Engine 6.5L V12 Transmission 6 Speed Manual Horsepower @ RPM 640@8000 Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy 9 / 14 Combined Fuel Economy 11 EPA Class Two Seater Number of Valves 48 Torque @ RPM 487@6000 (foot-lbs) Fuel Type/System Gas Engine / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected Turbo (yes/no) No Compression 11.0 Displacement 6496 / 396

Vehicle Overview

Only a couple hundred Murciélago coupes have reached U.S. customers since this Italian supercar went on sale in 2002. So for exotic-sports-car enthusiasts, the mere sight of one is something to behold. Equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, the Murciélago holds a 571-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-12. Lamborghini claims the Murciélago can roar from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed beyond 205 mph. Starting in 2004, Lamborghini's six-speed-manual transmission could be operated by a new "E-gear" system that eliminated the clutch pedal. This robotized gearbox delivers electrohydraulic sequential shifting. Twin paddles on the steering column yield upshifts and downshifts, while a Reverse button is mounted on the dashboard. An open-roofed Murciélago roadster debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2004 and went on sale later that year. For 2006, the Murciélago can be equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, and an Interior Carbon Package is optional. Lamborghini also markets a second, less-expensive model named the Gallardo, which is produced in the same Sant'Agata, Italy, facility as the Murciélago. Though owned by Audi AG since 1998, Automobili Lamborghini functions as a separate entity.

Exterior of the LUXURY RENTAL

Somewhat angular in appearance but accented with flowing curves, the Murciélago may recall memories of the automaker's bizarre-looking Countach, which preceded the Diablo in Lamborghini's model lineage. Sporting a wedge-shaped profile like that of the Diablo, the Murciélago features scissors-style doors hinged above the front wheel wells.

Other than the steel roof and door panels, the coupe's bodywork is composed largely of carbon fiber and is built over a frame made of high-strength steel tubing. Weight distribution is 42 percent in the front and 58 percent at the rear. Aluminum-alloy wheels hold 18-inch Pirelli tires that are wider in back.

Mounted on long arms that let the driver see beyond the prominent rear fenders, the mirrors can be folded back electronically. A number of visible air intakes and vents help cool the V-12 engine and the brakes. Two active intakes at the rear use a Variable Airflow Cooling System that permits changes in the aperture to accommodate different driving conditions. The rear spoiler can move into three distinct positions.

Interior of the Exotic Rental

Two occupants get leather-upholstered seats. The driver faces a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Lamborghini says the chassis is lower and the door-opening angle greater in the Murciélago than in the Diablo, making entry and exit a little easier. All instruments are grouped on a single, electronically controlled panel.

Under the Hood

The mid-engine Murciélago packs a 6.2-liter V-12 that cranks out 571 hp. A six-speed-manual transmission sits ahead of the engine and can be operated by Lamborghini's "E-gear" sequential-shifting system, which deletes the clutch pedal. The all-wheel-drive system employs a central viscous coupling.

Safety

All-disc Brembo antilock brakes are standard.