History

• The Murcielago was first built in 2001 as a replacement for Lamborghini's Diablo line, which was suffering from slow sales. Designer Luc Donckerwolke intended it to be a two-door, two-seat coupe, though a roadster model with an open top was introduced in 2005. Both models received an upgraded engine starting in 2006, with an attendant "facelift" appearing at the Geneva Auto Show that year. To celebrate Lamborghini's 40th Anniversary in 2003, the company produced a limited run of 50 Murcielagos featuring a unique paint job and commemorative plaque, along with several other unique features.
  
  

Types

• Two types of Murcielago are in production as of 2008: the LP640 coupe and the LP640 roadster. The numbers refer to the upgraded engine type, a 6.5 liter V-12 which replaced the older 6.2 liter version. A special version of the coupe, known at the LP640 Versace, was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 2006. Like the 40th Anniversary edition, only a limited number (20) of Versaces were produced. A long-anticipated Murcielago SV is expected to be unveiled in 2009, likely marking the end of the model's production run.
  
  

Features

• Like all Lamborghinis, the Murcielago features an extremely powerful engine: a 6.5 liter V-12 capable of producing 632 horsepower. The engine is rear-mounted with the differential in the rear and the transmission in the front. The Murcielago features either a six-gear manual transmission or an E-gear automatic transmission, with paddles mounted on the steering column for extremely fast gear shifts. The doors open in Lamborghini's signature scissor style (up rather than out), and luxury interiors featuring leather upholstery and high-end electronic dash features are common. An optional clear engine cover is available, allowing owners to look at the engine without opening the hood. The Murcielago can go from 0 to 60 mph is 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 219 mph. The drawback is incredibly inefficient fuel mileage, getting just eight miles per gallon on surface streets and 13 miles per gallon on the highway.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The Murcielago was named after a 19th-century fighting bull in Spain (the word itself means "bat"). According to the story, the bull fought the matador to a draw in 1879, surviving dozens of sword strokes and refusing to give in. The matador was so impressed that he spared the creature's life. Lamborghini chose the name as a demonstration of strength, power and indomitable will.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Lamborghini has always held a fascination in popular culture, even among those who will never see or drive one themselves. In 2008, the Murcielago was prominently featured in the movie The Dark Knight, as Bruce Wayne's "other" car. It was used as the punchline in the film's trailer, and a chase scene was based around it, as Wayne raced through the streets of Gotham City in an effort to stop an assassination attempt on one of his employees.