Review: Lamborghini Murcielago (2002-06)

Overview

Released in September 2002, the Lamborghini Murcielago was initially available as a coupe, with roadsters following in 2005. Manufactured in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, the all-wheel drive Murcielago was powered by a mid-mounted 6.2-litre V12 petrol engine from 2002 to 2006. This engine was initially mated to a six-speed manual transmission; from March 2004, however, the Murcielago was also available with a six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic ‘E-Gear’ transmission which could be controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Engine

The 6.2-litre V12 petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, dry sump lubrication, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT) for inlet and exhaust camshafts, a variable geometry intake system (VIS) and a compression ratio of 10.7:1. The engine was also fitted with a Variable Air-flow Cooling System (VACS) which varied the aperture of the air intakes according to cooling requirements. As a coupe with a manual transmission, the Murcielago could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and had a maximum top speed of 330 km/h.

Development and dimensions

The Murcielago had a tubular steel frame chassis, carbon fibre structural elements (attached to the steel frame using a combination of adhesives and rivets) and, for coupes, a steel roof for coupes. As a result, coupe models had torsional rigidity in excess of 20,000 Nm per degree.

Designed by Luc Donckerwolke, the Murcielago was 4580 mm long, 2045 mm wide, 1135 mm tall (1065 mm for roadsters) and had a 2665 mm long wheelbase.

Suspension

The Murcielago had independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear with Koni FSD (Frequency Selecting Dampers) self-adjusting shock absorbers.

Viscous Traction System

The Murcielago’s ‘Viscous Traction System’ consisted of a viscous coupling that was integrated into the centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided full-time all-wheel drive with a 30:70 front:rear torque split. When the front and rear axles rotated at different speeds, the viscosity of the silicone within the coupling would increase and lock the driveshafts.

The Murcielago was also fitted with limited slip rear and front differentials (with 45 per cent locking at the rear and 25 per cent locking at the front).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control.

The Murcielago was fitted with 380 mm by 34 mm front and 355 mm by 32 mm rear brake discs with four-piston calipers (front and rear).

Features

Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 ZR18 front and 335/30 ZR18 rear Pirelli Rosso tyres, an Alpine sound system with a three-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather trim, bi-xenon headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors and a trip computer.

The Murcielago’s rear spoiler was electronically controlled and had three different positions –

• Closed: for speeds up to 130 km/h;
• Partially open at 50 degrees: for speeds between 130 and 220 km/h; and,
• Fully open at 70 degrees: for speeds above 220 km/h.

Depending on the aperture of the air intakes and the rear spoiler, the Murcielago coupe’s drag coefficient could vary from 0.33 to 0.36 Cd.

Review: Lamborghini Murcielago (2006-10)

Overview

Released in October 2006, the Murcielago LP640 introduced a 6.5-litre V12 engine and revised suspension, exhaust and electrical systems. The clutch for the e-Gear semi-automatic transmission was also upgraded, while a tougher rear differential and new axle shafts were fitted. The e-Gear transmission could also be specified with an optional ‘Thrust’ (acceleration programme) mode.

Visually, the Murcielago LP640 could be identified by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, with the exhaust outlets integrated into the diffuser on the rear bumper, and asymmetrical side air intakes as the left side had an aperture for cooling the oil radiator.

Inside, there were more comfortable seats with redesigned head restraints and ‘Q-citura’ stitching for the leather upholstery. The dashboard also featured a new instrumental panel with a Kenwood radio, 6.5-inch monitor and DVD/MP3/WMA player.

Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce

Released in 2010, the LP670-4 Super Veloce was more powerful than its LP640 counterparts due to its revised valve timing and upgraded intake system. Furthermore, its weight was reduced by approximately 100 kg due to the extensive use of carbon-fibre – including the seats and dashboard – and a lighter exhaust system. The LP670-4 Super Veloce was also fitted with 380mm by 36mm carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers front and rear.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Lamborghini Murcielago

Recalls: Lamborghini Murcielago

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Lamborghini Murcielago

• In May 2010, a recall was issued for model year 2006 and model year 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 models in the VIN range ZHWBE37S07LA02104 to ZHWBE37M08LA03202. For these vehicles, stress generated by the back and forth movement of petrol within the fuel tank accompanied by vertical vibration could cause one or more spot welds – which held the fuel pump support inside the tank – to detach; this could cause a slow fuel leak to develop at the site of the detached spot weld (PRA 2010/11658).
• In October 2013, a recall was issued for Lamborghini Murcielago coupe and roadsters with carbon ceramic brake discs. In these vehicles, the stainless steel screws fixing the rotor to the metal bell may fail due to corrosion if the vehicle has been used in salty environments. If eight of the ten screws were to fail, there would be a loss of braking performance at the affected wheel which would increase stopping distances. The affected vehicles were in the VIN range ZHW BE37S07L A02104 to ZHW BE81H1 L A04081 (PRA 2013/13765).

Problems and faults: Lamborghini Murcielago

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Lamborghini Murcielago

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Lamborghini Murcielago.

Released in September 2002, the Lamborghini Murcielago was initially available as a coupe, with roadsters following in 2005. Manufactured in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, the all-wheel drive Murcielago was powered by a mid-mounted 6.2-litre V12 petrol engine from 2002 to 2006. this engine was initially mated to a six-speed manual transmission; from March 2004, however, the Murcielago was also available with a six-speed electro-hydraulically controlled semi-automatic ‘E-Gear’ transmission which could be controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles… Read full Lamborghini Murcielago review

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Images: Lamborghini Murcielago (2006-10)

Released in October 2006, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 introduced a 6.5-litre V12 engine and revised suspension, exhaust and electrical systems. The clutch for the e-Gear semi-automatic transmission was also upgraded, while a tougher rear differential and new axle shafts were fitted. The e-Gear transmission could also be specified with an optional ‘Thrust’ (acceleration programme) mode. The Murcielago LP640 could be identified by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, with the exhaust outlets integrated into the diffuser on the rear bumper, and asymmetrical side air intakes as the left side had an aperture for cooling the oil radiator. Inside, there were more comfortable seats with redesigned head restraints and ‘Q-citura’ stitching for the leather upholstery. The dashboard featured a new instrumental panel with a Kenwood radio, 6.5-inch monitor and DVD/MP3/WMA player.

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Top Gear: Lamborghini Murcielago test

Note

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.

EVO TV: Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV

Top Gear: Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster – Pamplona Bull Run