It's starting to shape up now, isn't it? The reason behind the new skirts, scoops and ductwork is because the car is about to receive a brand new
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| Lamborghini's craftspeople have been putting the final touches on an all-new V12. (Photo: Lamborghini) |
engine. Behind the closed doors of Sant'Agata, Lamborghini's craftspeople have been putting the final touches on an all-new V12. It looks as if the new engine will carry a 300 cc displacement increase over the current engine for at total displacement of 6.5-liters. With such high standards for performance, the larger engine's power has been cited at 645-horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. Not only will the updated Murciélago not have to worry about the Gallardo catching up to it anytime soon, but it won't be bothered by any of its major rivals - the Aston Martin Vanquish S or the Ferrari 575 M - unless, of course, its competitors don't stand still. At 645-hp, this charging bull has enough power to dethrone supercar kings, the 626-hp Mercedes-McLaren SLR and almighty 612-hp Porsche Carrera GT.
But it's not all about power, is it? From a technological aspect, we're still in the dark. Expect four valves per cylinder, at least, with the likelihood of five valves per cylinder being part of the package seeing that VW-Audi
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| Variable valve timing and variable manifolds are making more frequent appearances on supercars such as the Gallardo. (Photo: Lamborghini) |
has been a leader in this technology. And with variable valve timing and variable manifolds making more frequent appearances on supercars such as the Gallardo, which includes variable length induction manifolds and continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing, don't dismiss these technologies quite yet either.
Would it be stretching out on a limb to prognosticate direct-injection technology? As with the ASF frame used in the Gallardo, FSIdirect injection, which helped Audi's R8 win the 24 Hours of Le Mans several times over, could give Lamborghini the edge it needs in terms of power, performance and fuel economy. As usual, the engine will drive through all four wheels, a positive in some enthusiasts' eyes and negative in others, depending on preferences. Expect 0 to 60 mph times to hit the high three second range, with a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
