Wild thing

The ultimate road-going version of the Murcielago with a 640 hp 6.5 V12 engine

A week before its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show, Lambiorghini gives us an exclusive preview of its latest jewel, the all new Murcielago LP640.

Unlike the Miura Concept, the LP640 is a road going production model which will bear the title of the fastest production Lamborghini ever built. In the heart of the beast lays a 6.5-litre V12. The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the classic 60° V-engine from 6.2 litres to 6.5 litres (6,496 cm3). Thus the already extraordinary 580 hp engine power has now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 hp (471 kW) at 8,000 min-1. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 6,000 min-1. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 complies with every European and North American law governing exhaust fumes.

Coupled to a new six-speed gearbox, which can also be ordered with Lambo's e-gear sequential paddle shift, the LP640 neads a mearly 3,4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph). Thats 0.4 seconds quicker than the “normal” 6.2 V12 Murcielago. Although the Italians –or Germans shall we say, have yet announce a top speed, the word is that the LP640 will exceed 340 kmh or 210mph.

Helping it to achieve this colossal speed and remain stable are plenty of aerodynamic changes for the LP. Reshaped front and rear bumpers direct air more efficiently, while the exhaust is now incorporated into the rear diffuser to help cancel out aerodynamic lift at high speeds. Lamborghini has also created a larger air intake on the left side to feed the oil cooler.

For those wishing to show off the LP's 6.5-litre V12, a glass engine cover can be ordered.Under the steel and carbon fibre skin, revised suspension copes with the increased performance, while ceramic brakes are an option to help bring things to a halt more swiftly and efficiently.

There's also a four-wheel-drive system that normally splits 70% of the torque to the back, but can allocate up to 100% to each end depending on where the grip is running out., the LP640 wears new 18-inch Hermera alloy wheels running on 335/30 tyres at the rear. Finaly. inside, there are reshaped seats for improved comfort and greater headroom, plus a revised instrument panel. Lamborghini will announce prices of the new LP640 in Geneva with the first vehicles being available in spring 2006.

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