When the Gallardo was launched in 2003 many thought Lamborghini had gone soft. It was easy to drive, looked very Germanic in its details, was comfortable, had great ergonomics, and even had normal doors. Sure it still had 500bhp, and sounded incredible, but the literati thought it wasn’t outrageous enough to be a true Lambo.

Even the Murcielago was a bit less raucous than the Diablo that preceded it. The LP560/640 variants turned up the wick a little, but still it wasn’t quite… bonkers enough.

Well it appears that Lamborghini was just playing a cruel joke on those doubters, because now the ranges include two of the most unhinged models in Sant’Agata history.

First up was the LP670/4-SV. A final fling for the almost 10 -year old Murcielago, with extra carbon bits, less weight, and 670bhp. It’s even available in matt black with black wheels – and looks more than a little bit like Beelzebub’s company car in this spec. It’s faster, harder, more composed, more focused than any Murci which precedes it, and has received glowing reports from the media, along with a fair few warnings to be respectful of the SV or it might just bite you.

And recently released, hot on the heels of its big brother, is the LP570/4 Superleggera. Treated to the same regime of weight loss and power gain – in this case another 10 ponies taking it to 570bhp, and given a similar makeover with carbon spoilers and retina-burning colours, it’s certainly not the weak younger sibling.

Both models can be had with a small carbon lip spoiler on the rear, but it isn’t really in the spirit of things – so the option for the naked carbon GT-racer style wing is a must-tick. We think that it’s also a shame to order one in a dull colour – these cars are designed to be seen and heard – so bright lime green or shocking orange should be specced.

With these models Lamborghini are back as the mental Italian, to Ferrari’s more refined brand.

And long may they stay this way…