Because in Life, Everybody is a Winner.
07.31.06 // 17:50
By: Che Chou
Last Friday, we posted our third Dyno Spotlight article featuring Roy Cats' 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago; appended at the end of the profile was our audio quiz with four different exotic car engine audio samples. I asked our readers at large to send in their best and most educated guesses — and many of you have — but sadly, I must void the contest because, unbeknownst to me, the sound files posted had the actual car names imbedded in the MP3 file ID. It's no wonder, then, that so many of you send in the right answers.
Rather than punish everyone, I shall now declare all of you winners (and/or cheaters)! And since the cat's already outta the proverbial bag, here are the correct answers, complete with commentary from one of Turn 10's research buffs, Scott Catlin. Sorry to have spoiled our own contest and disappointed others — and thanks to those who took the time to reply through email. Look for the next Dyno Spotlight article in a week or so!
Turn 10 Lamborghini Audio Challenge Results
By: Scott "Punch In the Face" Catlin
The 6.0L V12 wedged into the Ferrari Enzo is a masterpiece, built using only the best materials and technology from Formula 1: Nikasil, titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The intake and exhaust geometry is adjusted on the fly to provide optimum breathing. All the effort pays off in dividends of 660hp and an 8200rmp redline. On the "punch in the face" meter, this dyno run hits "Oscar DeLa Hoya" levels -- i.e., it sounds good, the ladies like it, but he's still kicking the crap out of you.
To compete with the 390HP Ferrari 512TR, Lamborghini introduced a new version of its V12 engine in 1985 and dropped it into the Countach LP500 QV. Enlarged stroke and increased displacement to 5167cc bumped the Countach to 455hp, well above the Ferrari. Hell, even the detuned US version beats the 512TR. On the "punch in the face" meter the Countach V12 dyno run is a "Tyler Durden"; bare knuckled, but you're still friends when it's over.
On the Lamborghini Diablo assembly line, each V12 engine is completely built by a single individual. That's helpful when the customer has so many options available; you can even choose your own compression ratio. In standard form the Diablo SV pushes 510hp at 7100rpm, but with supercharger tuning you can easily see 700hp. A true beast of an engine, on the "punch in the face" meter, the Diablo SV V12 dyno run gets a "Mike Tyson." You might make it ten rounds, but your ears will be bleeding.
Despite what some may think of a German-designed body on the Italian Murcielago (blasphemy!), the engine is all Lamborghini. A fully updated version of the famous V12, complete with dry sump lubrication system to allow the car to sit even lower to the ground, the 6.2L motor squirts out 572hp of AWD corner-straightening power. On the ol' face punch meter, this latest Lambo dyno run rates a "Jackie Chan." It's lightning fast, and you're not really sure whether or not one of the punches you just took was your own fist.
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