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

2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 - www.robson.m3rlin.org

The new Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 features considerable innovations in terms of body design and mechanics. And also with a new name: Murcielago LP640, which refers to its engine position – longitudinale posteriore – and to its power 640 bhp. Designers and engineers have not only focused on reworking the engine, suspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics, but also the interior and exterior design; improvements that make the Murcielago LP 640 the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class, placing it at the very top.

Lamborghini’s smiling senior test driver Valentino Balboni celebrates his 38th anniversary with the company the day before our arrival at the factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese on a quiet Saturday when the air is still, the traffic relatively light, and northern Italy seems to be down for a nap.

Soon we are driving the 632-hp Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 behind Balboni, who is in his green Audi A4 diesel, and we can’t keep up. That’s because the narrow farm roads around the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata, Italy, have three lanes, two visible ones for routine traffic and one invisible lane just for Balboni. He darts into it frequently to pick off slowpokes, the obliging Fiats moving to the right with barely a flashed headlight of complaint. The 81.0-inch-wide LP640, in our abnormally cautious hands, snorts and burbles and falls steadily behind.

2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 - www.robson.m3rlin.org

When the road clears, the new Murciélago, expected in U.S. showrooms by about the time you read this, at an estimated base price of $320,000, slips its leash with a mighty wail from its goggling mono-pipe. The road stripes blur as usual in a Lamborghini, but the vibe is different. The sluggish preamble, the trawling through lower, lesser-energized revs before the megaton explosion that was noted in our previous Murciélago test [C/D, July 2003], is gone.

The windup to warp speed happens in one long, startlingly smooth blast of intoxicating bull power. Better still, the clutch engages with a light pedal and facile fluidity, the bulky all-wheel-drive powertrain as tractable and complacent as a Honda’s from stoplight to stoplight. The LP640 is still a supercar by an older definition, meaning that it pushes and pogos and feels generally gargantuan. But the Murciélago now serves horsepower every bit as civilized as that from its nearby competitors at Il Cavallino Modenese.

2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 - www.robson.m3rlin.org

What happened was an engine redesign. The 572-hp, 6.2-liter dry-sump V-12 became a 6.5, going up a millimeter in bore size and 2.2mm in stroke. Everything from the crank mains up was redesigned to extract more power, flatten the delivery of the 487 pound-feet of torque, and improve emissions, starting with reshaped combustion chambers in new cylinder heads. Variable-valve-timing mechanisms on both sets of cams are now rotary-type with infinite variability; before, it was a two-step system. The multichamber intake plenum changed from a crossflow to a vertical downdraft, the air ramming through oval tubes straight into larger valves.

Lamborghini, which proudly makes its own engine computers, completely rewrote the software (no doubt with some input from parent company Audi) to accommodate the new hardware. The engineers say they also cut 60 pounds out of the engine compartment.

You’ll know the LP640 by its larger oil-cooler scoop — there are almost 13 quarts on tap — on the driver’s-side rocker panel. A chin spoiler, a rear aerodynamic undertray, and a see-through engine cover are other cues to the LP640’s newness, as are redesigned taillamps and bumpers. Inside, the leather is crisscrossed by a modish diamond-pleat stitch pattern, and the dull instrument cluster finally gets — ta-dum! — a Lamborghini logo. In a few more years it may get chrome rings, too.

Ironically, for a car built in Italy, the Murciélago seems less suited to pinched Italian roads than any vehicle made — except for maybe Jay Leno’s tank rod. It’s a daunting challenge to make it look fast in pictures, so we asked Balboni, a man with more miles in Lamborghinis than anyone else alive, to steer for a few cornering shots. On the second run, the LP640 abruptly lost its footing in some sand, spun backward, and clonked a sign post. We stared, too shocked to speak, weep, or laugh at our rotten karma. Balboni got out and studied the mildly dimpled bumper and cracked taillight with an embarrassed frown. “Game over,” he said.

Even after 38 years, Balboni’s game, like Lamborghini’s, seems far from over.
VEHICLE TYPE: mid-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $320,000

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 48-valve V-12, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 396 cu in, 6496cc
Power (SAE net): 632 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 487 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 6-speed manual with automated shifting and clutch

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.9 in Length: 181.5 in Width: 81.0 in Height: 44.7 in
Curb weight: 3850 lb

PERFORMANCE RATINGS (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 62 mph: 3.4 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 211 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city driving: 9 mpg
EPA highway driving: 13 mpg

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe is not a subtle vehicle. Its wild appearance turns heads everywhere, and its brute force and excellent handling put it near the top of the super car food chain.

• Get a Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 price quote

In the LP640 designation, “LP” stands for longitudinale posteriore, an Italian phrase that means the vehicle’s massive V12 engine is laid out north-south behind the cockpit. The “640” denotes the amazing 640 horsepower that engine produces.

Owners can show off the heart of their beast with an optional clear engine cover. Arch-rival Ferrari has offered similar transparent paneling as standard equipment on its mid-engine models for more than two decades.

A more-aggressive front bumper with reshaped air intakes and a large spoiler underneath distinguish the LP640 Coupe from the previous Murciélago. A redesigned rear diffuser encompasses twin exhaust pipes and keeps the vehicle stable at high speed.

• See Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 specs

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe has an extra intake just ahead of the driver’s-side rear wheel that channels cool air to the oil radiator. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped in performance tires. Racing tires are optional.

• Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Vehicle Summary

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Coupe has an electronically controlled adaptive suspension and six-speed manual transmission linked to a stronger rear differential and beefed-up axles. An automatic transmission that can be shifted manually, which Lamborghini calls “E-gear,” is optional. It offers a sport mode for split-second gear changes.

Massive brake discs — the front ones are roughly 15 inches in diameter — quickly slow the Murciélago down from any speed. Thicker carbon-ceramic brake discs are optional and designed to reduce brake fade, which is when brakes become less effective as the discs overheat from heavy use, such as on a racetrack.

Like the previous model, the Murciélago LP640 Coupe features exotic carbon-fiber body panels, a steel roof and doors that scissor open in signature Lamborghini style.

• See all Lamborghini models in the Lamborghini Showroom

The seats in the Murciélago LP640 Coupe have been redesigned for comfort and increased headroom. They incorporate quilted leather upholstery, as do the door inserts and ceiling. All Lamborghini cockpits can be customized with carbon-fiber trim as well as other special materials and finishes.

The Murcielago LP640 Coupe is the second-most powerful closed-roof model in the Lamborghini lineup, after the Reventon. “LP” stands for “longitudinale posteriore,” an Italian phrase that explains that the V12 engine is mounted longitudinally (that is, north-south) behind the driver. The “640″ stands for its astounding 640-hp output. The Murcielago LP640 Coupe is radically styled and features doors that open vertically. Handling benefits from a fully independent, electronically controlled suspension and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. For the few wealthy buyers who can afford it and handle its power, the Murcielago LP640 Coupe is one of the quickest and most exotic coupes available.

The Murcielago sports a 6.2 L version of the legendary Lamborghini V12 engine, a six speed manual or six speed e-gear sequential gearbox and All Wheel Drive. It also has a rear spoiler that can be raised to an angle of 70 degrees, the side mirrors fold in to increase aerodynamics and side scoops that automatically open to the needed size to let in just the right amount of air needed to cool its engine.

The name Murcielago comes from a bull that survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 fight at the arena of Cordoba, and fought with such passion and spirit that the matador chose to spare its life, a rare honor. In another Lamborghini tie-in, the bull was later presented as a gift to Don Antonio Miura, a noted breeder, and went on to sire a line of famous fighting bulls. Murcielago also means bat in Spanish, and a Murcielago roadster is featured briefly in the movie Batman Begins. The coupe’s base price is US$ 273,000, which is US$90,000 more than its smaller sibling, the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Not many tuners dare to touch the Lamborghinis, but the few who do (Hamann, Edo) do so with great respect for the supercar icon. Imsa, a German high-tech engineering specialist, has developed an Autoclave moulded carbon fibre technology- and design-package for the ‘devil’ of the Lamborghini line-up. Autoclave moulding is normally a process reserved for F1 and other high-end motorsport racing.

The aggressive new front spoiler aligns perfectly to the, by 35 mm widened, wheel arches. On the upper side of the wheel arches imsa has added air ducts resulting in a reduction of the drag effect caused by non-aerodynamic airflow at higher (and top) speeds. The imsa side skirts garantees optimum airflow to the new rear diffuser which has been developed for a perfect interaction with the imsa rear spoiler.

The brand new imsa technical and aerodynamic-enhancement program for the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Imsa, the world-acclaimed, German High-Tech Engineering specialist, exclusively presents, after successfully introducing the stunning imsa GTV Supercar based on all versions of the Lamborghini Gallardo, its new technology and design-enhancement program for Lamborghini’s current top-of-the-range supercar, the Murcielago LP640.

Special emphasis must be laid on the technology- and design-package made from Autoklav moulded carbon fibre. Technology which is normally only being used in Formula 1 and other Top-motorsports Series.

Imsa’s main target was, for all owners of the Lamborghini top-of-the-range-model, to offer an exclusive product line, transforming the Murcielago both technically and optically into a unique work of art, with the aim of significantly enhancing the exclusivity of Lamborghini’s top-model.

The strinkingly aggressive and aerodynamically highly effective front apron (spoiler) perfectly aligned to the wheel arches (widened 35mm on each side), directly becomes apparent.

On the upper side of the wheel arches, imsa CFK air ducts have been integrated, resulting in a significant reduction of the drag effect caused by non-aerodynamic airflow at higher and highest velocity.

The imsa side-skirts on the underside guarantee the optimum airflow to the imsa diffuser, which has been developed for an aerodynamically perfect interaction with the imsa rear spoiler. Imsa herewith achieved to considerably lower the downforce at higher and highest speeds.

The benefits for the driver are a significant enhancement of driving stability, safety and enjoyment. All parts of the imsa-aerodynamic-enhancement program are either available in carbon-on-sight or can be painted in any colour of choice.

The imsa aerodynamic-enhancement-program is available from November 2007 on and will soon be available for the “standard” Murcielago as well.

The imsa technical enhancement program also includes – exactly as for the imsa GTV Supercar based on the Lamborghini Gallardo – exclusive imsa multi-part sports wheels with central locking system, various sports chassis with individual settings, and, last but not least, various imsa engine modifications and own engines.

At imsa, each customer is fully involved in the creation of his personal, unique imsa-Megacar handcrafted according to highest German standards of quality and precision.

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Lamborghini Murcielago is a supercar made by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and designed by Luc Donckerwolke. It was introduced in 2001 as the successor to the Diablo. The Murcielago is a two door, two seat coupe. To celebrate the Lamborghini company’s 40th birthday, 50 special edition Murcielagos were built during the autumn of 2003.

An open-top version called the Murcilago Roadster was introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The roadster features similar performance to the coupe with a more aggressive rear flank, as well as a considerably higher price tag.

The Murcielago sports a 6.2 L version of the legendary Lamborghini V12 engine, a six-speed manual or six-speed sequential automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. It also has a rear spoiler that can be raised to an angle of 70 degrees, side mirrors that fold in to improve aerodynamics, and side scoops that automatically open to the needed size to let in just the right amount of air needed to cool its engine.

The name Murcielago comes from a bull that survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 fight at the arena of Cordoba, and fought with such passion and spirit that the matador chose to spare its life, a rare honor. In another Lamborghini tie-in, the bull was later presented as a gift to Don Antonio Miura, a noted breeder, and went on to sire a line of famous fighting bulls. Murcielago also means bat in Spanish, and a Murcielago roadster is featured briefly in the movie Batman Begins.

The coupe base price is US$273,000, which is US$90,000 more than its smaller sibling, the Lamborghini Gallardo.

In 2006 the Murcielago’s engine was replaced by a stronger 6.5 L engine and the car’s name was changed to Murcielago LP640. For the 2007 model year Lamborghini did the same with the roadster model, which is now called Murcielago LP640 Roadster.

The name Murciélago (pronounced mur-thee-ay-la-go in traditional Castilian Spanish and mur-see-ay-la-go in Spanish spoken in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America), means “bat” in Spanish, comes from a bull that survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 fight at the arena of Córdoba, and fought with such passion and spirit that the matador chose to spare its life, a rare honor.

In another Lamborghini tie-in, the bull was later presented as a gift to Don Antonio Miura, who was a noted breeder and whose bull ranch the Lamborghini Miura was named after, and went on to sire a line of famous fighting bulls.

Around 50 Exotic cars whent for a six hour drive around Toronto. Some of the nicest rides in the world. Just to name a few of the cars.

Lamborghini Murcielago & Diablo, Ferrari F355, 360 & 550, Mercedes C32 AMG, Lotos Elise, Chevrolet corvette Z06, Acura NSX & S2000, Austin Vanquish DB7, Dodge Viper, Porsche 911 GT2 & Turbo. Tons of cars. Awesome day. This video was created by Picture Perfect Cinematography.

Is a 400HP Mitsubishi Lancer Evo MR enough to stand up to a Lamborghini? Check for yourself!

Ferrari FXX, Ferrari Enzo