Autopedia
Advertisement

Lamborghini-Murcielago LP640-2006-1024-01
Lamborghini Murciélago
Lamborghini
aka {{{aka}}}
Production 2001–2010
(4,099 built)
Class Sports car (S)
Body Style {{{Body Style}}}
Length {{{Length}}}
Width {{{Width}}}
Height {{{Height}}}
Wheelbase {{{Wheelbase}}}
Weight {{{Weight}}}
Transmission {{{Transmission}}}
Engine 6.2 L–6.5 L Lamborghini V12
Power {{{Power}}}
Similar Lamborghini Reventón
Designer Luc Donckerwolke (original design)
Lamborghini Style Center (facelift)


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.

A roadster variant was introduced in 2003, followed by the more powerful and updated LP 640 coupé and roadster and a limited edition LP 650–4 Roadster. The final variation to wear the Murciélago nameplate was the LP 670–4 SuperVeloce, powered by the largest and final evolution of the original Lamborghini V12 engine. Production of the Murciélago ended on 5 November 2010, with a total production run of 4,099 cars. Its successor, the Aventador, was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.



Recent Changes

  • [1]The LP 670–4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition is a limited version of the LP 670–4 SuperVeloce for the Chinese market. It is distinguished by the middle stripe. The vehicle, unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, has a top speed of 345 km/h (214 mph) and produces 670 hp (500 kW; 679 PS) and 661 N⋅m (488 lb⋅ft) of torque, which propels it from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.2 seconds. Production was limited to 10 units. 5he SuperVeloce China Limited Edition Has An Unique Paint Finish To Differentiate It From The 'Basic' SuperVeloce For The Rest Of The Globe. [2]
  • In 2009, Lamborghini released a limited-run update of the Murciélago Roadster (50 units). The LP 650-4's increased engine output is rated at 650 PS (478 kW; 641 hp) and 660 N⋅m (487 lbf⋅ft), allowing the car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). Available only in Grigio Telesto gray with Arancio orange highlights, the color scheme was continued on the inside. The LP 670-4 Was Supposed To Be A Roadster Version Of The SuperVeloce Despite Lacking The Aero Kit And The Increased Power Of The SuperVeloce, Strangely Enough A True Roadster Of The SV Was Never Sold Or Considered.[3]
  • At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled the lightest, most powerful, most aggressive Murciélago yet. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce packs the same 6.5 litre V12 as the LP640 but thanks to some tweaks in the valve timing and the air intake system now produces 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque. A weight reduction of 220 lbs also means the 0-62 mph sprint is covered in just 3.2 seconds while the top speed climbs to 212 mph with the standard, small spoiler. A larger "Aeropack Wing" is also offered which creates more downforce, however the additional drag drops top speed to 209 mph. Besides the performance upgrade, the new SV also receives a raft of aesthetic modifications to help facilitate better cooling and aerodynamics. [4]
  • For 2008, the Murciélago LP640 adds the option of iPod and USB connection, satellite navigation and perforated leather for the steering wheel. Those purchasing the Roadster can have the roof opted in dark blue or grey or the previous black. There is a new carbon fibre weave that lines the base of the steering wheel and the gear levers in models equipped with the e-gear transmission. Finally, Lamborghini is offering an unlimited mileage three-year warranty for the model.
  • [5]The Murciélago LP 640 Versace is a special limited edition of the LP 640 that was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Available in either white or black, only 20 were produced as both coupés and roadsters but only 8 were available for sale. Although the standard V12 engine was used, stylists from the Versace fashion house, and Lamborghini's Ad Personam program, collaborated to design custom interiors finished in two-toned Versace leather complemented with a Gianni Versace logo plaque on the centre console. Each unit came with matching Versace luggage, along with driving shoes and gloves. A matching watch from Versace's Precious Items department was also made available to customers.

Etymology of the Name[]

The name Murciélago comes from a bull from the stud farm of Joaquin del Val di Navarra that survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 fight at the arena of Cordoba, and fought with such passion and spirit that the matador, Rafael Molina (“Lagartijo”) chose to bestow upon it the rare honor of sparing its life. In another Lamborghini tie-in, the bull was later presented as a gift to Don Antonio Miura, a noted breeder and name sake of the iconic Lamborghini Miura, and went on to sire a line of famous fighting bulls including the infamous Islero, which was also lent its name to another Lamborghini. Murciélago also means bat in Spanish, and an LP580 Murciélago roadster is featured briefly in the movie Batman Begins while an LP640 coupe is used in the sequel The Dark Knight.

LP580[]

Lamborghini Murcielago
Lamborghini Murcielago
Lamborghini
aka LP580 / L147 (prototype)
Production 2002-2006
Class Supercar
Body Style 2-door, 2-seat, midengined Coupe
2-door, 2-seat, midengined Roadster
Length 178.6 in
Width 79.8 in
Height 44.3 in
Wheelbase 104 in
Weight 3637 lb
Transmission 6-speed Manual
6-speed E-Gear sequential gearbox
Engine 6.2 litre Lamborghini V12
Power 580 PS (572 hp; 427 kW) @ 7500 rpm
649 N·m (479 lb-ft) @ 5400 rpm
Similar Ferrari 575M Maranello
Aston Martin Vanquish
Designer Luc Donckerwolke

The LP580 is 2-seater, 2-door coupe (with the now familiar scissor doors) based on the traditional Lamborghini layout: mid-mounted V12 engine, typical Lamborghini transmission with the gearbox mounted in front of the engine and the rear differential integrated into the engine unit, permanent four-wheel drive with central viscous coupler.

This layout, successfully employed by Lamborghini for more than 30 years, affords an optimal weight distribution (58% rear and 42% front) with conspicuous advantages for traction, braking and handling. The suspension design (independent double wishbones) represents the best possible solution for a high-performance GT and, again, is in keeping with Lamborghini tradition.

The external bodywork panels are made from carbon fiber, with the exception of the steel roof and door panels.

The rear of the LP580 features two "active" intakes for the engine cooling air. With the exclusive VACS (“Variable Air-flow Cooling System”), the aperture of these air intakes can be varied to suit the driving conditions. Furthermore, to ensure correct aerodynamic equilibrium at all speeds, the angle of the rear spoiler can also be altered. According to the speed of the car, the rear spoiler can assume three different positions: closed from 0 to 80 mph, partially open (50°) between 80 and 140 mph and fully open (70°) above 140 mph. Depending on the aperture of the air intakes and the position of the rear spoiler, the car's Cx coefficient varies from a minimum of 0.33 to a maximum of 0.36. Bi-xenon headlights produce both main and dipped beams.

For the windscreen wiper, it was decided to adopt the proven single-arm pantograph design. This system increases the area swept by the wiper blade, thereby reducing blind spots in the visual field of the driver, and operates correctly at high speed without obstructing the driver's view when at rest.

The wing mirrors can be folded electrically and are mounted on long support arms so that the driver can see beyond the rear wings, which are especially prominent when the air intakes are open. However, mirror stability is not compromised, even at high speeds.

Murciélago Roadster (2004–2006)[]

The concept car of the upcoming open-top variant was presented at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show as the Murciélago Barchetta.[25] The production version called the Murciélago Roadster was introduced in 2004. Primarily designed to be an open-top car, it employed a manually attached soft roof as a cover from adverse weather, but a warning on the windshield header advised the driver not to exceed 100 mph (160 km/h) with the roof in place. The roof which was made of fabric could be folded and fit into a leather bag supplied with the car in order to store it in the front compartment when not in use. The designer, Luc Donckerwolke used the B-2 stealth bomber, the Wally 118 WallyPower yacht, and architect Santiago Calatrava's Ciutat de Les Arts i Les Ciències in Valencia, Spain as his inspiration for the roadster's revised rear pillars and engine cover. The roadster weighs 29 kg (65 lb) more than the coupé due to the loss of the roof and the addition of chassis reinforcing components. The roadster could accelerate from 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) in 3.8 seconds which is more than the coupé owing to the increased weight while the top speed remained the same as the coupé.

Photos[]


Murciélago LP 640 (2006–2010)[]

LP640-2
Lamborghini Murcielago
Lamborghini
aka LP640
Production 2006-2009
Class Supercar
Body Style 2-door, 2-seat, midengined Coupe
2-door, 2-seat, midengined Roadster
Length 180 in
Width 80 in
Height 44 in
Wheelbase 104 in
Weight 1665 kg
Transmission 6-speed Manual
6-speed E-Gear sequential gearbox
Engine 6.5 litre Lamborghini V12
Power 640 PS/631 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Comparable Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Ferrari Enzo Ferrari
Ford GT
Porsche Carrera GT
Aston Martin DBS
Pagani Zonda
Designer Lamborghini Centro Stile

The LP640 version was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006, as a facelift for the coupé version. It features a 6.5 L engine, now producing 640 bhp, improving performance substantially. Like the base Murciélago, the engine is mounted "backwards", with the transmission at the very back of the car. There were also a few minor external changes, primarily to the low air intakes. The LP640 has a set price tag of US$350,000.

The front and rear bumpers have been reshaped to channel air more efficiently, and the new exhaust has been shaped into the rear diffuser to minimize aerodynamic lift. The air intake on the left side has been enlarged to accommodate the feeding of the oil cooler. The car's body is made up of steel and carbon fiber, while underneath a revised suspension has been added to keep up with the car's exceptional performance. It also has a all-wheel-drive system that normally distributes 70% of the torque to the rear wheels, but can allocate up to 100% to either end depending on where the grip is running out. There are also new 18-inch Hermera alloy wheels running huge 335/30 tires at the rear. The LP640 retains the original car's scissor-opening doors.

Inside the LP640, the seating has been reshaped to accommodate greater headroom, while an upgraded instrument panel is flanked by an improved stereo system.

The LP640's optional equipment includes ceramic brakes for swifter braking and a glass engine cover which shows off the LP640's 6.5 L V12 engine.

A special edition version of the Murciélago LP640 was introduced at the Paris Motor Show. The Versace edition features a customized all-white exterior and a matching white interior.[6][7]

Engine[]

LP stands for Longitudinale Posteriore, referring to the longtitudinally-mounted, 6.5 L V12 engine, capable of producing up to 631 bhp (640 PS; 471 kW) at 8000 rpm. Along with a new six-speed manual transmission, which can come in Lamborghini's optional paddle shift "E-gear" package, the LP640 can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds: 0.4 seconds quicker than the LP580 Murciélago. The LP640 is accommodated by an electronic launch-control device called "Thrust Control".

Roadster[]

At the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, Lamborghini announced that the roadster version of the Murciélago would also be updated to LP 640 specifications.

Reliability[]

  • RECALL ALERT: On May 23, 2010, Lamborghini issued a recall notice concerning 428 examples of the 2007-2008 model year Murcielago LP640 Coupe and Roadster models in the United States due to defective welds holding the fuel pump support inside the fuel tank that could detach leading to a fuel leak and, possibly, fire. Owners are urged to visit their local Lamborghini dealership where the defective component will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during in June. If you happen to own one of the affected models, you may contact Lamborghini for more information directly at 1-912-409-5634 or 1-508-808-9562. [8]

Gallery[]

Murcielago LP640 Ad Personam

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.[28] 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. However, only 186 LP 670-4s were produced before the factory had to make room for the new Aventador production line. The chassis numbers of the total cars manufactured do not represent manufacturing order.

Gallery[]


Model List[]

  • Murcielago LP580 6.2
  • Murcielago LP600 R-GT (based on LP580 bodywork)
  • Murcielago LP580 40th Anniversary
  • Murcielago LP580 Roadster
  • Murcielago LP640 6.5
  • Murcielago LP640 Versace
  • Murcielago LP640 Roadster
  • Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster
  • Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce

Motorsport[]

Lambo Murcielago R-GT

The Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT is a race-only version of the Murciélago, developed jointly with Reiter Engineering and Audi Sport. It has rear-wheel drive unlike the standard Murciélago to comply with the FIA, ACO, and JAF rules. The car features an airflow-restricted 5998 cc engine. Its acceleration and top speed are highly dependent on the gearing selected for a particular race track.

In March 2006 at the Super GT Suzuka 300 kms, the Murcielago R-GT specifically built for Super GT (and rebadged RG-1) recorded the first win ever for a Murcielago when the number 88 AKTIO Murcielago R-GT run by the Japan Lamborghini Owners Club garnered an in class win in the GT300 class.

In December 2006, Reiter Engineering tested an upgraded Murcielago R-GT LM, featuring redesigned body work and a new rear wing with less drag.

Design Quirks and Oddities[]

  • While the Murciélago is no doubt an impressive machine, it was nearly outperformed on Top Gear's test track when piloted by a British Touring Car Championship driver. He was unable to pull away from a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-400, a 4-door saloon with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine, being driven by Jeremy Clarkson. In the hands of "The Stig", however, the Murciélago was 1.1 seconds faster around the track than the Mitsubishi.
  • Drivers of the convertible model are advised to stay below 100mph when the roof is in place. Future models will be getting a carbon fiber roof that is expected to allow them to exceed that limit. The optional Interior Carbon Package offered in the newer models include interior car components made from carbon fiber. These components include covers for the driver side display, dashboard covers (both for the left and right hand side), covers for the air conditioning and radio, handles on the sides of the central tunnel, gear lever, frames around the armrest and the ashtray.
  • The engineers at Lamborghini have included carbon-ceramic brakes in the design of the Murcielago. These carbon-ceramic discs differentiate the Murcielago from other models. Advantages of these discs include improved handling, agility and efficiency. and shorter braking distances with reduced pedal effort. Therefore braking efficiency remains constant at both low and high temperature, with no fading, even after hard use. This leads to longer lifetime use of the car and a state of the art system.
  • According to CarsGUIDE, you can buy 16,475 skateboards, 3295 mountain bikes, 244 Bug Jive scooters, 49 Holden Barinas, 38 Honda CBR1000RR superbikes and 6 Porsche Boxters for the price of an LP640 Murciélago costing $659,000 AUD.

See Also[]

Reventon 2008 14navboxf
LAMBORGHINI

Volkswagen Group


Volkswagen | Audi | SEAT | Škoda | Bentley | Bugatti | Lamborghini | Ducati | Porsche


Current Models: Revuelto · Temerario · Urus SE · Essenza SCV12 · Countach LPI 800-4

Historic Models: Huracán · Sián FKP 37 · Aventador · Centenario Murciélago LP640 · Roadster · LP670-4 SV · Reventón · Reventón Roadster · Miura · Countach · Diablo · Espada · Silhouette · Jalpa · 350GT · 400GT · Islero · Jarama · LM002 · Urraco · Gallardo Superleggera .Gallardo

Concept Cars: 350 GTV · AMS · Athon · Bravo · Cala · Canto · Cheetah · P140 · Concept S · Faena · Genesis · LM001 · LM003 · LM004 · LMA002 · Marco Polo · Countach Evoluzione · Marzal · Miura Concept · Portofino · Raptor · Stella · Miura Spyder Concept · Estoque Concept · Sesto Elemento Concept · Aventador J · Veneno Concept . Egoista Concept . Asterion Concept . Terzo Millennio . V12 Vision Gran Turismo

One-Offs: 3500 GTZ Zagato · GT Monza

Racing Vehicles: Murcielago R-GT · SC63 · Super Trofeo (Privateer)

SUV Vehicles: LM002 · Urus


Tonino Lamborghini · Ad Personam


Ferruccio Lamborghini Corporate website A subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group



Lamborghini road car timeline ([edit])
Type 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ferruccio Lamborghini Rossetti/Leimer receivership Mimram Chrysler M'tec/V'Power Audi
FR GT 350GT
2+2 400GT Islero Jarama
Coupe Espada
RMR V8/V10 Silhouette Jalpa Gallardo
2+2 Urraco
V12 4000 GT Miura Countach Diablo Murcielago
SUV LM002

External links[]

Smallwikipedialogo.png This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Lamborghini Murciélago. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Autopedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


Advertisement