2002 Lamborghini Murcielago

2002 Lamborghini Murcielago - www.robson.m3rlin.org

Before Murciealago, there was Diablo. Billed as “Italy’s other supercar,” the Diablo replaced the legendary Countach model in 1990. The Diablo benefited mightily from input by the engineering department at Chrysler, Lamborghini’s corporate parent until 1994. Not only did the Diablo deliver on the promise of a 200 mph top speed, reportedly it is far easier to live with day-to-day than its Countach predecessor. Lamborghini’s first vehicles were tractors, as company founder Ferrucio Lamborghini filled the acute needs of Italian farmers recovering from World War II. The first Lamborghini sports car, the 350GTV, debuted in 1963. After passing through several hands, the company is now solely owned by Audi AG. Besides the production models, Lamborghini engines have powered Formula One race cars and offshore powerboats.

October 5th, 1897. A fighting bull named Murcielago takes stage with matador Rafael Molina ‘Largertijo’ in front of an Spanish crowd. A viscous confrontation ensues. Murcielago takes over 24 spears and manages to continue fighting on. Astonishingly, the animal’s life is spared and Murcielago is declared one of the the strongest bulls of all time. Murcielago went on to father a formidable line of bulls that extents right down to present day.

It’s Mercielago’s enduring ferocity that Lamborghini offers with the release of their latest supercar. Named after the fighting bull, this trapezoid-shaped car lends styling cues from the previous Lamborghini’s, with better performance and drivability than ever before.

2002 Lamborghini Murcielago - www.robson.m3rlin.org

The highlight of the car is two rear wings which seamlessly pop up for engine cooling. Not only does this increase the aesthetic value of the car while at a standstill, it functions as a dynamic system for cooling efficiency. Lamborghini calls this system the Variable Air-Flow Cooling System. VACS uses active intakes with adjustable aperture up to 20 degrees that suit the driving conditions.

The VACS is complemented by a second dynamic aero device. The rear spoiler changes up to 70 degrees at 220kph to offer stability at high speeds. When the spoiler reaches the its open position, the aerodynamic drag increases from 0.33 Cd to 0.36 Cd, a worthwhile trade off to ensure an aerodynamic equilibrium at all speeds.

The 6.2 liter V12 engine an evolution of the Diablo 6.0 power plant. The highlight of the new engine is two new variable systems. Both Variable Valve Timing & Variable-Geometry Intake systems aid in engine efficiency and a square power band.

A first for the marque, the Murcielago comes equipped with a 6-Speed Manual. The midship layout of the transmission is retained from previous Diablo & Countach design.

Also like the Diablo, the Murcielago features a permanent four-wheel drive with a center viscous coupling. This layout yields an active control system: excess torque on the primary-rear axle is automatically transferred to the front axle if needed. This maintains ideal traction at all times.

2002 Lamborghini Murcielago - www.robson.m3rlin.org

The Lamborghini is a superlative car. With mechanical structure that requires no gimmickry. The styling reflects this with a shape free of superfluous ornament or embellishment. Pure, simple lines are all that is offered.

The Murcielago is the ultimate expression of the Lamborghini marque: thoroughbred performance with dynamic features that add to the clean and elegant styling. This car is truly one that lives up to its namesake, Murcielago, the strongest fighting bull of all time.

In Detail
price    $270 000 USD
engine    60 Degree, Aluminum Alloy, V12
position    Mid Longitudinal
aspiration    Natural
valvetrain    DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/VVT & VIS
displacement    6192 cc / 377.9 cu in
bore    87 mm / 3.43 in
stroke    86.8 mm / 3.42 in
compression    10.7:1
power    432.5 kw / 580.0 bhp @ 7500 rpm
specific output    93.67 bhp per litre
bhp/weight    351.52 bhp per tonne
torque    650 nm / 479.4 ft lbs @ 4000-5400 rpm
redline    8000 rpm
body / frame    Carbon Fibre Body over Tubular Steel Frame w/Steel Roof & Steel
driven wheels    Permanent 4WD w/Viscous Traction
front tires    Pirelli P Zero ROSSO 245/35ZR18
rear tires    Pirelli P Zero ROSSO 335/30ZR18
front brakes    Vented Discs w/Power Assist, 4-Pot Calipers, ABS, DRP
f brake size    355 mm / 14.0 in
rear brakes    Vented Discs w/Power Assist, 4-Pot Calipers, ABS, DRP
r brake size    335 mm / 13.2 in
front wheels    F 45.7 x 21.6 cm / 18.0 x 8.5 in
rear wheels    R 45.7 x 33.0 cm / 18.0 x 13.0 in
steering    Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension    Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension    Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
weight    1650 kg / 3638 lbs
wheelbase    2665 mm / 104.9 in
front track    1635 mm / 64.4 in
rear track    1695 mm / 66.7 in
length    4580 mm / 180.3 in
width    2045 mm / 80.5 in
height    1135 mm / 44.7 in
transmission    6-Speed Manual
gear ratios    2.941:1, 2.056:1, 1.520:1, 1.179:1, 1.030:1, 0.914:1, :1
final drive    2.53:1
top speed    330 kph / 205.1 mph
0 – 60 mph    3.8 seconds
0 – 100 mph    8.6 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile    11.7 second