Lamborghini Murcielago Successor Delayed Until 2012 - report

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Expected to boast 675 hp

By Michael Gauthier
June 3, 2009 2:31 PM
Filed Under: European, Lamborghini, Rumours, Supercars

According to a recent report, Lamborghini's upcoming Murcielago replacement has been delayed until 2012.

While the reasons for the delay are still unclear, Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that the new Lambo will adopt an advanced aluminum chassis which will likely be based off the Audi R8's aluminum space frame. Elsewhere, the new model will also feature extensive carbon fiber body work which should help to maximize the car's lightweight diet.

The Murci's all-wheel drive system and mid-engine setup is expected to carry over, while power will be provided by an updated 6.5-liter V12 engine with 675 horsepower.

Although we can't say what the new supercar will look like, the report indicates the new Lambo will feature a shorter front overhang and a wheelbase similar to the outgoing Murcielago.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Autoblog

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Tags: Lamborghini Murciélago, 2012 Lamborghini Murcielago

Comments

Xanavi23

June 3, 2009 2:59 PM

I think they're delaying it due to the economy and slumping sales even in this niche market. Few people are buying these types of cars so Lamborghini likely like Corvette with their C7 Vette are going to wait a bit for things to settle down before dropping their new toy.

carbonsigma

June 3, 2009 3:33 PM

Thank you Lamborghini, for staying with the V12. None of this watering down with smaller engines and turbos.

sub39h

June 3, 2009 3:41 PM

give it time... i'm sure they will have to in the future. and as many car manufacturers have already shown, it can have great effects on a car's handling (due to lighter weight), torque and hp figures as well as their emissions and economy.

lucifa

June 3, 2009 5:31 PM

Undoubtedly Lamborghini will eventually have to cave in and go for smaller engines and forced aspiration, but I love them for being one of the last supercar makers to hold on to the big engines. Leave the super-light green(ish) biturbo V8's for Ferrari, I'll take a big yellow Lambo with a massive V12, thanks.

Xanavi23

June 3, 2009 5:32 PM

Only way they'll stick with a V12 by 2016 is if they build a TDV12. Times are a changing. I love a gasoline V12 but its almost done for all companies.

scratchy996

June 5, 2009 12:20 PM

actually the Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann said they will never downsize from V12 and V10 engines. As long as Lambo remains small enough they don't have to worry about CAFE regulations.

yavin4

June 3, 2009 3:55 PM

Yes!!! Thank you Lambo for delaying it. The Murcielago is one of the best cars I have seen in my lifetime and I will really miss it in 2012.

Bristol411S3

June 3, 2009 3:57 PM

I think they're canning the existing V12 though, no? That's been around since the 70s. I read that the Murcielago replacement will get an entirely new engine. Knocking together a fresh V12 is fairly easy with the resources of Audi behind you.

Xanavi23

June 3, 2009 5:33 PM

Im definitely going to miss the current V12, im sure from some points its old and somewhat inferior to a new engineered V12 but still...it powered so many fine models in different forms.

Imasa

June 3, 2009 4:01 PM

Murcielago has revived the Lamborghini brand. Awesome car.

LeonOfTheDead

June 3, 2009 4:13 PM

that was the Gallardo. In good or bad.

Xanavi23

June 3, 2009 6:01 PM

Ya but the Murcielago is the purest form of Raging Bull, Lamborghini. Back all the way to the Muira...V12 monsters were their forte.

Airbag

June 3, 2009 5:35 PM

I hope to god they make a new V12, that one's been kicking around way to long. Out with the old, damn it! With the SV already out, can they wait that long? What else can they do, an SV roadster maybe, but I've had enough of that bloody rebodied Diablo. Plus, a V12 built as an extension of the LP-560-4's 5.2 V10 would be a wonderful engine!

Edited by user on June 3, 2009 at 5:45 PM

Xanavi23

June 4, 2009 4:36 PM

I haven't had enough of the "rebodied" Diablo. The Murcielago like the Diablo and the Countach before it is a real Lamborghini. The Gallardo is a great car but it just doesn't represent the roots and heritage of what Lamborghini always was and always should be.

Ild buy a Countach or a Diablo over a Gallardo any day of the weak, even if the price is the same.

HEMI426

June 4, 2009 4:20 PM

It seems like lamborghini is the about the only car maker that doesn't really bother about economical cars. You can't say that about ferrari! Lamborghini is the best

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