Geneva show: Lambo’s new performance champ

LAMBORGHINI will have a new performance leader after tonight's release of the stunning Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce at the Geneva motor show.

With an extra 22kW of power from the 6.5-litre V12 engine, which now tops out at 493kW, and weight down by some 100kg, the SuperVeloce will race to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds.

The Italian supercar maker will build only 350 examples of the SuperVeloce, and local agent Andrew Smith expects three or four to make it to Australia, with delivery in May or June. Pricing has not been finalised, but is expected to be about $850,000 here.

Revised bodywork includes a choice of small or large rear wings, a two-level diffuser, prominent side air intakes for the oil coolers and a front spoiler connected by two F1-style vertical elements – all made from carbon-fibre, of course.

The all-black rear end is punctuated by a single large tailpipe that is part of a new exhaust designed to produce what Lamborghini poetically describes as “an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion”.

Most of the 26kg saved in the engine area alone is the result of the lightweight construction of the new exhaust system.

The V12 engine appears in the SuperVeloce under a transparent engine cover that was redesigned with three large hexagonal plates made from tough polycarbonate material and set on three levels within a carbon-fibre frame.

While power has risen to 493kW at 8000rpm – or 670 metric horsepower, hence the name – the LP670-4 SuperVeloce produces the same 660Nm of torque at 6500rpm as the regular Murcielago. The extra power comes from a revised intake system and valve-train (with longer valve travel).

Cooling is aided by intake funnels in the rear pillars that lie flush with the bodywork but emerge when the electronic processors on each bank of cylinders determines more air is required.

To further aid ventilation of the engine bay, the eye-catching engine cover has been left open at the rear while the back of the car also includes a large Teflon-coated hexagonal-mesh section made from aluminium that runs across the width of the car, under a solid carbon-fibre panel between the tail-lights.

Downforce from the optional large “Aeropack Wing” is said to be considerable, but even the smaller wing produces more aero assistance than the standard Murcielago rear end.

The new aerodynamic set-up, including the large front spoiler and rear diffuser, is claimed to significantly boost directional stability at speeds up to the car’s maximum of 337km/h with the big wing and 342km/h with the small wing.

Removing the drive mechanism for the regular moveable rear spoiler and fitting carbon-fibre front fenders, rear side panels and fenders, and even the third brake light casing resulted in a 13kg weight saving.

A further 20kg was saved through revisions to the composite carbon/steel chassis, which included using more high-strength steel and resulted in a 12 per cent improvement in torsional stiffness, while 34kg was stripped out of the all-black interior (apart from yellow stitching).

The SuperVeloce comes with hip-hugging carbon-fibre bucket seats (though buyers can elect for the more comfortable standard Murcielago seats at no cost) as well as weight-saving carbon door inserts and centre tunnel, while the whole interior is finished in a micro-fibre that is lighter than leather and the radio/SatNav unit is deleted.

The all-wheel-drive SuperVeloce is set to receive up to 35 per cent of its drive to the front wheels while the front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 per cent respectively, and buyers can choose between the standard six-speed automated manual transmission or a no-cost six-speed manual gearbox.

It comes with unique “Ares” 18-inch forged alloy wheels – with 245/35 Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber up front and 335/30 at the rear – while stopping power is provided by 380mm carbon ceramic discs all-round with additional air intakes up front.

Automobili Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann described the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce as the systematic continuation of the company’s brand philosophy.

“It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile,” said Mr Winkelmann.

“As the new top model of the highly successful Murcielago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company’s technological expertise.

“Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience.”

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