2001→2005 Lamborghini Murciélago

October 5th, 1897. A fighting bull named Murcielago takes stage with matador Rafael Molina ‘Largertijo’ in front of an Spanish crowd. A viscous confrontation ensues. Murcielago takes over 24 spears and manages to continue fighting on. Astonishingly, the animal’s life is spared and Murcielago is declared one of the the strongest bulls of all time. Murcielago went on to father a formidable line of bulls that extents right down to present day.

It’s Mercielago’s enduring ferocity that Lamborghini offers with the release of their latest supercar. Named after the fighting bull, this trapezoid-shaped car lends styling cues from the previous Lamborghini’s, with better performance and drivability than ever before.

The highlight of the car is two rear wings which seamlessly pop up for engine cooling. Not only does this increase the aesthetic value of the car while at a standstill, it functions as a dynamic system for cooling efficiency. Lamborghini calls this system the Variable Air-Flow Cooling System. VACS uses active intakes with adjustable aperture up to 20 degrees that suit the driving conditions.

The VACS is complemented by a second dynamic aero device. The rear spoiler changes up to 70 degrees at 220kph to offer stability at high speeds. When the spoiler reaches the its open position, the aerodynamic drag increases from 0.33 Cd to 0.36 Cd, a worthwhile trade off to ensure an aerodynamic equilibrium at all speeds.

The 6.2 liter V12 engine an evolution of the Diablo 6.0 power plant. The highlight of the new engine is two new variable systems. Both Variable Valve Timing & Variable-Geometry Intake systems aid in engine efficiency and a square power band.

A first for the marque, the Murcielago comes equipped with a 6-Speed Manual. The midship layout of the transmission is retained from previous Diablo & Countach design.

Also like the Diablo, the Murcielago features a permanent four-wheel drive with a center viscous coupling. This layout yields an active control system: excess torque on the primary-rear axle is automatically transferred to the front axle if needed. This maintains ideal traction at all times.

The Lamborghini is a superlative car. With mechanical structure that requires no gimmickry. The styling reflects this with a shape free of superfluous ornament or embellishment. Pure, simple lines are all that is offered.

The Murcielago is the ultimate expression of the Lamborghini marque: thoroughbred performance with dynamic features that add to the clean and elegant styling. This car is truly one that lives up to its namesake, Murcielago, the strongest fighting bull of all time.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	2001 – 2005
built at	Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy
body stylist	Luc Donckerwolke
price $	$ 270,000
engine	60 Degree, Aluminum Alloy, V12
position	Mid Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/VVT & VIS
displacement	6192 cc / 377.9 in³
bore	87 mm / 3.43 in
stroke	86.8 mm / 3.42 in
compression	10.7:1
power	430 kw / 576.6 bhp @ 7500 rpm
specific output	93.12 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	349.45 bhp per tonne
torque	650 nm / 479.4 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
redline	8000
body / frame	Carbon Fibre Body over Tubular Steel Frame w/Steel Roof & Steel
driven wheels	Permanent 4WD w/Viscous Traction
front tires	Pirelli P Zero ROSSO 245/35ZR18
rear tires	Pirelli P Zero ROSSO 335/30ZR18
front brakes	Vented Discs w/Power Assist, 4-Pot Calipers, ABS, DRP
rear brakes	Vented Discs w/Power Assist, 4-Pot Calipers, ABS, DRP
front wheels	F 45.7 x 21.6 cm / 18.0 x 8.5 in
rear wheels	R 45.7 x 33.0 cm / 18.0 x 13.0 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Gas Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight	1650 kg / 3638 lbs
wheelbase	2665 mm / 104.9 in
front track	1635 mm / 64.4 in
rear track	1695 mm / 66.7 in
length	4580 mm / 180.3 in
width	2045 mm / 80.5 in
height	1135 mm / 44.7 in
transmission	6-Speed Manual or E-Gear Automatic
gear ratios	2.941:1, 2.056:1, 1.520:1, 1.179:1, 1.030:1, 0.914:1
final drive	2.53:1
top speed	~337.89 kph / 210 mph
0 – 60 mph	~3.8 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~8.6 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~11.7 seconds

2002 Lamborghini Murcielago – sold for $115,500

The 2002 Murcielago offered here is the eighth example built and it was one of the first to be imported to the United States. It was purchased new by the current owner and immediately shipped from Chicago’s Fox Valley Motorcars to California, where it has remained ever since. At 13,501 kilometers (8,389 miles), the Murciélago was fitted with a Lamborghini-supplied English instrument cluster, which was not available at the time the car was originally delivered. Since then, less than 4,000 more miles have been accumulated and today, the Murciélago includes a high-performance exhaust system that was expertly fitted by Al Burtoni of Milano Imports, raising output to an estimated 600 horsepower.

 

Auction Source: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey