+ Click to Enlarge INTEGRATED DESIGN: The tailpipes are incorporated in the rear diffuser.

February 23, 2006

Sant’ Agata Bolognese, Italy - Lamborghini will present a new version of its Murciélago coupé at next week's Geneva auto show.

Its name, Murciélago LP640, refers to the engine position - longitudinale posteriore - and its power output of 640bhp (471kW).

Bore and stroke have been increased to take its capacity from 6.2 to 6.5 litres for a claimed output of 471kW at 8000rpm and 660Nm at 6000rpm. The factory quotes a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.4sec and a top speed of more than 320km/h.

It says the car's drivability has been improved by a continuously variable valve timing system on intake and exhaust and a drive-by-wire engine management system.

A considerably larger oil radiator required a larger air intake on the left of the car.

The six-speed gearbox has been modified to cope with the extra grunt; there are also new, tougher differential and axle shafts. An "e-gear" automatic gearbox is also available with a new "Thrust" (acceleration programme) mode.

The Murciélago LP640 has new front and rear bumpers, with the tailpipes incorporated in the rear diffuser. A transparent glass engine cover is available as an extra-cost option.

The external mirrors and the windscreen wipers have been modified to improve their aerodynamics and the car has new "Hermera" 18" alloy rims with 245/35 front and 335/30 rear tyres.

The body with its signature scissors doors is made from sheet-steel and honeycomb carbon fibre, glued and riveted together. It has new springs and anti-roll bars, and redesigned shock-absorbers with electronically controlled damping.

380 x 36mm ceramic carbon brakes with six-piston brake callipers are available to order.

Interior comfort:

The cabin has been extensively revised, with more spacious seats and redesigned head restraints. The leather upholstery now has lozenge-shaped stitching, also featured on the door panels, centre console, bulkhead and head lining.

The instrument panel has new lights and a Kenwood car radio with a 165mm widescreen monitor and DVD, MP3 and WMA players.

Extra cost options include Murciélago Roadster asymmetric, driver-orientated fittings with perforated leather driver's seat and door panel, satellite navigation, and carbon fibre finish on the air-conditioning control panel, the centre console and handbrake lever.

About 2 000 Murciélagos have been built since the car's debut at the 2001 Frankfurt auto show.

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