Overview & Reviews

Massively powerful, definitively flamboyant and as eyeball-grabbing as an A-list Hollywood celebrity, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 firmly embodies the spirit and meaning of the word "supercar." Big and brashly styled, it has an undeniable street presence that few other contemporaries match.

In Spanish, Murcielago means "bat," though Lamborghini says the name actually refers to a 19th-century Spanish bull that earned fame through its courageous nature in a bullfight. As Lamborghini's top sports car from 2002-'10, the Murcielago carried on the tradition laid down by its V12-powered predecessors, including the Miura, Countach and Diablo. It wasn't a particularly easy car to drive or, given its approximate $300,000 as-new price, an easy car to obtain. Then again, that was all part of the appeal.

Most Recent Lamborghini Murcielago
The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 was offered in two body styles -- coupe or convertible -- and both were powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine. Positioned amidships, it produced 632 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. While the car's basic form was introduced in 2002, it underwent major changes for 2007, including the addendum to its name, LP640, which referred to its engine position en Italiano (longitudinale posteriore) and that it made 640 European hp (ps). Prior to this, output was listed at 580 hp and 478 lb-ft of torque. For 2010, a special-edition LP670-4 SuperVeloce was introduced that produced 661 hp and was limited to only 350 examples.

Feeding and cooling its powerful engine were a variety of scoops and ducts, including two electronically controlled air scoops that automatically raised from the car's rear haunches when needed. Power was sent through an all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, and e-gear -- a paddle-shifted automated-clutch manual gearbox -- was available as an option.

The Lamborghini Murcielago's top speed was in excess of 200 mph. All body panels except the roof and doors were constructed of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber. The suspension featured electronic adjustable damping, which raised the car's front suspension 45mm to avoid scraping the Murcielago's (normally) low-slung chin on driveways and inclines.

In contrast to the wildly styled exterior, which included the trademark Lamborghini scissor doors, the Murcielago's interior was an exercise in simplicity. The seats were supportive and comfortable, though difficult to get into. Standard equipment included air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power windows and locks, and an audio system with CD player. Options included a touchscreen navigation system and a variety of custom accents for the interior, including carbon fiber.

The Roadster featured a cloth roof panel that sat atop the cockpit like a toupee and took several minutes and a great degree of difficulty to erect. Lamborghini also suggested not exceeding 100 mph, as the roof tended to fly off -- the owner's own toupee would have followed shortly thereafter. The LP670-4 SuperVeloce received matte-black paint accents, slightly revised body elements, a transparent engine cover, the choice of a larger fixed rear wing and carbon-fiber and Alcantara interior trim.

In road tests and reviews, we found the Lamborghini Murcielago drove every bit like the supercar that it was. Its trucklike amble at low revs gave little clue as to the apocalyptic power delivery that awaited. At full throttle, there was a quick surge at 3,000 rpm, which gained urgency at 4,500 as the exhaust cleared its throat. This thrust was followed by the all-wheel-drive system shuttling torque to the rear and the most magnificent feral yowl up to redline. You could feel the accelerative Gs weighting your fingertips, the scenery exploding through the widescreen windshield. Handling, though never known as a Murcielago strength due to the car's size and weight, was still quite impressive.

User Reviews:

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  Greatest car of all. - 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By Raymond Van Praag - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Having had the top of the line porsches, ferraris (355 and 550), and a whole bunch of lesser sportscars, this Murcielago is the most fun car Ive ever driven. It really has everything perfect. Want to drive it all the time. It only could be a trifle more raw, but I only feel that way sometimes. Usually, I feel its perfectly balanced between insane and rational.

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  My favorite car! - 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By boxkid1307 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! Best car ever to hit the roads! Nothing comes close to it.

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  Murcielago, Simply The Best - 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By David Witt - October 3 - 2:20 pm

  My gas costs as much as my insurance. But of course its worth it when you press the gas and your at 60 mph instantly. One problem though, you buy this car to be seen in the only problem is you cant see the people looking at you its so low! But it is truly the most fantastic car I have ever owned. Let me tell you if your looking for performance this is the car for you.

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  Lamborghini - 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By Losni Golino - July 4 - 2:00 am

  it is a great and fast car

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  Its the bomb! - 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By celedrickb - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Its retardedly fast and beautiful and I get crazy attention from women everytime I pull it out of the garage. I plan on getting some engine upgrades soon to boost it to maybe 750 to 800 horsepower or so. I know it sounds crazy but you only live once so im going all out on this one.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By Christopher Bautista - May 23 - 12:26 pm

  Its an excellent car i had wished that everyone could have one.

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  Lamborghini Murcielago Review - 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By Marsh Mallows - February 27 - 12:46 am

  I love my Lamborghini Murcielago. It is a thrill to drive and I love driving it. Its design is amazing, Im amazed every time I look at it. I am a car lover and when it came time to buy a new car this one was at the top of my list. I love its sleek design and its amazing performance. I would go on forever about this car, but Im going to go drive it!

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By lamborghini - October 10 - 10:00 am

  best car ever bought

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  Truly Exotic Performance - 2005 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By BachLawFirm - October 6 - 3:46 pm

  The power and performance of this vehicle is intoxicating. The huge tires and all wheel drive ensures that this car sticks to the ground in every situation. But probably the must understated feature of this car is that it is very easy to drive in everyday situations, and is not only intended for performance car use like prior Lambos. That is the key difference between this car and many other exotics I have driven or owned. I am very, very happy with my purchase.

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  kick-butt car - 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago
  By the loner - May 26 - 10:00 am

  to me its a great car for my wife and i