A supercar icon like this one isn’t forgotten easily.
The Lamborghini Murcielago, a super sports car, was first manufactured in 2001. Being the first model introduced by the renowned Lamborghini brand in eleven years, the Murcielago quickly garnered worldwide attention. With its sleek, angular design and dramatic scissor doors, the first-generation Murcielago coupe is a masterpiece. While its nickname among many was the Lamborghini Mercy, when it came to performance, this car shows anything but. Paired with all-wheel drive and a Lamborghini V12 engine, the coupe accelerated from 0-62 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. In 2004, the roadster version was introduced, allowing the same revolutionary specs in an open-top version. In 2006, Lamborghini upgraded the Murcielago with the unveiling of the LP 640 model and produced the last version, known as the Murcielago LP 670 in 2009. Production halted in 2010, with a total Lamborghini Murcielago specs production number of 4,099. Even today, the Murcielago is celebrated as one of the brand’s and the world’s most iconic supercars for its style, power, and unmistakable presence.
Lamborghini Murcielago Engine
The first generation Lamborghini Murcielago engine was a 6.2-liter V12, which produced 572hp and a torque of 5000 rpm. The 6.2-liter V12 engine was upgraded to 6.5 liters for the LP 640 model, taking the horsepower production up to 631 and decreasing the 0-60 acceleration speed to 3.4 seconds. Despite many other upgrades to the Murcielago LP 670 model, the engine remained a 6.5-liter V12 engine. By revising the intake system and valve timing and decreasing the weight of the car by 220 lbs, however, the LP 670 produces 661hp can go from 0-60 mph in an exciting 2.9 seconds.
Perhaps it is a coincidence that the car is named after a famous fighting bull. In keeping with Lamborghini nomenclature, Murcielago was a bull who survived two-dozen sword strikes. As such, the Lamborghini Murcielago engine has several patterns of six, twelve, forty-eight, and so on, and so forth. While this might not make sense to most, these even patterns are analogous to music theory. Guitars have six strings and each octave has six major notes. As the swan song for the original Lamborghini V12, it has 48 valves with 60 degrees of separation. This allows for 2nd and 3rd order harmonic balance. From idle to redline you won’t feel the masterpiece miss a beat. When the “Lamborghini Mercy” finally bowed out, giving way to the Aventador flagship that succeeded it, the V12 engine was redesigned, making the Murcielago the final car to use the last descendant of a decades-old line of incredible Lamborghini engines.
Lamborghini Murcielago Transmission
All of the Lamborghini Murcielago models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, although a six-speed e-Gear semi-automatic transmission is also an option. While a matter of personal preference, semi-automatic transmissions often appeal to a wider, more general market as more people are familiar with operating them. Because of this, it is much more difficult to secure a model with a manual transmission in place. A Lamborghini Murcielago with a six-speed manual transmission, however, is often more popular among supercar enthusiasts who enjoy the hands-on feeling.
While other cars had single-clutch automatic transmissions, Lamborghini’s E-Gear system was essentially a six-speed manual controlled by a computer with hydraulic servos. The aftermarket along with online communities have reverse-engineered the gearbox to the point that E-Gear can be converted to a conventional clutch and shifter. Not only does this increase the car’s value, it removes over 150 lbs of complex and expensive hardware.
Lamborghini Murcielago Brakes
No sports supercar is complete without an advanced braking system in place. The Lamborghini Murcielago, with the ability to reach speeds of over 200 mph, is equipped with high-performance brakes that allow drivers to brake later and turn harder than with traditional brakes. The carbon-ceramic disc brakes featured in the Murcielago models have an unparalleled stopping power that allows drivers to make sudden stops smoothly and efficiently.
As the aftermarket has stepped up their support, your choices for pads and rotors range from cast iron with semi-metallic pads to full racing setups. This is made affordable because the Lamborghini Murcielago brakes are massive, and they lack the complications of later models. All four rotors are 14″ in diameter and 1.3″ thick. A complete brake job can be done in your driveway in an afternoon without breaking the bank.
Lamborghini Murcielago Design
Envisioned by Luc Donckerwolke, head of design for Lamborghini from ’98 to 2005, the Lamborghini Murcielago is truly what dreams are made of. A real head-turner, the Murcielago features sharp and sleek angles that command the attention of everyone in its path. Despite the distinguishing design features that separate each model, all Lamborghini Murcielagos are only around 45 inches in height and 180 inches to 181 inches in length.
It was the first Lamborghini flagship to not have been designed by Gandini. This can be divisive amongst enthusiasts, as some justify the new millennium needed a new designer. As the new owners of the company were fast to embrace composites, the styling was driven by the abilities of carbon fiber. Not only for the body panels, but it can also be found as a stressed member of the floors and rear firewall.
Intended to give a laid-back vibe, each model hits the mark and exceeds the aesthetic design expectations of a typical sports car. Crafted from a combination of carbon fiber, aluminum, and steel, the Murcielago is equally robust and polished. Whether you are considering a Lamborghini Murcielago for a colder climate or strictly as a summertime ride, you have the option of a hardtop model or an open-top one that further enhances the allure of the Murcielago’s curvaceous body. While the models are available in several different colors, some of the most common include yellow, red, orange, black and white.
| Lamborghini Murcielago Specs | |
| Horsepower: | 661 hp |
| Torque: | 487 lb/ft |
| 0-60 mph: | 2.9 s |
| 0-100 mph: | 6.9 s |
| 1/4 mile: | 10.9 s @ 130 mph |
| Weight: | 3,668 lbs |
| Production: | 3,983 units |
Lamborghini Murcielago Price
Being a car that is no longer being manufactured and thus doesn’t have a current MSRP, answering the question “How much is a Lamborghini Murcielago?” isn’t as simple as giving a number. With a relatively small amount of Lamborghini Murcielagos available on the market, the prices can vary drastically. Depending on the specific model and any upgraded features that may be included, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150,000 up to $486,061. Generally speaking, those with manual transmissions sell for more, as do the LP 670-4 SuperVeloce models, with only 186 units produced. As with any used car, other factors such as the overall condition of the car and the mileage will also influence the Murcielago price. Especially when it comes to a car like the Murcielago, that is being sold to enthusiasts, like any supercar, even factors like the paint color can significantly change the Lamborghini Murcielago price.
Time has tested the raging bull harder than any race. Not only has the Lamborghini Murcielago proven itself to be reliable, you get an amazing car for a great price. To be a shrewd negotiator, a pre-purchase inspection must consider the remaining clutch life along with the E-Gear system. The engine is bulletproof as long as coolant and oil are changed by the book. Speaking of the book, a lack of maintenance records could reward you with a bargain.
Lamborghini Murcielago Interior
Leather, low-slung seats adorned with a diamond-shaped pattern ensure both comfort and luxury are on your mind as you enter a Lamborghini Murcielago. The sleek appearance from the outside is carried inside with a dark and sophisticated interior that may incorporate the color of the exterior for a more thorough feel.
A Lamborghini logo is on display either centered on the dashboard or situated on the left of the glove box, depending on the model. While many first-generation models have fairly basic stereo and navigation systems by today’s standards, it is not uncommon for them to have aftermarket ones installed to enhance the driving experience. If you are considering purchasing a Lamborghini Murcielago, be sure to familiarize yourself with the interior system and warning lights ahead of time.
To those born in the ’80s, the Lamborghini Murcielago interior is just right. It is not as unconventional as its predecessor, or as artistic as its successors. The only item out of place is the reverse button. It is near the door panel on the left of the dash. You might wonder why it is not near the selector until you learn how to back up. Reversing is done by sitting on the door sill with the door in the air. If you think that is unique, try doing it with three pedals and Italian loafers.
Lamborghini Murcielago SV
The SV in Lamborghini Murcielago SV stands for Superveloce, and Lamborghini took that name very seriously. The Superveloce version of the Murcielago boasted an improved 661 horsepower and 487 lb/ft of torque. Along with the increased power, the track-focused SV model also featured revised bodywork and a more spartan interior for weight reduction and increased downforce, which resulted in a 0-60 time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of up to 213 mph. Only 186 of these incredible cars exist because the production of the SV ended earlier than expected to accommodate for the Aventador, which would come to replace the Murcielago in Lamborghini’s lineup.
Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 Versace
Fashion house Versace is known for its quintessentially Italian style and luxury, and its appeal is quite similar to that of Lamborghini’s as a brand, which is why when the two forces came together to create the Murcielago LP 640 Versace, it was immediately a legendary collaboration. The model is distinguished by its use of Versace’s signature Greek Key pattern, seen on the exterior, and throughout the interior, which was styled by Versace. This edition of the Murcielago is incredibly rare with only 20 made and only 8 sold. They came as both coupes and roadsters with matching sets of luggage, watches, gloves, and shoes.
Lamborghini Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster
Late in the life cycle of the Murcielago model, the Roadster was updated, and given increased power and a special color scheme. This LP 650-4 Roadster boasted 641 horsepower and 487 lb/ft of torque, and got from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph. Only 50 of these roadsters were made, and they were only available in Grigio Telesto gray with Arancio orange accents.
Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition
Built specifically for the Chinese market, Lamborghini introduced a different version of the Murcielago SV with an exclusive and unique livery that consisted of a center stripe. The car was unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, and it was incredibly exclusive, with only 10 made, and it combined the track-ready performance of the SV with the exclusivity of one of the rarest Murcielagos.
Lamborghini Murcielago Standout Features
Aside from the vibrant colors, angular body and shocking level of power, the Lamborghini Murcielago is equipped with a number of features that make it unique. One of the most notable is the inclusion of the scissor doors. The doors are connected to a fixed hinge on the front of the door, which allows them to open vertically instead of horizontally as with traditional car doors. This gives the cars an over-the-top, opulent feel over other sports cars. Since the introduction of the legendary Lamborghini Countach flagship model in the 1970s, scissor-style doors became a signature fixture within the Lamborghini brand that helps people identify the Fighting Bull brand’s flagship models. The Aventador that came after the Murcielago also boasted this iconic feature.
As this was the last generation of the original Lamborghini V12 engine, the aftermarket still offers incredible upgrades. From cams to intake trumpets, you could probably revert to carburetors for a vintage throwback. Likewise, the number of color options and the ability to incorporate a semi-automatic six-speed transmission make the Murcielago stand out above the rest. Perhaps the most important stand-out feature, however, is the level of Murcielago horsepower packed into this small and stylish supercar. The Murcielago was and is such an important and celebrated car in Lamborghini’s history that only 10 years after its discontinuation, rumors circulated of a reprise in the form of a 2020 Lamborghini Murcielago. While this car did gather anticipation and it would be amazing, Lamborghini instead decided to honor another chapter of its long supercar history with the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. Hopefully, the Murcielago will be given another chance to return, especially because of the fact that if you ask the question “How many Lamborghini Murcielagos were made?” the answer would be only 4,099 cars, a low number that makes the stunning car a rare sight on the road or even at a car show.
Image Source: Lamborghini
