The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
Why It's Special:
A few miles to the Northeast from Maranello sits the town of Sant’Agata Bolognese, home to Lamborghini. The town has flourished over the last couple years thanks to Audi’s purchase and leadership of Lamborghini. A large part of the revival is due to the success of the Murcielago, the flagship model. Not wanting their pride and joy to grow too long in the tooth, Lamborghini has released the 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 (longitudinal engine position, 640hp). Rest assured that changes are not only mechanical, but let’s get to the important bits first.
Under the Hood:
The classic 60-degree V12 engine has an increase in displacement, from 6.2 to 6.5 liters and has been fitted with completely revised cylinder heads. In addition the variable intake system has been upgraded along with small improvements to the crankshaft, camshafts and the exhaust system. Consequently drivers find themselves strapped to an engine which inhales massive amounts of air, creates 640hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, then exhales an 8,400rpm fortissimo Italian symphony.
In terms of torque, the continuously-variable valve timing system has been revised along with the engine’s drive-by-wire system to improve torque delivery across the entire RPM range. Both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed e-gear (sequential) transmission is available, the latter coming equipped with a launch control system appropriately called “thrust”. The chassis is still world class, being constructed from sheet steel and honeycombed carbon-fiber for the ultimate in strength, stiffness and lightness.
Carried over from the standard Murcielago is Lamborghini’s VT (viscous traction) AWD system. It provides the driver with insane amounts of grip and provides dynamic handling at the same time. Versatility is also a key feature of VT AWD as 100% of the engine’s torque can be applied to either axle, while a 30/70% split is default. A car with a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 211mph needs some serious brakes and the Murcielago LP640 steps up to the task. 380mm carbon ceramic discs hugged by 6-piston calipers are found front and rear, and can haul the car from 60-0mph in just 107ft!
The Verdict:
Careful attention was paid to styling enhancements, incorporating Lamborghini’s principles of “purism, sport and function”. Both bumpers augment the aerodynamic and aesthetic profiles with the use of splitters and diffusers. Even the side mirrors and the windscreen wipes have been reshaped to reduce drag. Also important to note is the design of the asymmetrical side-skirts. The left hand opening is massive and feeds large amounts of air to the external engine-oil cooler while the right hand side is sleek to improve the aerodynamic profile. There is no doubt that the Murcielago LP640 is a supercar of epic proportions and one that can easily carry the proud Lamborghini name for years to come.
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