The new and passionately developed Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
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Image Gallery ( 3 images )February 23, 2006 Spend an hour running your eyes over the current model Lamborghini Murciélago and you might find difficulty attempting to conceptualise doing it any differently. Yet all things must pass, and next week Automobili Lamborghini will present the "passionately developed evolution of the Lamborghini Murciélago Coupé" at the 76th International Car Show in Geneva. The new version features considerable innovation in terms of body design and mechanics. Its new name, Murciélago LP640, refers to the position its new 6.5 litre V12 engine - longitudinale posteriore - and to its power output of 640 bhp. Designers and engineers have not only focused on reworking the engine, suspension, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics, but also the interior and exterior design; improvements that retain the Murciélago LP640 positioning at the extremity of sports car performance and desirability. For those wishing to flaunt the 60° V12 heart of their Murciélago LP640, an engine hood made of transparent glass is now available. The first vehicles will be available later this year.
Since the original Murciélago’s debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001, around 2,000 vehicles have left the car plant in Sant’ Agata Bolognese.
Unmistakable Design
In their reinterpretation of the Murciélago LP640, the designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre have remained true to the traditional Lamborghini principles of purism, sport and function. The Murciélago LP640 now appears even more aggressive, with the new front and rear bumpers contributing significantly to its appearance. The exhaust system terminal has been incorporated within the diffuser on the rear bumper. Other innovations include the rear lights, which enhance the distinguishing features of the Murciélago LP640, making it unmistakable even at night. The design of the side panels is also worth mentioning: while the area behind the air intake on the right side is practically closed, the left side features a vast aperture for cooling the oil radiator. Together with the aerodynamically defined front and rear, this proves yet again that the shape of a Lamborghini is dictated by function.
For those wishing to flaunt the heart of their Murciélago LP640, on request an engine hood made of transparent glass can be supplied. The rear view mirrors and the windscreen wipers have been modified to improve aerodynamics and "Hermera" light metal wheel rims have been added. The graphics of the instrument panel lights in the cockpit have been revamped. The interior upholstery also has a new look thanks to the lozenge-shaped stitching.
More powerful engine
The engine of the new Murciélago LP640 has undergone radical modification. The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the 60° V12 engine from 6.2 litres to 6.5 litres (6,496 cc). Thus the already extraordinary 580 hp engine power has now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 hp (471 kW) at 8,000 rpm. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Naturally, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 complies with every European and North American law governing exhaust emmissions.
This evolutionary leap forward has been possible thanks to a coherent review of every engine component: the cylinder head and the entire intake system (based on the tried and tested Lamborghini variable geometry system), have been completely reworked. The crankshaft, camshafts and exhaust system have also undergone innovation. The increase in power naturally determines an increase in performance. The excellent performance of the Murciélago LP640 means it can now accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 3.4 seconds (0.4 seconds faster than the previous model), with a top speed of over 200mph.
Lamborghini engineers have also concentrated on improving torque development. The drivability of the engine is enhanced by a continuous variable timing system (intake and exhaust side) and a drive-by-wire engine management system. To meet the thermal requirements of the engine, the engineers have included a considerably larger oil radiator and subsequently, the air intake on the left side of the vehicle has been enlarged. The liquid cooling system, characterised by the Lamborghini VACS system (variable geometry air inlet system) remains the same. Electronically managed air intakes open depending on the outdoor temperature and the need for cooling air, ensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
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