S’ etched wind deflector and an aluminium-reinforced folding fabric roof with carbon-look weave – though said roof still needs to be manually unlatched.

The supercharged 5.5-litre V8 is then tweaked, lifting power from 617 to 641bhp, while torque climbs from 575 to 605lb ft. That means the 0-62mph sprint passes by in 3.7 seconds, 125mph flashes up in 10.6 and the top speed is raised to 209mph. And all these figures are achieved through a five-speed automatic – those AMG engine builders in Affalterbach are clearly doing a decent job.

What about other tweaks and changes?

There are new 19-inch forged aluminium wheels, hiding huge ceramic brakes and red callipers. The springs and shocks are stiffer, while the suspension has been lowered 10mm front and rear. The SLR 722 S retains the huge air brake and diffuser.

The 722 updates include a new front splitter, lots of ‘722 S’ badges, plus leather and Alcantara seats with contrasting red stitching and red seatbelts. The interior also features a suede-covered gearlever and handbrake, climate control, a Bose stereo and paddles for the gearbox

All 722 S editions are made by McLaren in Woking, England, the first cars will be available from January 1 2009 and prices should start at around £370,000.

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