The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640, produced from 2005 to 2010, represented a significant evolution of Lamborghini’s flagship V12 model. Positioned as a substantial upgrade over the original Murciélago, the LP640 (where LP stands for “Leggera Performance”) boasted a larger displacement engine, increased power output, and revised styling. This variant, specifically equipped with the 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 640 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission, aimed to deliver a more refined yet still brutally fast driving experience compared to its manual transmission counterpart. It sat at the top of the Murciélago range, offering the highest performance within the model line until the arrival of the LP650-4.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lamborghini |
| Model | Murcielago |
| Generation | Murcielago LP640 |
| Type (Engine) | 6.5 V12 48V (640 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 32.31 l/100 km (7.3 US mpg, 8.7 UK mpg, 3.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 15.01 l/100 km (15.7 US mpg, 18.8 UK mpg, 6.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 21.31 l/100 km (11 US mpg, 13.3 UK mpg, 4.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 338 km/h (210.02 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.9 kg/Hp, 349.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.8 kg/Nm, 360.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 640 Hp @ 8000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 98.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 660 Nm (486.79 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L537 |
| Engine displacement | 6496 cm3 (396.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 13.5 l (14.27 US qt, 11.88 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15 l (15.85 US qt, 13.2 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2015 kg (4442.31 lbs.) |
| Max load | 185 kg (407.86 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 140 l (4.94 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 140 l (4.94 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l (26.42 US gal, 22 UK gal) |
| Length | 4610 mm (181.5 in.) |
| Width | 2058 mm (81.02 in.) |
| Height | 1135 mm (44.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2665 mm (104.92 in.) |
| Front track | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/35 R19; 295/30 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the LP640 is the L537, a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. This engine represented a significant increase in displacement from the previous Murciélago’s 6.2-liter unit. The larger displacement, combined with revised cylinder heads and a higher compression ratio of 11.2:1, resulted in the substantial power increase to 640 horsepower. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, ensuring precise control over the combustion process. The 48-valve configuration further contributes to the engine’s high-revving nature and power output. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed to handle the immense torque. This transmission featured optimized gear ratios for both acceleration and cruising, though it wasn’t as quick-shifting as some contemporary dual-clutch transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The LP640 automatic delivers a unique driving experience. While the manual transmission versions offered a more engaging and direct connection to the car, the automatic provided a smoother, more accessible experience, particularly in urban environments. The automatic transmission, while not as lightning-fast as modern units, offered relatively quick shifts and allowed the driver to focus more on steering and braking. The 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque, available across a broad rev range, provided effortless acceleration in any gear. However, the sheer power and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system demanded respect, and even with the automatic transmission, maintaining control required a skilled driver. Compared to the standard Murciélago, the LP640 felt noticeably more potent, with a more urgent throttle response and a greater sense of overall performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The LP640 came standard with a high level of equipment, befitting its flagship status. Interior appointments included leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a premium audio system. The dashboard featured a combination of analog gauges and a multi-function display providing information on vehicle performance and settings. Optional extras included carbon fiber interior trim, upgraded audio systems, and a variety of exterior customization options. The LP640 also featured advanced safety systems for its time, including ABS and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system designed to maximize traction.
Chassis & Braking
The Murciélago LP640 utilized a lightweight chassis constructed primarily from aluminum. The suspension system employed double wishbones at both the front and rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and handling precision. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The braking system was further enhanced by an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. The hydraulic power steering offered precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The LP640 was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its increased power, improved styling, and refined driving experience. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for not being as engaging as the manual option. Fuel economy, unsurprisingly, was poor, reflecting the car’s high-performance nature and large displacement engine. Compared to other high-performance supercars of the era, such as the Ferrari F430, the LP640 offered a more dramatic and visceral driving experience, albeit with slightly less refinement. Reliability was generally good for a supercar, but maintenance costs were substantial due to the complexity of the engine and drivetrain.
Legacy
The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 remains a highly sought-after supercar among collectors and enthusiasts. The L537 engine, while demanding in terms of maintenance, is known for its durability and impressive performance. The LP640’s combination of stunning design, exhilarating performance, and relative exclusivity has ensured its place as a modern classic. In the used car market, well-maintained examples command high prices, reflecting the car’s enduring appeal and status as a symbol of Lamborghini’s engineering prowess. The LP640 paved the way for future Lamborghini V12 models, establishing a benchmark for performance and luxury in the supercar segment.
