Lamborghini looks back at V12-powered Murciélago

This year, Lamborghini is bidding its legendary V12 engine farewell as the “bull stable” prepares to enter its hybridization phase.  That said, the Italian automotive brand has, for months, looked back at some of its most-iconic V12-powered nameplates — like the Countach.

This time, the Sant'Agata Bolognese-based luxury carmaker is throwing yet another V12-equipped model into the limelight: the Lamborghini Murciélago.

Making its first appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, the Lamborghini Murciélago had the task of taking the historical V12 engine into the 21st century. And it did so in the most extraordinary way as the Murciélago debuted with a powerful 6.2-liter powerplant that made out 580 horsepower (hp).

This was extremely high, explained Lamborghini, considering the use of the large catalytic converters required for the car to be approved in all world markets including the most stringent ones in terms of emissions.

Thanks to the dry-sump lubrication, the engine was positioned five centimeters lower than that of the Lamborghini Diablo, with clear benefits in terms of drivability. It could reach a maximum speed of 330 kilometers per hour (kph). Lamborghini paired the engine with a six-speed manual transmission. In later models, the mechanical gearbox is complemented by an electronically automated transmission with gear sequence via levers located behind the steering wheel.

Speaking of later models, Lamborghini introduced a roadster body type Murciélago to join the OG coupé in 2004. The year 2007 saw the arrival of the second-generation Lamborghini Murciélago with increased power output at 640hp. And in 2010, the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster was launched with a 6.5-liter engine delivering 650 horses. Still pushing the envelope in terms of power, Lamborghini released the Murciélago 670-4 SV (Super Veloce) in 2009. It made 670hp and achieved a top speed of 341kph.

The Murciélago was also the first Lamborghini to be entirely designed using the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system, which guarantees design precision of the highest level and allows a significantly higher quality of assembly and finish.

In terms of look, the Murciélago took shape in its entirety within the new design department, the Lamborghini Centro Stile, under the direction of Luc Donckerwolke who had already redesigned the Diablo but who, with the Murciélago, had the rare privilege of starting with a clean sheet for the design of both the bodywork and the interiors. The total height was just 120 centimeters (cm) and the distinctive hallmark “scissor doors” were retained.

The Murciélago was also produced in some limited series. The 40th Anniversary model — limited to only 50 units — is recognizable by the special “Verde Artemis” color, some external carbon fiber details and revamped wheel rims, an upgraded exhaust, and numbered plate mounted inside the specially designed leather upholstered cockpit.

Then there’s the Murciélago LP 640 Versace, the car was made only in two colors (black and white) and came with a matching set of luggage produced by Versace. Special accessories, including a scarf and driving shoes (both with Versace branding), were designed to complement the model.

Dedicated exclusively to the Chinese market, just ten units of the 670-4 SV “China Limited Edition” were produced. It is recognizable by the stripe running along the hood and roof.

The “pure” Lamborghini V12 combustion engine in its final form will go out of production before the end of 2022, when the last Aventador Ultimae is made. From next year, the successor to the Aventador will be fitted with a new plug-in hybrid version of the V12 engine.

Photos from Lamborghini

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