Lamborghini: Trademark twelve-cylinder engine
LEGENDARY Lamborghini celebrates its V12 engine. The power plant has powered the brand's iconic models over nearly 60 years of history. For example, the Murciélago, which debuted in September 2001.
Even at the premiere of the Lamborghini Murciélago, the engine, which had been enlarged to 6.2 liters, developed a maximum output of 580 hp. The new model was the first Lamborghini to be designed entirely using the CAD-CAM system. This guaranteed particularly high planning accuracy and enabled significantly higher production quality.
The Murciélago's aesthetic was created entirely in the new design department, Centro Stile Lamborghini. This was headed at the time by Luc Donckerwolke, who had already redesigned the Diablo, but for the Murciélago had the rare privilege of starting with a blank drawing board for both body and interior design.
From 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds
At the time of its creation, the Murciélago was only available as a coupe and with a 6.2-liter engine. With this, the vehicle accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reached a top speed of 330 km/h. In 2004, the coupe was supplemented by a roadster version.
The second generation, officially called the Murciélago LP 640-4, was introduced in 2007 and produced until 2010 with a V12 upgraded to 640 hp at 8000 rpm.
This was followed by the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster with a manual top and an engine enlarged to 6.5 liters with 650 hp. In 2009 and 2010, the 670-4 Super Veloce with 670 hp and a top speed of 341 km/h was also produced.
With manual transmission and all-wheel drive
All Murciélago models were equipped with all-wheel drive. The Ferguson viscous differential could send up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear axle. The chassis consisted of carbon components together with an aluminum composite platform structure.
The chassis was completely revised with a new suspension and geometry. The Murciélago was also the last V12 Lamborghini to be equipped with a manual transmission. Later, an automated transmission was offered as an option, with gear changes via shift paddles behind the steering wheel.
