Lamborghini, one of Italy's premiere Supercar builders, has been at the forefront of the legendary automobile creation since the early 70's when they released their Countach. An Iconic emblem of Italian speed. For 2011, Lamborghini is back at it again, taking all the soul of the Countach, from its scissor function doors, to the huge V-12 engine, not to mention the sky high price, and have transplanted it into the Murcielago, the current flagship supercar for the company.
Even in its standard form, the Murcielago sports 6.5 liver V-12 engine screaming in the driver's ears as it develops a tire shredding 632 horsepower. This monster power plant is located just behind the driver's seat and sending its power to all four wheels through either a 6 speed manual or Lamborghini's "e-gear" which is their Auto clutch manual option. An even more powerful option is available however, in the Super Veloce edition. Here, the power is bumped up to 661 horses.
While primarily a coupe, a roadster edition is offered as well, though only 50 of these topless models will be produced.
The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe, convertible
Engine: 6.5L V-12
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto-clutch manual
Models: LP 640, LP 640 Roadster, LP 670-4 SV
What's New
Lamborghini introduced both the SV -- lighter and more potent than the standard Murcielago -- and the open-air Roadster versions for the 2010 model year. While the Roadster is rarer, the SV is juicier. Roughly 220 pounds lighter than the LP 640, the SV also sports the previously noted power bump, a revised bod (with larger, fixed rear wing), and carbon-fiber cabin trim.
Exterior
Look up the word "Murcielago" in the dictionary, and you'll find the following definition: "To arrive with all the subtlety of Pamela Anderson in a Saran Wrap bikini. To humiliate the weak. To own any valet stand."
Interior
Fire up the V-12, and suddenly you won't care that: (a) you can barely see anything behind you, (b) to back up you'll need a spotter, (c) climbing out can make you look like a circus clown.
Performance & Handling
Few automobiles on earth run like this one. The "regular" LP 640 scorches to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. The SV can do it in just 3.2. Top speed, claims Lamborghini, is well north of 200 mph (211 mph for the SV). Maximum grip hovers around 1.0 g, and the Murcielago is far lighter on its feet than its size might suggest.
Safety
The Roadster adds a measure of security with rollover bars that automatically deploy if the car begins to turn turtle. Otherwise, the safety extras are minimal (no side air bags, no stability control).
EPA Fuel Economy
LP 640, Roadster: 8 mpg city/13 mpg highway
SV: 9 mpg city/14 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Blistering performance
- The V-12's howl
- Sensational styling
- Being treated like a rock star
You Won't Like
- Outrageous price tag
- Laughable rear visibility
- Horrendous fuel consumption
Sum Up
As outrageous as Lady Gaga, but sounds better
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ferrari 599 GTO
- Your own private autobahn