[Auto] LAMBORGHINI MURCIÉLAGO: THE FIRST V12 ENGINE OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM

[Neo1524]

 

 

In September 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini unveiled the Murciélago, the first Lamborghini car of the 21st century equipped with the legendary V12 engine that for almost 60 years of history had equipped the brand’s most iconic models.

Let’s find out some interesting facts about it.
 

 

The legend of the name

Legend has it that a bull called Murciélago (bat in Spanish) that survived the bullring was given to Don Antonio Miura, and that it was from this specimen that the famous breeder produced his Miura bulls. 

The evolution of the 12-cylinder engine

At the time of its inception, the Murciélago featured a 6.2-liter 12-cylinder engine capable of delivering a maximum power of 580 CV at 7200 rpm. The V12 was then further boosted in the subsequent models, starting from the LP 640-4 version of 2007 (640 CV at 8000 rpm), progressing to the LP 650-4 Roaster version of 2010 (650 CV at 8000 rpm) and arriving at the 670-4 SV of 2009-2010 (670 CV with a top speed of 341 km/h).

The limited series

The Murciélago was also produced in several limited series, including the 40th Anniversary in 2003, with 50 units, recognizable by its special Verde Artemis (green) color, and the Murciélago LP 640 Versace of 2006 in two colors, black and white, completely redesigned by Lamborghini Ad Personam and the designers of the famous fashion brand. Also worthy of note is the 670-4 SV China Limited Edition, produced in just 10 units and intended exclusively for the Chinese market.

The speed record at Nardò

In February 2022, the Lamborghini Murciélago driven by Giorgio Sanna set a new world speed record for a normal production car at the Nardò racetrack in Puglia: 305.048 kilometers traveled in one hour with an average speed of 325.98 km/h on the fastest lap. Records were also set for the 100 kilometers and 100 miles.

Murciélago on the big screen

The Lamborghini Murciélago was featured in dozens of movies and music videos. Its most famous role was undoubtedly in 2005’s Batman Begins, where it was used as the personal vehicle of Bruce Wayne/Batman, played by Christian Bale. Also extraordinary is the Murciélago’s career in video games, where it has been used in Gran Turismo 7, Forza Horizon, Asphalt 7, Drive Club and Horizon Chase.

The “pure” Lamborghini thermal V12 will go out of production with the latest Aventador Ultimae by the end of 2022, making way for the new plug-in hybrid version mounted on the Aventador’s heir.

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