2008 Lamborghini Murcielago
Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National March 11, 2008Vehicle Overview
The Murciélago originally went on sale in 2002. In 2006, a boost in engine power and size demanded a new name. Now called the Murciélago LP640, it's the larger of the two models offered by Lambo; the other being the Gallardo. Murciélagos come in coupe and roadster styles. Both the Murciélago and its smaller Lamborghini Gallardo sibling have a new exterior and interior personalization program for 2008, called Ad Personam.
Equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, the Murciélago holds a 6.5-liter V-12. Lamborghini says the Murciélago can roar from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed beyond 205 mph.
Starting in 2004, Lamborghini's six-speed manual transmission could be operated by a new "E-gear" system that eliminated the clutch pedal. This gearbox delivers electrohydraulic sequential shifting. Twin paddles on the steering column yield upshifts and downshifts, while a Reverse button is mounted on the dashboard.
An open-roofed Murciélago roadster debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2004 and went on sale later that year. The Murciélago can be equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, and an Interior Carbon Package is optional.
Exterior
Somewhat angular in appearance but accented with flowing curves, the Murciélago may recall memories of the automaker's Countach, which preceded the Diablo in Lamborghini's model lineage. Sporting a wedge-shaped profile like that of the Diablo, the Murciélago features scissors-style doors hinged above the front wheel wells.
Other than the steel roof and door panels, the coupe's bodywork is composed largely of carbon fiber and is built over a frame made of high-strength steel tubing. Weight distribution is 42 percent in the front and 58 percent at the rear. Aluminum-alloy wheels hold 18-inch Pirelli tires that are wider in back.
Mounted on long arms that let the driver see beyond the prominent rear fenders, the mirrors can be folded back electronically. A number of visible air intakes and vents help cool the V-12 engine and the brakes. Two active intakes at the rear use a Variable Airflow Cooling System that permits changes in the aperture to accommodate different driving conditions. The rear spoiler can move into three distinct positions.
Ad Personam adds a new exterior color on the Murciélago coupe and roadster: A light blue shade inspired by polar ice, according to Lamborghini.
Interior
Two occupants get leather-upholstered seats. The driver faces a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Lamborghini says the chassis is lower and the door-opening angle greater in the Murciélago than in the Diablo, making entry and exit a little easier. All instruments are grouped on a single, electronically controlled panel.
Ad Personam's interior offering on the Murciélago is a unique, untreated leather interior that will age and — intentionally — change color over time.
Under the Hood
The mid-engine Murciélago packs a 6.5-liter V-12. A six-speed manual transmission sits ahead of the engine and can be operated by Lamborghini's "E-gear" sequential-shifting system, which deletes the clutch pedal. The all-wheel-drive system employs a central viscous coupling.
Safety
All-disc Brembo antilock brakes are standard.
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