The wing mirrors can be folded electrically and are mounted on long support arms so that the driver can see beyond the rear wings, which are especially prominent when the air intakes are open. However, mirror stability is not compromised, even at high speeds.


The Design

The "mission" was to design a worthy successor to the Lamborghini Diablo: the newcar had to be exciting, unmistakable, but also safe and ergonomic.

Lamborghini's brief to the designer was simple: "We'll make the engine, you designthe body to fit". The result is a creation in steel and carbon fibre precisely tailored to suit the engine, that enhances the performance of its twelve cylinders. The central concepts of the design are purity of line, muscularity, aeronautical influence, efficiency and "made to measure".

Certainly the lines of Lamborghini Murcielago do justice to its illustrious heritage and echo the styling features of some of the most significant icons to be produced by the marque. In its lines can be seen the wedge shape of the Countach, the sensual tension of the Miura and the dramatic proportions of the Diablo, with its futuristic cabin.

One of the key styling features of Lamborghini Murcielago is the way the cabin is seamlessly integrated in the lines of the body: this distinctive approach, previously encountered on both the Countach and Diablo, has a single arc extending from the front to the rear that emphasises the overall wedge shape of the car.

Lamborghini Murcielago is a superlative car, with a mechanical structure that neither allows nor requires any gimmickry; the styling must reflect this and is therefore free of superfluous ornament or embellishment. Pure, simple lines are all that is required.

Lamborghini Murcielago has a strong athletic stance, achieved by reducing the front and rear overhangs and by visual emphasis of the muscular contours above and around the wheels. The complex interplay of the body curves as they flow seamlessly into one another creates a subtle tension.

The silhouette, characterised by strong, purposeful stance and sharp angles, draws inspiration from the famous stealth fighters. The designs of the dynamic cooling and handling surfaces originate from the field of aeronautical engineering: a field in which, more than in any other, function dictates form. But above all, the design has to be efficient. Every technical function is performed by an active system: in this way the aerodynamic efficiency of the car is not compromised by any superfluous thermodynamic or aerodynamic appendages.



Lamborghini Murcielago engine

Lamborghini Murcielago's engine - which complies with the strictest emission standards in the world, including those of the United States, Japan and Europe - is a 12-cylinder 60 deg. V with a displacement of 6192 cc, made entirely from aluminium alloy and designed for unleaded fuel, producing 580 CV (426 kW) at 7500 rpm and 650 Nm torque at 5400 rpm.

Torque delivery is optimised across the entire engine operating band (even at engine speeds relatively low for a sports car) thanks to the adoption of a variable-geometry intake system (VIS), variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust camshafts, and the "drive-by-wire" electronic throttle control, which makes for reduced emissions, improved idle speed control and improved driveability. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that at just 2000 rpm, Lamborghini Murcielago produces more torque than maximum value attained by the majority of Granturismo cars in today's market.

Unlike its predecessor, Lamborghini Murcielago has a dry sump lubrication system that allows the engine to be positioned 50 mm lower, with a consequent lowering of the centre of gravity.

previous page | go to page 3