The Lamborghini Murciélago is a high-performance supercar produced by Italian automaker Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and designed by Luc Donckerwolke. It was introduced in 2001 as the successor to the Diablo, and remained in production through to 2010.
The Murciélago was the first pure AWD flagship car, as RWD is not longer offered. The initial release comes with the newer 6-speed manual gearbox later the optional e-Gear AMT flappy paddle gearbox, the engine retains the V12 with two displacement and offer as coupé (later roadster as optional). In 2006, the car receives first facelift and updated specification.
In 2009, the car has final facelift a notable features is the newer sharper front aggressive look, this later becomes a symbol on a latter models. In 2010, the car ceased in production and replaced the Lamborghini Aventador. This was the last V12 Lamborghini comes with manual gearbox as the company shifted to flappy paddle gearbox as standard.
Appearances[]
- The Murciélago makes its first appearance in Series 1, Episode 1, reviewed by Jeremy in a comparison against the Pagani Zonda. Despite praising the Murcielago as the best Lambo ever, he states it isn't as good as the Zonda. In the hands of the Black Stig, the Murcielago sets a lap time of 1:29.0 around the Top Gear Test Track.
- Jeremy further tests the Murciélago in Clarkson: No Limits, where it is handed to Valentino Balboni, who pushes the car right to its limit.
- The Murciélago returns to the Top Gear Test Track in Series 3, Episode 4, where, in the hands of White Stig, it sets the fastest lap at the time of 1:23.7. Jeremy later names the Murciélago as the best ever Lamborghini for combining German Engineering with Italian Flare.
- Jeremy questions if it's necessary to purchase a Murciélago in Series 5, Episode 7, pitting it against the Mitsubishi Evo VIII FQ400, racing several laps round the track with the Evo being driven by Jeremy and the Lambo being driven by James Kay, who ultimately loses after it spuns while chasing through the Hammerhead corner.
- In Series 6, Episode 11, while visiting the Pamplona bull run, Richard reviews the Murciélago Roadster, being amazed by its thrill, soul and character stating it to be his second favourite supercar behind the Pagani Zonda.
- In Series 9, Episode 5, Jeremy reviews the LP640 Murciélago, which despite having a few reserves on it's styling, falls in love with the cars, savage acceleration, brutal speed (achieving 207mph at Dunsfold) and lunatic handling. The Stig sets a lap time of 1:19.8 around the Top Gear Test Track.
- In Clarkson: Supercar Showdown, Jeremy reviews the LP640 Murciélago Roadster. While he adores the car's brutal speed, outlandish styling and over the top acceleration, he wonders with it's lunatic handling, and tricky roof mechanism make it too dificult to be an ideal car.
- In Series 11, Episode 1, Jeremy uses the LP640 Murciélago in a fuel tank race, when racing several other supercars. Despite achieving 4.1 miles per gallon, and taking the lead initially, it ultimately loses to the Audi R8.
- While going against the D Motor in Series 11, Episode 6, James gives racing driver Tim Schrick the LP640 Murciélago as a representation of Italy. It ultimately comes second, losing to Richard in the Ariel Atom.
- In Top Gear Australia, S2E1, Pizatti races in the LP640 Murciélago but looses to Brown and Morrison, on a SpeedBoat. The LP640 then sets a time of 1:07.69 around their track.
- In Series 13, Episode 2, Richard heads to Abu Dhabi, to drive the last ever Murciélago, the LP670-4 SV. He races against a McLaren Mercedes SLR 722, ultimately tying with the more expensive car, stating that in it's dying moments the Murciélago, has become one of the all-time greats! In the hands of the Stig, the SV sets a time of 1:19.0 around the Top Gear Test Track.
- In Clarkson: Duel, when looking for the best car for drifting, Jeremy reviews the Murciélago LP670-4 SV, while praising its styling and power, criticizes it's lack of drifting ability, which it utimately looses.
- In TGM (UK) 199 Richard names the Murciélago LP670-4 SV as his Car of the Year 2009.
- In Top Gear America "Cobra Attack" Wood states that the Murciélago LP670-4 SV is the best modern Lamborghini pitting against two Gallardos, the LP570-4 Superleggera, driven by Ferrara and the LP550-2 Balboni driven by Foust. The SV achieves 175mph on the main straight and 1:23.4 around their test track, beating the Balboni on both counts but losing to the Superleggera on both counts.
- In Top Gear America "Supercars", Wood selects the LP640 Murciélago Roadster as the supercar for a wealthy client against Ferrara in a Bentley Continental GTC and Foust in a Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.