The year is 2000, gone is the Lamborghini Diablo, and the Lamborghini Murcielago enters the scene and, like its predecessors, with a screaming V12 and a dramatic design to match the engine's drama. Inside, a new 6-speed manual transmission, still gated like in the Diablo and Countach, set the tone, and before you got to it, there were the scissor doors, an undeniable flourish that made every entrance an event. However, the Murcielago refused to settle. Fueled by an insatiable ambition for automotive excellence, Lamborghini introduced the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 further down the Murcielago's production span as the first evolution with its alphanumeric designated name indicating increased power to 640 horsepower. But that was not all. The interior was refined, and the exterior was facelifted, adopting a more modern design with new elements, such as the single exit exhaust. The mechanical underpinnings weren't spared either. Extensive tweaks to the drivetrain and powertrain increased performance in the Murcielago LP640 compared to pre-LP examples. Of course, such advancements came at a price set at approximately $350,000 in 2006, the year the Murcielago LP640 debuted. Today, that figure has remained the average selling price, but some examples will sell for twice as much. But it's common to find examples selling for around $250,000 to $300,000. Hunting for a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640? This review could unlock the key to your dream garage addition.
After Audi's acquisition of Lamborghini in 1998, they revitalized the Italian Automaker. Audi's spokesman at the time said that Audi could strengthen Audi's sporty profile and Lamborghini, on the other hand, could benefit from Audi's technical expertise, which they did, as seen with the Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 and Diablo VT 6.0 SE. These two took after the Lamborghini Murcielago, which was in its concept stage being designed by Luc Donckerwolke, who became Lamborghini's head of design from when Audi Acquired the Italian automaker until 2005, a year before the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 debuted. The Murcielago still showcased Donckerwolke's work but more refinedly, as Lamborghini says, to celebrate the innovation and cutting-edge technology in the automotive domain reached by Lamborghini. Driven by purism, sport, and function, engineers and designers set out to perfect the Murcielago LP640 with a new design, mostly notable on the front and rear fascia. This enhanced the car's overall visual appeal and was more functional than the older design, featuring larger intakes and aerodynamic enhancements. The new "LP640" name denoted both the engine's longitudinal, rear-mounted position, "Longitudinale posteriore," and its monstrous 640 horsepower, achieved through extensive modifications such as increased bore and stroke, which resulted in a higher displacement at 6.5 liters compared to 6.2-liters in previous models. Staying true to their heritage, Lamborghini built 1253 Murcielago LP640 examples at their iconic Sant'Agata Bolognese headquarters, which also serves as an assembly plant, from2006 to its final roar in 2010, which was the same year the Murcielago was retired and succeeded five years later by the Lamborghini Aventador.
During the unveiling, Lamborghini described the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 as the most extreme and fastest sports car. Well, it's more of a supercar, but powering it is a 640 horsepower and 488 lb.ft 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, an iteration of the 6.2-liter V12 in previous models but bored and stroked to 6.5 liters. Beyond displacement, tweaked valves, a lighter exhaust, and a new intake system conspired to unleash an extra 60 horsepower more than the 6.2-liter engine's 580 horsepower. The increase in power led to better performance figures, with the Murcielago LP640 recording a 3.4-second 0-60 time and a maximum top speed of 211 mph. Its design reflected this power and innovation, with extensive carbon fiber and aluminum shaving weight to 3,669 pounds distributed 42:58 front to rear. Lamborghini's traditional rear-wheel-drive was retired with the Diablo. As with the standard Murcielago, the Murcielago LP640 was made with an all-wheel-drive system, which is rear-biased, transferring 70% of the power to the rear wheels and 30% to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission modified to meet the engine's performance. Additionally, Lamborghini toughened the rear differential to handle the extra muscle and installed new driveshafts.
The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640's cabin underwent a tremendous change, starkly contrasting what you'd expect from a typical mid-cycle refresh. Everything is pared down to essentials, but you can't help but awe at the meticulous attention to detail. Seasoned enthusiasts and drivers familiar with the Lamborghini Murcielago will note the difference in the seat design as the seats in the Murcielago LP640 have a different lozenge-shaped stitching pattern on the leather also embroidered onto the leather on the door panels, roof, and center console. Back to the seats, Lamborghini redesigned the head restraints and bolstering to offer more comfort and support. Modernization takes over the dashboard, which features a refreshed instrument cluster with better clarity and lighting. Flanking it are two AC vents, which sit above a Kenwood car radio and 6.5-inch monitor typical of what you'd call an infotainment display in modern cars. Lamborghini also added a multipurpose player with DVD, MP3, and WMA capabilities and an optional navigation system, standard in Japanese spec models.
Even from a distance, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 oozes aggression thanks to a redesigned front bumper with larger vents. However, these were for more than aesthetics and show as they were designed to cool the front brakes, which could be optioned with carbon ceramic rotors instead of steel rotors. Moving on to the side, the design is similar to the Lamborghini Diablo's, with vents on the side skirts just to the fore of the rear wheels. The one on the right is partially closed and thus is somewhat unfunctional, but the left side vent channels air to the massive oil cooler, which was redesigned to cater to the engine's needs. Lamborghini's innovation on the Murcielago LP640, as with other Murcielago iterations, shines on the rear quarters. Twin electronically operated intake vents silently open and close depending on the outdoor temperature and the need for cooling air, ensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency while still catering to the engine's combustion requirements. Like the front end, the rear fascia was redesigned, featuring new taillights and a single exit exhaust slung slightly lower than the twin exit on previous models.
While the 21st century ushered in tech-driven innovation, Lamborghini embraced a purist approach with the Murcielago LP640, prioritizing raw performance over gadgetry and technological innovation. This philosophy extended to other Murcielago models and the Gallardo and lasted until it was completely necessary for tech-driven implementations. It's for this reason that older cars are adored, offering an unadulterated driving experience and a connection to the road unhindered by alert beeps. The Murcielago LP640 retained Lamborghini's Viscous Traction System for the all-wheel-drive system, which is self-governing, automatically varying torque on the front and rear wheels, ensuring optimal grip without needing electronic intervention. More engine power meant the need for better stopping power; thus, Lamborghini made carbon ceramic rotors optional. Still on the brake system, the dual hydraulic circuit brake system was equipped with a vacuum brake booster, providing a better pedal feel and enhanced braking power than a hydraulic brake booster. Lastly, Lamborghini switched to a closed-loop electronic system in the Murcielago LP640 for better usability and, most importantly, drivability and better performance. It incorporates a LIE unit (Lamborghini Iniezione Elettronica), a GFA unit (Gestione Funzioni Ausiliarie), and a PMC unit (Power Motor Control). The LIE unit controls the engine's parameters, acting as the ECU, while the GFA unit manages various auxiliary functions such as the climate control system, ABS, and instrument cluster. The GFA unit, on the other hand, controls the electric motors for all powered components, such as the engine cooling fans.
The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is one of the cars whose driving experience transcends its monetary value. It's the type of car you buy because you've been dreaming about it for the longest time, not the car you buy to add to your investment portfolio. Sure, its value might increase, especially considering it’s slowly edging towards half a million dollars, but the experience you get behind the wheel is something money can't buy. It's exhilarating, fast, and loud, just how cars are meant to be. Wondering where you'll make your dream a reality? At Exotic Car Trader, we might have the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 you deeply desire. If you don't find one, we guarantee daily Lamborghini listing updates, and if impatience gets the better part of you, get in touch with us, and we'll help you turn your dream into a reality sooner than now.
So, is the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 right for you? If you crave exhilaration, untamed power, and a connection to the road unburdened by technology, then yes, undoubtedly. Driving one is an experience that few cars can match. Just be sure you're prepared for the thrill and cameras flashing at you because the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is certainly not regular traffic. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! It's not just the 640-horsepower V12 that sends shivers down your spine. It's the way the engine growls with every press of the pedal. Enthusiastic drivers will understand that the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 was among the last cars in which technology served the driving experience, not the other way around.
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