The Lamborghini Murciélago has been on the market since 2002. Which means one thing: A replacement for the aging supercar is sure to be in the works at Sant'Agata Bolognese. And we're not talking about the Reventón or the LP670-4 SV; no, just as the Diablo replaced the Countach and the Murciélago replaced the Diablo, the new Lambo will share very little with the current car, other than the fact it will continue with a mid-mounted V-12. And for sure, the car will sport a new name.
While specific details are scarce at the moment, here's what we believe is on tap: Due to a completely redesigned platform, based on an all-new, considerably lighter aluminum space frame (replacing the current car's steel setup), the new top-level Lambo will weigh even less than even the recently introduced LP670-4 SV. Most likely, the hyper-Lambo will use a V-12 very similar to the SV's, around 6.5 liters and producing between 650–680 bhp. Lamborghini's paddle-shift e.gear transmission will be standÂard, but we do not yet know if a true 3-pedal manual will even be offered, or if a twin-clutch system is in the works. All-wheel drive, with the majority of the power sent to the rear wheels, is pretty much a given.
Although we believe the Murciélago's replacement will be lighter and shorter (the last could be achieved via a shorter front overhang), a complete interior re-think will bring increased passenger space to address one of the the current model's shortcomings. The car's all-new body will continue the classic mid-engine Lamborghini wedge shape, but as our artist's photo-illustration shows, the styling will be sharper and sexier than the Murciélago's, while more weight will be shaved off by eliminating steel panels and increasing the use of carbon fiber and aluminum pieces.
The Murciélago replacement likely won't be officially seen until around 2011 (no doubt we'll have spy photos for you long before that), to go on sale as a 2012 model. Will its name have a connection to bullfighting? That wouldn't exactly shock us. Will it be the best-performing Lamborghini ever? That's pretty much guaranteed.
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