Lamborghini Murciélago
Lamborghini Murciélago | |
---|---|
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Lamborghini Diablo |
Successor | Lamborghini Aventador |
The Lamborghini Murciélago is a sports car produced by Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini between 2001[9] 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.[10]
A
Name
Lamborghini cars are often named after
Variants
Murciélago (2001–2006)
The Murciélago is an
The first generation cars were known simply as Murciélago. The 6,192 cc (6.2 L; 377.9 cu in) naturally aspirated V12 engine installed in the first generation cars generated a maximum power output of 580 PS (572 hp; 427 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,400 rpm, accelerating the car from a stand still to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).[13] Subsequent versions incorporated an alphanumeric designation to the name Murciélago, which indicated their engine orientation and output. However, the original Murciélago is never referred to as "LP 580".
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.
Murciélago LP 640 (2006–2010)
In March 2006, Lamborghini unveiled an updated version of the Murciélago at the
Murciélago LP 640 Roadster (2006–2010)
At the
Murciélago LP 670–4 SuperVeloce (2009–2010)
At the
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.[19] 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).[20] 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.[21]
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, an Instagram page known as "@murcielagosv.registry" has been tracking the exact number of LP 670-4s and as of 2023 there have been 261 units found so far. 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.
Limited editions
40th Anniversary Edition
In 2003, Lamborghini celebrated its 40th anniversary by introducing a limited production run of fifty 40th-Anniversary Edition Murciélagos. Enhancements over the standard car included a limited-edition blue body color that was called "Verde Artemis", carbon-fibre exterior detailing, upgraded wheels, a revamped exhaust system, and a numbered plaque on the inside of the rear window. The interior also featured unique leather trim.[22]
LP 640 Versace
The Murciélago LP 640
LP 650–4 Roadster
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.[25]
LP 670–4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition (2010)
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.
Safety recall
In May 2010 in the United States, Lamborghini recalled 428 of its 2007–2008 Murciélago coupés and roadsters because of the possibility of weld failure on the fuel pump support inside the fuel tank, potentially leading to a fuel leak and possible fire.[30][31]
Specifications
Engines
Model | Engine | Power and torque | Acceleration (seconds) | Top Speed | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) | 0–160 km/h (0–100 mph) | 0–240 km/h (0–149 mph) | Quarter Mile | ||||
Murciélago (2001–2006)[32][33] | 6,192 cc (6.2 L) V12 | 580 PS (427 kW; 572 hp) at 7,500 rpm, 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) at 5,400 rpm | 3.8 | 8.3 | 21.4 | 11.7 at 196 km/h (122 mph) | official: 332 km/h (206 mph) |
Murciélago LP 640-4 (2006 – 2010)[34][35] | 6,496 cc (6.5 L) V12 | 640 PS (471 kW; 631 hp) at 8,000 rpm, 660 N⋅m (487 lb⋅ft) at 6,000 rpm | 3.4 | 7.5 | -- | 11.2 seconds at 204 km/h (127 mph) | official: 340 km/h (211 mph) |
Murciélago LP 640-4 Roadster (2006 – 2010)[36] | 3.5 | 8.1 | 16.1 | 11.8 at 203 km/h (126 mph) | official: 336 km/h (209 mph) | ||
Murciélago LP 650–4 Roadster (2010)[37][38][39] | 650 PS (478 kW; 641 hp) at 8,000 rpm, 660 N⋅m (487 lb⋅ft) at 6,000 rpm | 3.1 | - | - | - | official: 338 km/h (210 mph) | |
Murciélago LP 670–4 SuperVeloce (2009 – 2010)[28][40][41] | 670 PS (493 kW; 661 hp) at 8,000 rpm, 660 N⋅m (487 lb⋅ft) at 6,500 rpm | 2.8[42] | - | - | 10.9 at 209.9 km/h (130.4 mph) (R&T) | official: 342 km/h (213 mph) 337 km/h (209 mph) with Aeropack Wing |
Motorsport
R-GT
The Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT is a racing version of the Murciélago, developed jointly with
In March 2007, the
In April 2009, beating a
RG-1
The Lamborghini Murciélago RG-1 was built for the Japan Lamborghini Owners Club (
- RG-1LM
- The Lamborghini Murciélago RG-1LM (alias: RGT-LM) is endurance version of Murciélago RG-1 specially developed for JLOC by Reiter Engineering and run in 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2006.[45]
LP 670 R-SV
The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670 R-SV is an evolution of the R-GT developed by
Related development
Lamborghini Miura concept
In January 2006, a
Lamborghini president and CEO, Stefan Winkelmann, rejected any possibility of the concept marking the Miura's return to production, however, stating “The Miura was a celebration of our history, but Lamborghini is about the future. Retro design is not what we are here for. So we won’t do the Miura.”[47]
Lamborghini Reventón
Debuted in 2007 at the
Production
Year | Units | Coupé | Roadster |
---|---|---|---|
2001[49] | 65 | 65 | - |
2002[49] | 442 | 442 | - |
2003[50] | 424 | 424 | - |
2004[50] | 384 | 304 | 80 |
2005[51] | 464 | 230 | 234 |
2006[51] | 444 | 323 | 121 |
2007[52] | 629 | 423 | 206 |
2008[52] | 637 | 454 | 183 |
2009[53] | 331 | 274 | 57 |
2010[53] | 163 | 145 | 18 |
Total | 3,983 | 3,084 | 899 |
In popular culture
The Murciélago is featured on the cover and in the car roster of the racing video game Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2. A Murciélago LP 640 in police livery is also featured in the promotional video of Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit alongside a Pagani Zonda Cinque.[54]
The Murciélago Roadster was used in the 2005 film Batman Begins and the Murciélago LP 640 was used in its sequel The Dark Knight. It is used as Bruce Wayne's personal transport, with its name meaning "bat" connecting to his identity as "Batman". Lamborghini lent the production crew of The Dark Knight three Murciélago LP 640s to use in a chase scene. One of the cars was destroyed in the process.[55]
The Murciélago is the titular Lamborghini referenced in the Kanye West song Mercy, though the actual car depicted in the music video is a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.
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- Pathmanathan, Thillainathan; Lamborghini, Tonino (2018). Lamborghini Murciélago. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845849221.