Currently reading: Lambo's hardcore Murcielago SV
Lamborghini's lightweight special has 661bhp and can hit 209mph

This is Lamborghini's most powerful production car ever, the 661bhp Murciélago SV - and the hardcore supercar promises more noise and less weight to boot.

Lamborghini will build 350 SVs as the run-out model for the current Murciélago. The car's retuned 6.5-litre V12 gets a revised intake system with new valve timing and a new exhaust, delivering another 29bhp. The exhaust has also been tuned for more noise.

The full 661bhp arrives at 8000rpm, with 487lb ft of torque peaking at 6500rpm. Lamborghini is claiming a top speed of 209mph.

The SV uses Lamborghini’s six-speed sequential e-gear transmission, but a chrome-gated six-speed manual ’box will be optional. Contrary to expectations, the SV is not rear-drive; it retains the Murciélago’s four-wheel drive system.

Watch Steve Sutcliffe trying to drift a Murcielago LP640

The SV is unlikely to be mistaken for an ordinary LP640, either, because Lamborghini has given it a deeper front spoiler with bigger brake cooling intakes. Buyers will also have a choice of two outrageously large carbonfibre rear wings.

Lamborghini has cut more than 100kg from the standard Murciélago by lightening the engine, gearbox and roof lining and removing the radio. High-tensile steel in the chassis cuts 20kg and increases stiffness by 12 per cent.

>> See more pics of the new Lamborghini Murcielago SV

Extensive use of carbonfibre in the transmission tunnel, floor and body panels cuts another 13kg. The fixed rear wing, which creates so much drag that it actually reduces top speed, saves the weight added by the motors in the standard car’s pop-up unit.

While the SV will technically be available only in white, grey, yellow, orange or black, Lamborghini will also paint examples in matt black or matt white as an option on top of the estimated £235,000 list price.

Michael Taylor


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