LAMBORGHINI Murcielago silver. Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) show 2016
The Lamborghini Murciélago is a sports car produced by Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini between 2001 and 2010. Successor to the Diablo and flagship V12 of the automaker’s lineup, the Murciélago was introduced as a coupé in 2001.
The car was first available in North America for the 2002 model year. The Murciélago was Lamborghini’s first new design in eleven years, and was also the brand’s first new model under the ownership of German parent company Audi, which is owned by Volkswagen. The car is designed by Peruvian-born Belgian Luc Donckerwolke, Lamborghini’s head of design from 1998 to 2005.
Murciélago LP 670–4 SuperVeloce (2009–2010)
At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled a high performance variant of the Murciélago, the LP 670–4 SuperVeloce. The SV moniker had previously appeared on the Diablo SV, as well as the Miura SV. The SV variants are more track-oriented than the normal production variants and are usually produced in limited numbers.
The SuperVeloce’s 6,496 cc (6.5 L; 396.4 cu in) V12 engine generates a maximum power output 670 PS (493 kW; 661 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 660 N⋅m (487 lb⋅ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, due to revised valve timing and upgraded intake system. The air intakes were made bigger for better brake cooling and the front spoiler extended much farther for improved downforce.
The engine cover was specially designed for the SV and consisted of three hexagonal plexiglass plates supported by a carbon fibre framework. The car’s weight was also reduced by 100 kg (220 lb) through the extensive use of carbon fibre inside and out. A new, lighter exhaust system also helps in saving weight.
The interior was also trimmed in Alcantara as a weight saving measure. As a result of the extensive weight loss, the SV has a power-to-weight ratio of 429 hp/long ton.
The LP 640’s optional 15-inch carbon-ceramic disc brakes with 6 piston callipers came as standard equipment with the car.
In its June 2009 issue, Car and Driver magazine estimated that the LP 670–4 SV is capable of accelerating to 96 km/h (60 mph) from a standing start in just 3.0 seconds and on to 161 km/h (100 mph) in 7.2 seconds.
Subsequent testing by Road & Track revealed a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds and a quarter mile time of 10.9 seconds at 129.4 mph (208.2 km/h).
Lamborghini claimed a top speed of 342 km/h (213 mph) when the car is fitted with an optional smaller spoiler, or 337 km/h (209 mph) with the standard Aeropack spoiler.
According to Maurizio Reggiani, head of Lamborghini R&D at the time, the LP 670–4 SV’s steering was tuned for high-speed sensitivity. The original production plan of the ultimate Murciélago was limited to 350 cars.
The initial plan of 350 units was scrapped due to the factory requiring to make room for the Aventador’s assembly line which is the Murcielago’s successor. The chassis numbers of the total cars manufactured do not represent manufacturing order.
