The Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand. Widely considered to be the best sports car from the Sant'Agata Bolognese-based Italian brand, it is a machine of menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality.
In keeping with Lamborghini's tradition of launching limited edition versions of many of its previous models, it had launched a SuperVeloce edition of the Murciélago too in 2009. The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce has now been launched in India by Exclusive Motors.
Further refining the character of the Murciélago, the LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the more extreme, 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 fibre front spoiler is connected to the front-end via two vertical elements.
Both in terms of design and in terms of sheer performance this Limited Edition Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce (limited to 350 units) is said to be one of the most extreme super sports cars of all time. It is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the same 6.5 litre V12 increased to 670 bhp (from 640 bhp in the Murciélago) and a weight reduction of 100 kgs, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kgs per hp. All that power literally catapults it from 0 to 100 kmph in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to an obscene top speed of around 342 kmph.
In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimised valve timing and a reworked intake system. Further, 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 kmph, while the large ‘Aeropack Wing' and its added downforce gives it a top speed of 337 kmph.
Design and aerodynamics
The large air intakes for the front rakes are more powerfully emphasised. 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 has been showcased 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 fibre 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 fibre. 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. Made from thick-walled aluminium, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.
The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce has 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-fibre wing mounted on two carbon-fibre brackets.
The structure of this super car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame like in a race car.
Power unit and transmission
The longitudinally mounted 6.5 litre V12 delivers 670 bhp (493 kW) of power in the hands of the driver. The engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 bhp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm. The V12 is eager to deliver its performance and after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce would have already reached 100 kmph.
The engine's 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 optimised and, most importantly, valve travel was increased. If the engine needs more cold air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell.
The weight reduction of more than 26 kgs in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic experience – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, to 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.
The SuperVeloce is also available with a six-speed manual transmission. In both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to the weight loss program.
It 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 per cent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 per cent. The rear axle bears 58 per cent of its overall weight – a distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.
Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic 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
Stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a special experience. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach – are released via small latches. The dominating interior materials are Alcantara and carbon fibre, making for an ambience that's both high-quality and sporty.
The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The Murciélago's standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge. The Y-shaped perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with an inlaid backing material in the same colour as the exterior paintwork.
The interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fibre, as is the wide centre 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 kgs to the SuperVeloce weight loss program.
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.
Available at Exclusive Motors, this limited edition is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs 3.6 crore.
