Lamborghini remembers another V12 supercar with Murciélago

MANILA: The legendary 12-cylinder engine known as the V12 — which has powered Lamborghini's most recognizable vehicles for almost 60 years — will be celebrated in 2022.

One of the supercars that are powered by this engine is the Lamborghini Murciélago, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001 and was tasked with bringing the traditional V12 engine into the modern era.

Given that the 6.2-liter engine's highest power output at the time of this model's introduction was 580hp, it managed to do this in the most astounding fashion. Given the usage of the sizable catalytic converters necessary for the car to be certified in all global markets, including the strictest ones in terms of emissions, this horsepower figure was incredibly high.

The Murciélago was the first Lamborghini totally created utilizing a CAD-CAM technique, which ensures the highest level of design precision and permits a noticeably better level of assembly and finish.

Luc Donckerwolke, who had previously redesigned the Diablo but who, with the Murciélago, had the rare privilege of starting from scratch for the design of both the bodywork and the interiors, oversaw the creation of the Murciélago's entire aesthetic within the new design division, the Lamborghini Centro Stile. Only 120 centimeters in height overall, and the recognizable "scissor doors" still stood out.

The original Murciélago only had one hard-top model with a 6.2-liter engine producing that 580 horsepower at 7,200 rpm. The Murciélago engine was placed five centimeters lower than that of the Diablo thanks to dry-sump lubrication, which had a noticeable positive impact on drivability. It had a top speed of 330 km/h and could accelerate from 0 to 100 in 3.8 seconds.

In 2004, the Lamborghini Murciélago roadster was added to the coupé variant. The second-generation Murciélago vehicles, officially known as the Murciélago LP 640-4 (both closed and roadster), were introduced in 2007 and continued to be manufactured through 2010 with a V12 that produced an enhanced 640 horsepower at 8,000 rpm.

The Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster made its debut in 2010 with a 6.5-liter engine producing 650 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, and the 670-4 SV debuted in 2009-2010. (Super Veloce). The usage of carbon fiber for a lot of components made it 100 kg lighter with a 670hp output and a top speed of 341kph.

All Lamborghini Murciélago models have all-wheel drive, and the system was simply adapted from the Diablo's. The Ferguson viscous coupling differential has a maximum torque distribution capacity of 70% at the back and 30% at the front.

At the time, Lamborghini's most rigid supporting structure was its carbon fiber undercarriage with mixed-structure floor panel and aluminum. New suspension and geometry were added to the entirely redesigned chassis.

The last Lamborghini V12 to include a mechanical transmission – in this case a six-speed with reverse — was the Murciélago. Later, an electronic automated gearbox with gear sequence controlled by levers behind the steering wheel was added to complement the manual transmission.

With the R-GT series created for the GT World Competition, which ran under the auspices of the FIA and the ACO for the Japanese championship, the Murciélago had its on-track debut in 2004. Nine vehicles were put together; all were rear-wheel drives, substantially lighter as a result of the nearly complete usage of carbon fiber, and outfitted with bigger tires and brakes.

As is customary, Lamborghini draws inspiration for the names of its models from the bullfighting industry. Spanish for "bat" in the Murciélago situation.

There is no proof to verify the mythology, and there are several inconsistencies in the timeline, which claim that Don Antonio Miura received a bull by this name that had survived the bullring as a gift, and that it was from this animal that the renowned breeder bred his Miura bulls.

In addition, 50 copies of the Murciélago were made in limited quantities beginning in 2003 as part of the company's 40th anniversary festivities.

The special "Verde Artemis" color, certain exterior carbon fiber accents, updated wheel rims, an enhanced exhaust, and a numbered plate mounted inside the specially designed leather cockpit make the 40th Anniversary model easily identifiable.

In 2006, the Murciélago LP 640 Versace made its debut. It was only offered in black and white. Versace and Lamborghini Ad Personam designers collaborated to develop a unique design that included a matching set of luggage and two interiors. A scarf and driving shoes with Versace insignia were among the unique accessories created to go with 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 Murciélago was driven by Lamborghini to the test track at Nard, Puglia, in February 2002 in an effort to break the previous record for the fastest production car in the world. Test driver Giorgio Sanna, who is currently the Head of Lamborghini Squadra Corse, was behind the wheel.

Despite the unexpected tire replacement during the fuel stop, the objective was achieved with 305.048 km (189.55 miles) covered in an hour and an average speed of 325.98kph on the quickest lap (202.55 mph). Also shattered were the marks for distances of 100 km and 100 miles.

Scores of films and music videos have featured the Murciélago in a variety of roles.

Without doubt, the most famous is Batman Begins in 2005, where it was used as Bruce Wayne and Batman’s personal car, with actor Christian Bale in the leading role. The Murciélago’s career in video games is extraordinary, where it has been used in Gran Turismo 7, Forza Horizon (versions 1-2-3-4), Asphalt 7, Drive Club, and Horizon Chase.

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.

During the Murciélago’s production run from 2001 to 2011, 4,099 examples were produced.

Photos from Lamborghini

Also read: Lamborghini looks back on Diablo success in brand's final year of V12