Hot new Lamborghini Murcielago on test

04th May 2010

Production of the fastest Lamborghini so far is gathering speed, and these latest spy shots show the all-new flagship is closer than ever.

Last month we brought you the most up-to-date details on Lambo’s Murcielago replacement and now we have close-up images of how the brand new hypercar will look like.

Styled in-house at the firm’s headquarters in Sant’Agata, Italy, the newcomer will be the first production model to be penned by design and brand director Manfred Fitzgerald. While under its skin, Lambo’s latest venture will get a new carbon fibre chassis, helping bring its weight down from 1,665kg to 1,500kg.

Power will be drastically increased too, with a new 7.0-litre V12 engine expected to produce in excess of 700bhp and 700Nm of torque. As a result the Murcielago-successor will able to clock a top speed of around 220mph and 0-62mph will take only 3.0 seconds.

However, fuel economy is also due to increase to around 23mpg, with CO2 falling from 495g/km to roughly 425g/km, thanks to a clever cylinder deactivation system, which operates under light loads.

It is also known that Lamborghini isn’t a fan of the twin-clutch DSG-style gearbox, and will instead use a seven-speed, paddleshift automated manual gearbox directing power to the four-wheel-drive system.

Despite the weight savings that could be had by returning to a rear-drive layout, Lamborghini confirms that the car will be all-wheel-drive. However, it will be optimised to reduce friction, and feature parent firm Audi’s torque vectoring system for even better handling.

Inside, the new design means the Murciélago’s offset driving position will be consigned to the history books. Trademark scissor doors will remain, the cabin will be trimmed in carbon and Alcantara, while luxuries will include a hi-tech sat-nav and a jet-style head-up display.

The new Lambo will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and will cost in excess of £300,000.