Luc Donckerwolke’s design pays homage to Lambos of the past, namely the Diablo and Countach, and with minor revisions for 2007 it looks more aggressive than ever. There isn’t much on the road that looks more pissed off and ready to charge. Under the paint, the taut skin is carbon fiber (except the roof and doors, which are steel). Carbon fiber is also used liberally throughout the framework for its strength and light weight. It also appears as an option for interior trim.Â
Speaking of interiors, “Italian car ergonomics” has historically been a curious term, like “cheerful German police” or “fine English cuisine.” But since Audi’s been hosting the party, you no longer need a good chiropractor on your speed dial to enjoy a lamborghini. Not only are driver and passenger more comfortable, the gauges are logically placed and easy to read. Controls are straightforward and in places you’d expect to find them. Material quality befits the lofty price tag and it all has a sense of harmony rather than just being screwed together. Thankfully, one thing that has not changed is the exposed metal shift gate featured with the standard six-speed manual transmission. It demands a firm yet precise hand to do it right, completely within the car’s character. You can order the sequential manual (described as a “robotized gear-shifting system”), but in an exotic with this kind of attitude, manumatics seem out of character — even emasculating. Like the MurciĂ©lago design itself, maybe we’ll be less harsh on them in the future. For now though, we’re stuck in manual mode.
Any guesses what the “640” in LP640 means? It’s the horsepower available from the 6.5-liter, bored and stroked V12 mounted behind you, which is at your command on its drive-by-wire system, along with 487 lb-ft of torque.
In keeping with another lamborghini tradition, the firing order is still etched on the cam cover. You’ll want to say yes to the optional transparent engine lid to properly show it off when you’re at a standstill, no matter how rare that will be. Neck-snapping lurches from 0 mph to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is around 211 mph.
Sticky Pirelli P Zeros are mounted on the 18-inch rims, all-wheel drive and traction control are also at work, but there’s no stability control system to bail you out of particularly stupid moves. Needless to say, to remain planted on the pavement in a car like this, aerodynamics are critical. The Murciélago boasts a two-stage rear spoiler, automatically deployed based on speed. Air inlets and outlets are as functional as they are necessary and are controlled by temperature as well as speed.
Article by:Â Thomas Bey
Source:Â askmen.com