Photo illustration by Fox Syndication Limited
Save for a minor facelift at the LP640's debut in 2006, the current Lamborghini Murcielago looks the same as it did back in 2001 when it was introduced. And for a brand that trades in flamboyance and unbridled passion (of all kinds), rather than heritage (Ferrari), more than a decade of sameness can't be tolerated. It's time for a refresh, and sources close to Lamborghini tell us a revised 2012 Lamborghini Murcielago will be in the company's booth at this month's Frankfurt Auto Show.
As you can see from these early renderings, the Murcielago is expected to pick up many of the design elements of the Estoque sedan concept from last year's Paris Auto Show. Lambo's supercar will keep its mid-engine layout, of course, but the illustrations suggest it might get some of the Estoque's tastier contours.
The overall form is much closer to the Lamborghini Gallardo's shape, and some think the 2012 Murcielago might abandon its Diablo-derived bits and use a version of the Gallardo's Audi-designed chassis.
Follow the jump for more information and another photo.
IL News -- 2012 Lamborghini Murcielago: The Next Step?
We don't have any hard specs, yet, but it's a fair bet the 6.5-liter (6,496cc) V12 will return; although, some experts feel tightening emissions regs might force Lambo to dump this engine for a newer V12 with direct injection. Either way, expect big horsepower. In the current LP640, the 6.5-liter makes 631 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. We fully expect Lamborghini to offer another SuperVeloce (SV) model like today's LP670-4, which makes 661 hp.
But before we see another Murcielago SV, we'll probably see the revised Murcielago Roadster, possibly at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.
Photo illustration by Fox Syndication Limited
7driver says:
04:19 PM, 09/ 3/09
Hm, another evolution of the Countach "design language". It'd be nice if Lambo would recall some elements of their other cars like the Miura, Espada Urraco or 350/400GT. Or go in an entirely new design direction altogether.
altimadude00 says:
06:24 PM, 09/ 3/09
To a lot of people, the angular styling says "Lamborghini" as the teardrop greenhouse and bubble headlights say "Porsche." It's their brand image, and without it, it's anonymous.
billt9 says:
07:28 PM, 09/ 3/09
looking like the Reventon. good, they don't keep their good design exclusive to the top model.
That's how all brands should be, the cheaper stuff they make should have the style of the top of the line.
estreka says:
07:24 AM, 09/ 4/09
If Lambo ever reinvents the Miura design language, it needs to be a separate car. Don't mix and match.
slickersdrip says:
03:58 PM, 09/ 4/09
I wonder if the Murcielago name will stick around.
To me it's been Countach-->Diablo-->Murcielago... to have a second Murcielago seems to break the habit. Obviously the Murcielago name has a ton of brand equity, but didn't Countach and Diablo?
mrbacon says:
01:01 PM, 09/ 5/09
Seems to me like the styling isn't different enough from the current Murci.
inlinesix says:
02:36 PM, 09/ 5/09
this car just looks mean
chopperx says:
12:13 PM, 11/ 2/09
mrbacon
- it isn't that much different because it is a current Murci with bits grafted on from the Estoque sedan concept.
Looks great - but hardly revolutionary - more evolutionary I guess...