February 2010 - At 3,894 lbs. with a full 26.4-gallon fuel tank, the 2010 Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce from Lamborghini, Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, definitely wouldn't be considered a lightweight.
However, it's the lightest Murcielago, a line of cars launched in 2001. But according to MotorTrend Magazine, it's also the most powerful and fastest Murcielago ever built.
A key reason for this is the use of carbon composites and new superhigh-strength sectional steel (instead of tubular steel). MotorTrend reported that the latter boosted torsional stiffness by 12 percent while saving 44 lbs.
"The hand-finished interior is all carbon fiber and Alcantara (which Lamborghini claims is lighter than leather) and features hip-hugging, lightweight, race car bucket seats, saving a further 75 lbs.," according to MotorTrend.
Need for speed
The SuperVeloce can reach 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, and its top speed is a little more than 200 mph. The car can also go a quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 125.8 mph.
Additionally, the SuperVeloce is powered by a 6.5-liter, 60-degree V-12 engine--with an edge--that drives all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and limited flip front and rear differentials, according to MotorTrend.
"[It] has been given a 30-hp bump courtesy of a modified intake system and optimization of the valve train," according to the magazine. "This mighty lump now churns out 661 American hp ... at a howling 8,000 rpm and 487 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,5000 rpm."
The V-12 is visible thanks to a transparent polycarbonate engine bonnet, which is cut into hexagonal plates. It serves a practical function--providing cooling--and adds to the car's aesthetic appeal.
Cool factor
Other elements that ratchet up the SuperVeloce's appearance are its exhaust tailpipe and rear wing, according to Wallpaper magazine[www.wallpaper.com].
"Other nice touches, like the electronically operated air-cooling funnels that automatically rise from the rear wings, do nothing to dispel the impression that the SuperVeloce is a living, breathing thing," the magazine reported. FFJ
