The new king of the bulls is even more powerful, lighter and fasterThe
Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports
cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model
range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model -
the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and
faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12
increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the
Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg
(5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a
breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342
km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this
350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very
first glance.
With its outstanding performance, razor-sharp
precision and exceptional high-speed stability, the Lamborghini
Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the ultimate performance car for
advanced sports car drivers. The super sports car has been extensively
redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a
choice of two aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear
spoiler. The interior in Alcantara and carbon fiber provides a purist
and minimalist approach.
In order to achieve the substantial
weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4
SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every
aspect - from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the
interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result
of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The
significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased
downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very
high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands
at 342 km/h (212 mph), while the large "Aeropack Wing" and its added
downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).
"The new
Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our
brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually
any other automobile," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of
Automobili Lamborghini. "As the new top model of the highly successful
Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving
dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company's technological
expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving
experience."
Design and AerodynamicsThe
Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand - a sports machine of
menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a
supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality. Wide, low, with its
glass area pushed way forward and a long, taut back - the interplay
between the soft contours of the basic form and razor sharp edges is the
perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality
of its character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car
market.
Yet even a character like this can be further refined -
the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the more extreme,
even more purist pinnacle of the model range. This is clearly evident
from the very first glimpse of its completely redesigned front end -
pulled way forward and finished in matt black paint, the carbon fiber
front spoiler is connected to the front end via two vertical elements.
The large air intakes for the front brakes are more powerfully
emphasized. The new front fenders feature additional air intakes for
brake ventilation. The air vent for the oil cooler located in the
driver-side sill area is painted matt black to match the sills.
The
modifications are even more apparent around the mighty engine bay of
the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The twelve-cylinder engine is
presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine
bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer
plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels
within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear,
playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.
The
impressive rear end of the SuperVeloce is dominated by a veritably
noble, flat and extremely wide exhaust tailpipe and, on the underside,
by a two-level diffuser system finished entirely in carbon fiber. The
rear light clusters display their signals in that distinctive Y-shape
that has been a fixed element of Lamborghini design since the Murciélago
LP 640, Reventón and Gallardo LP 560-4. The panel between the lights is
made from carbon fiber, while the large intake mesh below expands
across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled aluminum,
the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the
necessary heat protection.
The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP
670-4 SuperVeloce have been completely redeveloped. Alongside the
enlarged front spoiler and the twin rear diffuser, the new fixed rear
spoiler also plays an important role. Customers can choose between two
versions, with the small rear spoiler providing improved downforce at
high speeds. As an option, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be
supplied with the "Aeropack Wing" - a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing
mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up
provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very
highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murciélago LP 670-4
SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.
Bodyshell and Lightweight Construction
With
the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini
proves its expertise in the manufacture of lightweight materials and in
working with hi-tech carbon fiber. The structure of the super sports car
is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a
tubular steel frame - as in a race car. The transmission tunnel and the
floor are made of carbon fiber, attached to the steel frame using rivets
and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are
formed in sheet steel, while the remainder of the outer skin is made
from carbon composite material.
For the Murciélago LP 670-4
SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant'Agata Bolognese recalculated the
framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This
achieved two objectives - on the one hand, they increased the torsional
stiffness of the chassis by 12 percent to provide improved handling
precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg
(44 lbs), making a significant contribution to the reduction of overall
vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to lightweight design
continues throughout the entire bodyshell. The front fenders, the rear
side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are made of
a modified carbon-fiber material. Combined with the removal of the
drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction
of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).
Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight
reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from the
interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and
drive train.
Power Unit and TransmissionThe
longitudinally mounted 6.5 liter V12 delivers the infernal power for an
unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp (493 kW), the engine in
the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the
Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm (487
lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is
reached at 8,000 rpm, with an average piston speed of 23.7 meters per
second - a figure almost comparable to race engines.
The V12 is
eager to deliver its performance - it brings its menacing power with
immediacy and precision to guarantee breathtaking performance - after
only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h (62 mph).
The
engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder
angle of 60 degrees, are made from aluminum. The four chain-driven
camshafts are variably controlled, while the intake manifold operates in
three stages - both technologies add even greater thrust to the
merciless pushing power. To increase the performance of the SuperVeloce,
the intake system was modified, the valve train optimized and, most
importantly, valve travel was increased.
The control electronics
for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini - each cylinder
bank has its own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more
cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in
operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell. Dry sump lubrication
enables the V12 to be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the
handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under extremely
dynamic driving conditions. With 12 liters of lubricating oil in
circulation, the oil cooler is located on the left side of the vehicle
and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.
The
weight reduction of more than 26 kg (57 lbs) in the engine area was
derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. The muffler
has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce
manufactured from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP
640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic
experience that is surely equal to the driving performance - from the
heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty
elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the
grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8,000 revs.
The
SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated
manual transmission e.gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear
extremely quickly and smoothly. A cockpit display informs the driver of
the gear currently engaged. In addition a special "Corsa" mode and a
"Low adherence" mode are available.
As a no-premium option, the
SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short
metal shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In
both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to
the weight loss program.
All-Wheel Drive and Chassis
The
Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road
with great reliability - assured by its permanent all-wheel drive.
Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent
of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The
front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent.
With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murciélago delivers a
decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to
accelerating out of a corner - and always with maximum stability. The
rear axle bears 58 percent of its overall weight - a distribution ratio
that is highly beneficial to traction.
Explosive dynamics,
tenacious cornering and extreme speeds - the Murciélago LP 670-4
SuperVeloce is a super sports car packed with aggressive power, but by
no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very little power
support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to
tackle the beast head on are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and
trust - as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its strengths,
thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behavior that can
always be anticipated.
The Murciélago is fitted with double
wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts - two on each of the rear
wheels and one on each of the front - control the loads transferred from
the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the
vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as
garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive "Ares"
alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive five twin-spoke design. The
front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport
335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard.
Four
brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty
stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned
by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell,
while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for
the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are exceptionally lightweight,
fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.
Interior and Equipment
Even
stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as
individual as the vehicle itself. The upward-opening doors - a solution
developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach - are
released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of
the exclusive interior of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The
dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fiber, which make for an
ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty.
The sports
bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support
around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from
lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber and guarantee the driver
perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The
Murciélago's standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an
option free of charge.
Not only the seats are upholstered in
black Alcantara micro-fiber; the cockpit and the roof lining are also
finished in this high-quality, lightweight material. The Y-shaped
perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with
an inlaid backing material in the same color as the exterior paintwork.
The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint
finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco Isis, Grigio Telesto and
Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis
(black matt) as an option.
Naturally, the interior also makes its
contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon
fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara
instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of
sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if
requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the
music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall,
modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg (75 lbs) to the
SuperVeloce weight loss program.
But absolutely no corners have
been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all
Lamborghini super sports cars - the exceptionally high quality of the
workmanship. The craftsmen in Sant'Agata Bolognese are all masters of
their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to
absolute faith in product quality.
