2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV SuperVeloce - Auto Shows
The raging-est bull goes on a diet.
BY JON YANCA February 2009
Two months after the New Year, it’s time to ask yourself, are you making good on your resolution to lose weight? The Lamborghini Murciélago is, and it is looking hotter than ever in its newest form, the LP670-4 SuperVeloce. Shedding a total of 220 pounds while adding 29 hp, this supermodel will sprint down the catwalk for the first time at the 2009 Geneva auto show.
A Modified Hide
The exterior of the SuperVeloce—SV for short—is easily distinguished from all those other Murciélagos we see running the streets. Up front, a redesigned fascia lengthens the nose on this bull and is finished by a large carbon-fiber chin spoiler painted matte black. New front fenders now incorporate air intakes located near the cowl for added cooling to the carbon-ceramic discs that sit behind unique 18-inch wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. SV decals can be found on the doors, and the side scoops feeding the oil cooler are also finished in matte black. Swing around to the rear and you won’t miss the new two-level diffuser and optional boy-racer “Aeropack” wing, both made from carbon fiber. Lambo claims the huge wing significantly increases downforce over the available smaller spoiler, although terminal velocity differs depending on which one you choose. The Aeropack allows for a top speed of 209 mph, while a Murcié SV with the less ostentatious wing can reach 212.
More Horses for the Bull
The standard Murciélago LP640 is already a rocket. With a monstrous 6.5-liter V-12 producing 632 hp, we clocked the 4060-lb coupe at 3.2 seconds to 60 mph in a recent comparison test. That time trails only the 2.5-second sprint of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 among the cars we’ve recently tested, and the LP670-4 SV should narrow the gap. Beyond the weight loss, power has also been bumped up to 661 hp. Lamborghini says the SV will catapult to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, so a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.0 seconds could be within reach.
The V-12’s max power is reached at 8000 rpm, while all 487 lb-ft of torque are available at 6500 rpm. The increased power comes from a modified intake system, valvetrain optimization, and increased valve lift, says the Italian automaker. Customers will have their choice of six-speed manual or e-gear automated manual transmissions.
Alcantara is Soft
Slide inside the SuperVeloce and you’ll find yourself surrounded by piles of Alcantara and carbon fiber. The carbon-fiber bucket seats covered in Alcantara help save weight over standard Murciélago chairs, although those can be swapped in as a no-cost option. Exposed carbon fiber is found on the door covers and center tunnel, which no longer holds a radio; that’s been removed in the name of weight savings. One can be installed if desired, but the V-12 behind the cabin should be the only soundtrack the driver really needs.
If Only Our Diets Were This Easy
The sum of the Lambo’s weight loss is the result of 73 pounds shaved from the chassis and exterior, 75 or so removed from the interior, and an additional 72 from the engine and drivetrain. New high-strength steel for the chassis both increased stiffness by 12 percent and saved 44 pounds. The drivetrain features a lightweight clutch and 57 pounds were pulled out through the use of a completely new exhaust system. Omitting the electronic spoiler mechanism trimmed 29 pounds itself.
With its reduced heft and increased muscle, we can’t wait to see how fast this beast really is. When that will happen remains a mystery, though, as Lambo is keeping mum on pricing and the car’s on-sale date. It has said that only 350 copies will be produced, and we figure each will command a sizeable premium over the near-$400,000 LP640. Will this be the fastest production car Lamborghini has ever produced? It stands a damn good chance, so stay tuned to find out.
