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Bat, Italian style
The Lamborghini Murciélago |
Audi designer Luc Donckerwolcke was asked to update the by now aging style of the Diablo, and he did a wonderful job. The refreshing Diablo 6.0 VT was introduced in
early 2000, by many considered to be the best Diablo model built at Sant'Agata.
Note that a total of 337 were built of this final evolution of the Diablo model, hence it is still rather rare, and arguably one of the best investment propositions
when looking at recently built Lamborghini's.
As usual with Lamborghini, the 'Murciélago' name was taken from bullfighting, during a fight in 1879, this legendary bull was still standing after 24 stabs from
the 'espada', the matador's sword. Pressured by the audience, this fierce bull was kept alive, later it was acquired by Don Antonio Miura, yes, the guy that bred the
famous Miura bulls that named the very first mid-engine road car, the magnificent Lamborghini Miura.
| It took the factory about four years to offer the Murciélago Roadster |
The engine in the Murciélago was still closely related to the famous V12 that roared into life over 30 years ago, but now used the latest technology in
motor management. Also a dry sump lubrication was used on this 6.2 liter unit, which allowed the engine to be lowered a full 50 mm in the chassis, improving the
weight ratio and road holding capabilities of the new Lamborghini.
One can say without a doubt that the new Lamborghini model was probably the most developed model ever built by Automobili Lamborghini SpA. With the help of Audi
this Lamborghini was thoroughly tested and re-tested, until everything was exactly to way it should be. The Murciélago had been tested in the most extreme
environmental conditions, this was actually a first for Lamborghini, since the previous models were all tested on the roads surrounding Sant'Agata and on the
Nardo circuit.
The Murciélago was even taken to a deserted area in the United States to be tested in very high temperatures and at a very low humidity, just to make sure it
would perform up to the specifications, under any possible condition found in the world.
The Murciélago became a success for Automobili Lamborghini SpA, sales went up and people started to appreciate the high level of workmanship found in this new
era V12 model.
It took the factory about four years to offer the Murciélago Roadster, which featured a very spartan roof that, when mounted, limited top speed to 'only' 180 Km/h,
but the best was yet to come ... during the March 2006 Geneva Auto Shows, Automobili Lamborghini SpA unveiled the stunning LP640 evolution of their flagship.
The Murciélago LP640 was slightly revised, but it looked like a much more aggressive car altogether, with new front spoiler, rear diffuser and asymmetrical side
air outlets the LP640 looked very extreme, just like a V12 flagship should. The most important change was the power output of the legendary V12 engine, no less than
640 Bhp at 8000 rpm were available, putting the Murciélago once again at the top of the super exotic car league.
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The photographs from this article can be found on the wallpaper selection |
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Want to discuss this and other topics, check out the Lamborghini Cars Forum ! |
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Neither the Magazine nor my E-mail is associated with the Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA, Lamborghini Cars is a non-commercial enthusiast website,
we do not sell cars or parts, the Lamborghini name, all model names and the Raging Bull logo are registered trademarks of
Automobili Lamborghini SpA
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