New '07 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

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credit: NYTimes

The LP designation refers to the engine’s mounting position (“longitudinale posterioreâ€) behind the two seats; 640 is the horsepower it makes in European specification.

Because of slight changes to meet American emissions rules, the output in this country is slightly less, at 632 horsepower — akin to the difference between getting hit by a .44-caliber bullet or a .45; the wounds are pretty much the same size.

The V-12’s displacement has grown to 6.5 liters, from 6.2, by increasing the cylinder bore and lengthening the piston stroke; torque output is improved to a mighty 487 pound-feet.

Gas mileage is on par with the thirstiest big trucks, just 9 miles a gallon in town and 13 on the highway, earning the government’s biggest gas-guzzler tax, $7,700.

This is part of the price you pay for the most powerful street-legal (to use the term loosely) Lamborghini ever. It is also the fastest. This 3,670-pound projectile has a claimed a top speed of “over 211†miles an hour. The numbers on the speedometer go up to 220, in case you catch a good tailwind.

For Lamborghinis in general, and past Murciélagos in particular, the company’s raging-bull emblem has seemed apt. The cars have had a reputation as being tough to tame.

The toughest thing about the LP640 is the searing heat it generates. Horsepower not only makes speed, it makes heat.

The engine radiates heat like the Space Shuttle re-entering the atmosphere, and after a rigorous drive the Murciélago can keep your garage warm all night.

As a result, the LP640 differs stylistically from a standard Murciélago in that every air intake and exhaust point was enlarged as much as possible without ruining the car’s elegant, low-slung styling.

source: NYTimes Auto

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credit: NYTimes

[JM15 386]

Any idea on the price? You know Christmas is around the corner and I can always use a new heater for my garage. Probabally safer than a space heater, and a lot cooler looking.

[CFD320 35]

You can get one for just under 240k...I'll take two please

Edited October 20, 2006 by CFD320