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Spy shots: New details on Lamborghini's Murcielago replacement

Posted Mon Jun 1 2009 9:01 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Lamborghini’s next supercar will reportedly share the Audi R8’s aluminum space frame

Lamborghini recently launched its new LP670-4 SV, a car many believe to be the final evolution of the Murcielago platform, but work is already well underway for an all-new supercar set to arrive in just a couple of year’s time. This new Lamborghini will have some tough competition when it arrives as there are new supercar models in the works at rival brands Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin. While it’s still too early to speculate on the final specs, there are several crucial details we can gather from recent spy shots of a test-mule captured at Germany’s Nurburgring, as well as new reports coming out of Germany.

Mounted to each wheel of this test-mule is a RoaDyn torque sensor that is used to monitor the different forces and torque levels exerted on a specific wheel at different speeds. The data gathered can help engineers work out varying grip and traction levels in an effort to fine tune the vehicle’s AWD and suspension settings, and ride characteristics.

Lamborghini’s next supercar will retain the Murcielago’s mid-engine layout but it will feature a wider track as evidenced by the extended fender flares seen on the test-mule. While power levels are usually boosted with each new model generation, for Lamborghini’s latest creation engineers are more likely to be focusing on reducing weight in their quest for increased performance. Thus, the new model will reportedly feature the Audi R8’s lighter aluminum space frame instead of the Murcielago’s steel tub design.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the car’s wheelbase will be similar in length to the Murcielago but its overhangs, both front and rear, will be much shorter. Expect plenty of carbon-fiber and other advanced composites in its construction as well.

A big-cube V12 engine will likely remain but the addition of direct injection technology should improve fuel-efficiency and power levels across the rev-range. In this way, engineers will be able to improve performance without having to boost power, the end result of which will be a much easier to drive Lamborghini flagship. The 670hp (500kW) and 487lb-ft (660Nm) of torque developed by the latest Murcielago LP670-4 SV gives us a rough estimate as to what to expect. A dual-clutch transmission may also be offered to help transfer power to the four wheels.

Lamborghini is yet to even reveal the car's existence but previous reports have speculated that it will be named the Jota and will bow in by early 2012.

Story Tags:

• aluminum space frame
• Audi R8
• Audi R8 aluminum space frame
• Jota
• Lamborghini
• Lamborghini Jota
• Lamborghini V12
• Spy shots
• Supercars
• V12

Reader Comments

• Thu Oct 23 2008 10:55 AM

  Edward says

  Wow!!! Best Italian design since Giugiaro's Lotus Esprit.

• Thu Oct 23 2008 10:56 AM

  Gus says

  It would be so much fun to work there, wouldn't it? :)

• Thu Oct 23 2008 12:51 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  How about a turbo or two with low displacment to appease the Greenies

• Thu Oct 23 2008 9:00 PM

  Hike15 says

  I didnt know that beast could get any wider!
  
  stil awesome looking thing

• Fri Oct 24 2008 12:35 AM

  NoNameDenton says

  Probably the cladding

• Mon Jun 1 2009 9:21 PM

  WizardsLore says

  yes possibly the cladding but that thing isnt going to fit down most roads !!

• Mon Jun 1 2009 10:52 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  That was an old comment from when this story was last posted

• Tue Jun 2 2009 11:48 PM

  WizardsLore says

  i know...just wanted to put my bit in :D