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Murciélago: The Legendary Lamborghini V12 Enters the 21st Century
In 2022, Lamborghini is celebrating the V12 engine—a legendary 12-cylinder marvel that has powered its most iconic models for nearly six decades. Among these iconic models is the Murciélago, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. This model was tasked with bringing the historic V12 engine into the 21st century, and it achieved this with remarkable success. At its debut, the Murciélago's 6.2-liter engine produced an impressive 580 HP, despite using large catalytic converters to meet stringent global emissions standards.
The Murciélago was the first Lamborghini to be entirely designed using the CAD-CAM system, ensuring high design precision and superior assembly and finish quality. Under the direction of Luc Donckerwolke at the Lamborghini Centro Stile, the Murciélago's design, both interior and exterior, took shape. Standing just 120 centimeters tall, the model retained the distinctive "scissor doors" that Lamborghini is known for.
Evolution of the 12-Cylinder Engine
Initially, the Murciélago came in a hard-top version with a 6.2-liter engine delivering 580 HP at 7200 rpm. Thanks to dry-sump lubrication, the engine was positioned five centimeters lower than the Diablo’s, improving drivability. The Murciélago could reach a maximum speed of 330 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
In 2004, the Murciélago Roadster joined the lineup. The second-generation models, the Murciélago LP 640-4, debuted in 2007 with an upgraded 640 HP engine at 8000 rpm, remaining in production until 2010. The Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster, introduced in 2010, featured a 6.5-liter engine delivering 650 HP, and the 670-4 SV (Super Veloce) came out between 2009-2010 with 670 HP and a top speed of 341 km/h. The use of carbon fiber in various components made the SV model 100 kg lighter.
All Murciélago models are all-wheel drive, featuring a system derived from the Diablo, capable of distributing torque up to 70% to the rear and 30% to the front. The carbon fiber undercarriage with an aluminum mixed-structure floor panel was the most rigid supporting structure Lamborghini had produced at that time. The chassis was thoroughly revised, with new suspension and geometry.
Mechanical Transmission
The Murciélago was the last Lamborghini V12 to feature a mechanical transmission, offering a six-speed manual with reverse. Later models also included an electronic automated transmission with gear sequence via steering wheel-mounted levers.
Racing
In 2004, the Murciélago R-GT made its racing debut, developed for the GT World Championship. Nine rear-wheel drive cars were built, significantly lighter due to extensive use of carbon fiber materials, and equipped with larger tires and brakes.
The Legend of the Name
Continuing Lamborghini's tradition of naming models after bullfighting legends, the Murciélago is named after a legendary bull. Although the legend suggests that a bull named Murciélago survived the bullring and was gifted to Don Antonio Miura, there is no concrete evidence to support this story.
Limited Series
Lamborghini produced several limited series of the Murciélago, starting with the 40th Anniversary edition in 2003, featuring 50 units in the special “Verde Artemis” color. The Murciélago LP 640 Versace, released in 2006, featured special interior designs and a matching set of Versace luggage. Additionally, the 670-4 SV “China Limited Edition,” with only ten units, was dedicated to the Chinese market.
Speed Record at Nardò
In February 2002, Lamborghini took a Murciélago to the Nardò test track in Puglia, Italy, setting a new world speed record for a standard production car. Test driver Giorgio Sanna achieved 305.048 km (189.55 miles) in one hour, with an average lap speed of 325.98 km/h (202.55 mph).
Murciélago on Film
The Murciélago has featured in numerous films and music videos, most notably as Bruce Wayne/Batman’s car in Batman Begins (2005). It has also appeared in video games like Gran Turismo 7, Forza Horizon (1-4), Asphalt 7, Drive Club, and Horizon Chase.
The pure Lamborghini V12 combustion engine in its final form will end production by the end of 2022, with the last Aventador Ultimae. The successor to the Aventador will feature a new plug-in hybrid version of the V12 engine.
Murciélago cars produced (2001-2011): 4,099 (entire series).
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