Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce
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0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.2 seconds |
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Lamborghini
23rd March, 2009
The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super
sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new even more extreme top
model. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640.
With the output of the 6.5 litre V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the
Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This
catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around
342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350 unit limited edition series
conveys its full potential from the very first glance.
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. The super sports
car has been extensively redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a choice of two
aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear spoiler. The interior in Alcantara and carbon fibre
provides a purist and minimalist approach.
In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilogrammes (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4
SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and
transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of
optimised valve timing and a reworked intake system. 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 km/h (212 mph), while the large “Aeropack Wing” and its
added downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).
“The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more
extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO
of Automobili Lamborghini. “As the new top model of the highly successful Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce
displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company’s technological
expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience.”
Design and aerodynamics
The Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand – a sports machine of menacing 'character' and brutal
power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated indulgence. Wide, low, with its glass
area pushed way forward and a long, taut back – the interplay between the soft contours of the basic form and
razor sharp edges is the perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality of its
character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car market.
Yet even a character like this can be further refined – the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce
is the more extreme, even more 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. The large air intakes for
the front brakes are more powerfully emphasised. The new front mudguards 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 is presented 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. The panel between the lights is made from carbon
fibre, while the large intake mesh below expands across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled
aluminium, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.
The aerodynamics of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce have 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 Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be supplied with the “Aeropack
Wing” – a large, fixed, carbon-fibre wing mounted on two carbon fibre brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up
provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on
the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.
Body shell and lightweight construction
With the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini proves its expertise in the
manufacture of light weight materials and in working with hi-tech carbon fibre. The structure of the super
sports car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame – as in
a race car. The transmission tunnel and the floor are made of carbon fibre, attached to the steel frame using
rivets and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, while the
remainder of the outer skin is made from carbon composite material.
For the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese recalculated the
framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This achieved two objectives – on the one
hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 per cent to provide improved handling
precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg (44 lbs), making a significant
contribution to the reduction of overall vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to light weight design
continues throughout the entire body shell. The front mudguards, the rear side panels/guards and the casing
for the third brake light are made of a modified carbon fibre material. Combined with the removal of the drive
for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).
Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from
the interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and drive train.
Power unit and transmission
The longitudinally mounted 6.5 litre V12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience.
With 493 kW, the engine in the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is more powerful than in the Murcielago 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, with an average piston speed of 23.7 metres per second – a figure almost comparable to race
engines.
The V12 is eager to deliver its performance – it brings its menacing power with immediacy and precision to
guarantee breathtaking performance – after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h.
The engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder angle of 60 degrees, are made from
aluminium. The 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.
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The control electronics for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini - each cylinder bank has its
own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear
pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the body shell. Dry sump lubrication enables the V12 to
be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under
extremely dynamic driving conditions. With 12 litres of lubricating oil in circulation, the oil cooler is
located on the left side of the vehicle and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.
The weight reduction of more than 26 kg in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new
exhaust system. The muffler has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce manufactured
from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP 640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes
for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a
stormy night, through 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.
As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short metal
shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In both variants, the new light weight clutch
makes its own contribution to the weight loss programme.
All-wheel drive and chassis
The Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce 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. With its four driven wheels and traction, the
Murcielago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out
of a corner – and always with maximum stability. The rear axle bears 58 per cent of its overall weight – a
distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.
Explosive dynamics, tenacious cornering and extreme speeds – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a super
sports car packed with aggressive power, but by no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very
little power support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to tackle the beast head on
are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and trust – as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its
strengths, thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behaviour that can always be anticipated.
The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear
wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting
system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as
garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive “Ares” alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive
five twin-spoke design. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18.
High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres come as standard.
Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The
Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the body shell,
while openings in the front guards provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are
exceptionally light weight, fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.
Interior and equipment
Even stepping into the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as individual as the vehicle
itself. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach
– are released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of the exclusive interior of the
Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fibre, which
make for an ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty.
The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and
shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from light weight and highly robust carbon fibre and guarantee the
driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The Murciélago’s standard seats are also
available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge.
Not only the seats are upholstered in black Alcantara micro-fibre; the cockpit and the roof lining are
also finished in this light weight material. 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
Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco
Isis, Grigio Telesto and Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis (black matt)
as an option.
Naturally, 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). The music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment.
Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg to the SuperVeloce weight loss programme.
But absolutely no corners have been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all
Lamborghini super sports cars – the exceptionally high quality of the workmanship. The craftsmen in
Sant’Agata Bolognese are all masters of their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to
absolute faith in product quality.
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