A worthy successor to the Diablo; The first major innovation came in 2001 with the successor to the Diablo: the Murciélago. It is almost superfluous to point out that this new model was also named after a famous, fierce fighting bull. The fact that this Spanish word actually means ‘bat’ only serves to augment the dark, almost nocturnal magnetism of this magnificent new car. Its power has also been boosted to 580 hp, and this obviously increases its speed, muscle and acceleration. What has been augmented above all is the sensation of the overall quality of the car, with a level of finishing touches that is even better than the already excellent results of the last Diablos. Sales have immediately gone well, and Lamborghini can count on selling each one it makes, as these cars are reserved by customers well in advance.
The Murciélago is not destined to be alone, but during the wait for its companion in the Sant’Agata model range, several variants have been studied. The first one – and indubitably the most spectacular – is a concept car, a ‘Barchetta’ version presented at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. It is not simply a Murciélago without the roof, but is essentially a new car, with its beguiling treatment of the rear bonnet and lateral posts. For the time being, it is a concept model, but a modified version will go into production.
After years of anticipation, Lamborghini is finally replacing its now decade-old Diablo supercar. Unveiled just prior to this year’s Frankfurt motor show.
Still powered by a variant of the Diablo’s 60-degree V-12 engine, the Murciélago gains a bump in displacement to 6.2 liters. Horsepower is up to 580 bhp at 7500 rpm, with 480 lb.-ft. of torque at 5400 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive help harness this increased power, keeping it firmly stuck to the road.
The exterior remains suitably sleek with sharp Stealth fighter-influenced creases and trapezoidal styling cues. Of particular note are the Murciélago’s pair of active air intakes just above the rear wheels. Operated either automatically or manually, they open 20 degrees to feed extra air into the engine compartment. Also automatic is the rear spoiler that tilts to an angle of 50 degrees above 80 mph and further still to 70 degrees above 135 mph. As for performance, Lamborghini claims the Murciélago goes from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph. Lamborghini’s latest 580-bhp, all-wheel-drive supercar
Lamborghini Murcielago 6.2
is a 2-door, 2-passenger sports car, available in one trim only. The Lamborghini Murcielago is equipped with a standard 6.2-liter, V12, 571-horsepower engine that achieves 9-mpg in the city and 13-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
Major Standard Features Air Conditioning, Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Alloy Wheels, Anti-Lock Brakes, Rear Defogger, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Heated Side Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Leather Seats, Rear Spoiler, Tachometer, Tilt Steering, Traction Control.
Engine/Transmission/Chassis
- Type: 6.2L V12 Displacement (cc/ci): 6192/378
- Valves: 48
- Horsepower: 571@7500
- Torque: 479@5400
- Fuel System: SEFI
- Transmission: Manual OD
- Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 9/13 mpg
- Fuel Capacity: 26.4
- Steering, Suspension, Brakes
- Steer Diameter (Curb): 41.2/41.2
- Engine Locat./Drive: MID/4WD-FT
- Brakes (Fr/Rr): Disc/Disc
- Steering: R&P Suspension (Fr/Rr): Ind/Ind
- Tires: 245/35R18
Exterior Dimensions/Weight Curb
- Weight: 3638 Wt. Dist: 42/58
- Wheelbase(Ft/Rr): 104.9
- Track (Ft/Rr): 64.4/66.7
- Length: 180.3
- Width: 80.5
- Height: 44.7
Performance
- Top Speed….205 mph
- 0-60……..3.70s.
- 60-0 Braking….. 122ft.
