Supercars - Lamborghini - Murcielago LP640
Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Review
The new Lamborghini
Murcielago LP640 features considerable
innovations in terms of body design and
mechanics. And also with a new name:
Murcielago LP640, which refers to its engine
position - longitudinale posteriore - and to
its power 640 bhp. Designers and engineers
have not only focused on reworking the
engine, suspensions, gearbox, exhaust
system, brakes and electronics, but also the
interior and exterior design; improvements
that make the Murcielago LP 640 the most
extreme and fastest sports car in its class,
placing it at the very top.
Unmistakable Lamborghini Design
In their reinterpretation of the Lamborghini
Murcielago LP640, the designers at the
Lamborghini Style Centre have remained true
to the traditional Lamborghini principles of
purism, sport and function. The Murcielago
LP640 now appears even more aggressive, with
the new front and rear bumpers contributing
significantly to its appearance. The exhaust
system terminal has been incorporated in the
diffuser on the rear bumper. Other
innovations include the rear lights, which
enhance the distinguishing features of the
Murcielago LP640, making it unmistakable
even at night. The design of the sides is
also worth mentioning: while the area behind
the air intake on the right side is
practically closed, the left side features a
vast aperture for cooling the oil radiator.
Together with the aerodynamically defined
front and rear, this proves yet again that
the shape of a Lamborghini is dictated by
function.
More Powerful Engine
The engine of the new Murcielago LP640 has
undergone outstanding and radical
modification. The increased bore and longer
stroke have boosted the displacement of the
classic 60° V-engine from 6.2 liters to 6.5
liters. Thus the already extraordinary 580
bhp engine power has now been elevated to an
impressive peak of 640 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The
12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque
of 487 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
The new Murcielago LP640 features a modified
sixratio gearbox as well as a tougher rear
differential and new axle shafts. On
request, the e-gear automatic gearbox is
also available equipped with the new
dedicated “Thrust” (acceleration programme)
mode.
Frame and Chassis: Perfect Harmony
The body of the Murcielago LP640 with its
characteristic scissor doors is created from
the prized union of sheet steel and
honeycombed carbon fiber, glued and riveted
together.
Driving, handling and stability at high
speed are enhanced by new springs and
stabilizers, as well as by a redesigned
electronically controlled damper. The "antidive"
and "anti-squat" features on the axles,
which efficiently prevent so-called "brake
diving" and "squatting", have not been
changed. The two springs on every rear
wheel, the single spring on every front
wheel and the damper are placed coaxially.
Optional Ceramic Carbon Brakes
The dual hydraulic circuit brake system
equipped with a vacuum brake booster ensures
considerable deceleration values. The
self-ventilating front and rear brake disks
measure 380 mm x 34 mm and 355 mm x 32 mm
respectively. The control circuit of the
four-channel anti-blocking system (ABS) with
electronic brake control (DRP) and traction
control (TCS) features a new characteristic
curve. The system consists in an
electro-hydraulic control unit and four
speed sensors.
When particularly high braking performance
is required, it is possible to equip the
vehicle with 380 mm x 36 mm ceramic carbon
brakes featuring six-piston brake calipers.
Interior
The seats in the cockpit have undergone the
most radical changes; more spacious and
equipped with redesigned head restraints,
the seats now ensure better comfort. The
leather upholstery features lozenge-shaped
stitching called "Q-citura". The same design
is recaptured on the upholstery on the door
panels, the panel between the seats and the
engine compartment, and on the roof panel.
A new instrument panel has been developed
with lights featuring a new graphic design,
flanked by a new Kenwood car radio with a
6.5” widescreen monitor and DVD, MP3 and WMA
player. An optional navigation system is
also available (standard in Japan).
