Lamborghini has thrown the motoring world a curve ball with a report that Sant’Agata will be leaving manual transmissions to the dinosaurs, just like Ferrari. According to Car and Driver, the decision was part of the company’s commitment to increasing the overall fuel economy of its products – something the Raging Bull really hasn’t had to bother with in the past. In addition to scrapping the third pedal, the company says it plans to build ever-lighter exotics, which means you can bet your pants there will be even more carbon fiber in Lambo’s future line-up.

Don’t expect to see any turbocharged Gallardos in the next few years, though. While automakers around the world may be strapping forced induction to their engines as a way to curb fuel consumption and maintain power, Lamborghini says it has no interest in playing with the extra psi. Instead, look for stop/start tech and cylinder deactivation to crop up over the next decade, as well as a mild-hybrid car and an E85-capable V10. The times? They are most definitely changing.

[Source:Autoblog]

How much horsepower is enough? While we’re fairly certain some might be answering that rhetorical question with raised eyebrows, Lamborghini is seemingly content with a number just shy of 700 raging horses. That doesn’t mean that the Italian supercar manufacturer won’t continue its unabated push towards ever-quicker acceleration – though top speeds higher than 211 miles per hour sound unlikely – but there’s clearly more than one way to skin a cat Prancing Horse.

Why not just build a bigger engine? Simple, as company CEO Stephan Winkelmann correctly observes, “It has come to the point where acceleration equals consumption. More consumption means increased CO2 emissions.” Apparently, the answer to the power conundrum will be less weight. “We will use composite materials in the right place, when it also has the right cost, stiffness and mechanical characteristics,” explains R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani.

Expect aluminum to be used in place of heavier steel, along with improved aerodynamics and stop/start technology to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We’ve also heard repeated rumblings of full hybrid powertrains, though those seem more likely to come at the tail end of the decade. Whatever the case, it should be interesting to see how all the world’s supercar manufacturers – Lamborghini included – grapple with the push to be green while also upholding their performance traditions.

[Source:Autoblog]

Unfortunately, the Lamborghini Murciélago can’t last forever. Despite producing a number of special versions to keep it fresh, including the LP640, LP 650-4 Roadster and LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini will eventually replace its most super of supercars.

Our spy photographers have caught up with Lamborghini engineers testing what could be the Murciélago’s replacement in Scandinavia. Rumored to revive the “Jota” nameplate, this new car appears to be similar in size to the Murciélago. We’re told to expect a new direct-inject V12 engine producing around 700 horsepower and a lighter overall weight thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum. All-wheel-drive is a given, though this time around Lamborghini may use a new system developed in conjunction with Haldex. As for what it look like, expect inspiration to come from the Reventón, another Lambo based on the Murciélago.

[Source:Autoblog]

Slavche Tanevski had a project to complete at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, and the result is the stacked, vented, and char-blackened concept you see above. In keeping with Lamborghini nomenclature, an Ankonian is a kind of bull, and if you took a Lamborghini Reventon and asked the question, “Does it blend?”, the Ankonian concept is what you might pour out of your glassware.

It doesn’t have any hypothetical specs, nor, we suppose, does it really need them. The car is long, low, and narrow, and darkly hostile enough to go as quickly or as slowly as it wishes. What it does have is flames that shoot out of the exhaust, and frankly, that’s enough for us. You can have various looks at it in the gallery of high-res photos below, but please, don’t make it angry. You wouldn’t like it when it’s angry.

[Source:Autoblog]

So you like the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV, but you’re struggling to justify the price. After all, it may be just as fast as the Reventón, but it only costs a third of that range-topping bull. You like that it’s the latest limited-edition hypercar from Sant’Agata Bolognese, but will everyone think you’re slumming by not getting the most expensive bull in the barn? Come to think of it, maybe you can hold out for the Reventón Roadster, which should easily surpass the coupe as the ne plus ultra in the Lambo lineup. Of course, you could just stick with your ordinary LP640-4 or LP650-4 Roadster a little longer and wait for the Murcielago replacement in a year or two.

When that so-called Jota finally debuts, it will bring with it a new carbon fiber chassis and an equally new direct-injected 6.0-liter V12 thought to be good for at least 700 horsepower. Yeah, that’s probably the way to go. After all, the economy isn’t exactly the best right now and plunking down $1.5M for a new car might make others unnecessarily envious. Haters. Of course, if you wait too long, you might find yourself debating waiting a little longer still for the Jota-besting halo car from Lamborghini, the rumored Urus.

CARS UK is quoting “a source close to Lamborghini” when they talk about this new halo vehicle, which is expected to take on all comers, especially that “FX70″ Enzo-replacement coming out of Maranello. Using a modified Jota chassis, the Urus will go on an even stricter diet to make it a featherweight lighter heavyweight. It will drop the few bits of aluminum that are expected to be used on the Jota and go all carbon fiber. That, active aerodynamics, and a nearly 800 horsepower version of the Jota V12 in its engine bay should allow the Urus to challenge even the Bugatti Veyron with a sub-3-second 0-60mph time. The real question becomes — Can you wait until 2012 for the Urus or will you buckle a year earlier and pop for the Jota in 2011? You know what, just get both.

[Source:Autoblog]

Lamborghini has just released official imagery and details of its next masterpiece, the Reventon Roadster, ahead of its oficial debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Like its hardtop predecessor, the Roadster features stealth fighter styling seemingly intended to scatter the radar beams of the local constabulary as you peal off your toupee. The 661-horsepower 6.5-liter V12 is also carried over from the coupe, which is enough to make the 62 mph sprint in a blistering 3.4 seconds. The 487 lb-ft of torque is transmitted to all four wheels via a viscous coupling as needed. Unfortunately, it has to pass through the e-gear semi-automatic 6-speed first – meaning sedate cruising around town unlikely to be a smooth affair.

The Reventon Roadster will again have a very limited production run befitting its €1.1 million price tag. Interestingly Lamborghini states that “less than 20″ Roadsters will be built but leaves the final number open ended. Aside from the newfound abundance fresh air, the styling of the rear deck with its integrated wing carrying the third brake light is the only other visual difference of note. Click past the break for the press release and check out our high-res gallery below.
[Source: Lamborghini]

PRESS RELEASE:

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster – ultimately open

Designer piece with uncompromising performance
Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph). The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.

The Lamborghini Reventón is not destined to remain a one-off. Less than 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.

Each Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes). Deliveries will begin October 2009.

“The Reventón is the most extreme car in the history of the brand,” comments Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “The new Roadster adds an extra emotional component to our combined technological expertise – it unites superior performance with the sensual fascination of open-top driving.” The Reventón Coupé was presented at the 2007 IAA in Frankfurt and was sold out immediately.

Open-top sports cars are a tradition at Lamborghini that stretches back over 40 years. In 1968, the company from Sant’Agata Bolognese built a Miura without a fixed roof as a one-off. The Diablo Roadster appeared in 1995 with its targa roof anchored to the engine cover.

Sculpture with extreme dynamics

All Lamborghinis are created with an avantgarde approach to design; a fast-moving technical sculpture. The Reventón Roadster is derived from the same creative thinking as the Coupé. Its designers found their inspiration in aviation – the aggressive wedge shape evokes images of fighter jets.
The powerful arrowhead form at the front, the mighty air intakes pulled way forward, the broad side skirts, the upwards opening scissor doors and the rear end with its menacing edges – the Roadster is clad in a design of maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Details set stylish accents, such as headlamps featuring bi-xenon units with LEDs forming the daytime running lights and indicators. The rear lamps are also equipped with LEDs.

Like the Coupé, the Reventón Roadster measures 4700 mm (185 in.) long. It has a wheelbase of 2665 mm (105 in.) and is 2058 mm (81 in.) wide and 1132 mm (45 in.) high. The driver and passenger seating positions are low and sporty, separated by a substantial central tunnel.

Behind the two seats are two hidden pop-up bars that deploy upwards in just a few hundredths of a second in the event of an imminent rollover. A fixed, horizontal wing-shaped member behind the seats bears the third brake light. The design of the Roadster’s long back is also quite distinct from that of the Coupé. The engine bonnet is virtually horizontal and a total of four windows made from glass provide a view of the mighty V12 in all its technical elegance.

Stiff bodyshell base

The base bodyshell of the Reventón is already so stiff that the Roadster requires only minimal reinforcement. It has a dry weight of only 1690 Kg (3,725 lbs.), just 25 Kg, (55 lbs.) more than the Coupé.

Like the Coupé, the cell of the Roadster is made from high-strength steel profile and carbon components joined with specialist adhesive and rivets. The bodyshell is made almost entirely from carbon fiber elements, with sheet steel used only for the outer door skins.

Exclusive grey paintwork

A unique paint finish completes the razor sharp design language of the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster. For this exclusive special edition, designers have created a new shade of matt grey called Reventón Grey. As for the Reventón Coupé, which is a slightly different shade of grey, this is a matt paint finish that, in the sunlight, displays an unexpected impression of depth thanks to its special metal particles.

The wheels of the Reventón Roadster also incorporate the interplay of matt and glossy elements. The five spokes of the rims each bear a Y-form, and on each spoke are mounted small crescent-shaped wings made from matte carbon. These provide not only an unusual visual impact, but also a turbine effect that further improves cooling of the mighty ceramic brake discs.

Aircraft-style displays

The interior of the Reventón Roadster conveys the same powerful design as the exterior. The cockpit is structured with technical clarity, the interfaces arranged for functionality. Like a modern aircraft, the open two-seater no longer has classic analogue instrumentation – instead, information is delivered via two transreflective and one transmissive liquid-crystal displays.

The driver can switch between two modes at the touch of a button – one digital view with illuminated bars and one level with classic round dials, albeit with changing color graphics. Centrally located at the top of the display is the G-force meter. It represents the intensity of the forces acting on the Reventón Roadster under acceleration, braking and heavy cornering; the same format used in Formula 1.

The instruments are mounted in a casing machined from solid aluminum which is housed in a carbon fiber dashboard. The interior displays uncompromisingly clean craftsmanship and features a host of carbon fiber applications – e.g. on the center tunnel – aluminum, Alcantara and leather. The central panels and the seat cushions are perforated, with precision stitching gracing their outer edges.

Lamborghini has equipped the Reventón Roadster with full options.

An icon of engine design

The twelve-cylinder engine that powers the Reventón Roadster is a Lamborghini icon – and the technical feature that defines the character of the car. It is one of the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated engines. With a compression ratio of 11 : 1 and a displacement of 6496 cc (396.41 in3,) it generates 670 PS (493 kW) at 8,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) kicks in at 6,000 rpm.

The V12 engine is a masterpiece of Italian engineering. Two chains drive its four camshafts that, in turn, operate the 48 valves. Together with the three-phase adjustable intake manifold, the variable valve timing delivers a meaty torque build-up. Dry sump lubrication ensures that the hi-tech power unit has a constant supply of oil, even under heavy lateral acceleration. The absence of the oil sump means a low mounting position – benefitting the car’s outstanding handling characteristics.

The V12 catapults the Reventón Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 Km/h (205 mph). It reacts with the eagerness of a racing engine to input from the right foot, revving to 8,000 rpm and beyond, and performing a symphony that sends shudders along the spine. The deep booming bass, the powerful mid-range and the exultant horn section play music that, once heard, can never be forgotten.

All-wheel drive for maximum traction

In classic Lamborghini style, the aluminum engine is mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle, with the transmission ahead of it beneath the center tunnel. This layout results in 58 percent of the overall weight being borne by the rear wheels – ideal for a powerful sports car.

This layout accommodates the Viscous Traction permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal conditions, it sends the vast majority of the driving force to the rear wheels. Should they begin to spin, the central viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of the power via an additional shaft to the front axle. Limited-slip differentials are located there and at the rear axle with 25 and 45 percent lock respectively.

Lamborghini introduced the all-wheel drive principle with the Diablo. The reason back then was just as clear as it is today - four driven wheels grip far better than two, and the more powerful the engine, the greater the impact of this fundamental law of physics.

Also standard on the Reventón Roadster is the e.gear automated six-speed sequential manual transmission. The driver controls the gear shift, which is activated hydraulically via two steering wheel paddles. In addition to the “Normal” mode, the system offers a “Corsa” and a “low adherence” mode. The driver just has to keep his foot to the floor - the rest is handled by e.gear.

Running gear layout from motorsport

The Reventón Roadster keeps the extreme power of its engine in check with a running gear layout derived directly from motorsport. Each wheel boasts double wishbone suspension, with one spring strut on each side of the front axle and two each at the rear. The front end of the car can be raised by 40 mm (about 1.6 in.) to protect the underside of the vehicle over potholes or on steep entrances into underground garages.

The open two-seater runs on 18-inch wheels. The front tires measure 245/35, while the rears are 335/30. Dedicated air channels in the bodyshell cool the four wheel brakes. Carbon-fiber ceramic discs are standard – they have an extremely lightweight construction, operate with virtually no fade, are corrosion-free and achieve the highest service life. Each disc has a diameter of 380 mm (~15 in.) and is gripped by six-piston calipers.

As fast as the open two-seater may be, its road manners are impeccable. Its performance limits are extremely high, yet effortless to control. And, on exiting a bend, all four wheels stick tenaciously to the asphalt. The permanent all-wheel drive dovetails the car firmly with the road, delivering decisive benefits in traction and stability.

High-performance aerodynamics

A further distinctive characteristic of the Reventón Roadster is its calm directional stability even at extremely high speeds – a feature that also turns fast highway stretches into sheer joy. Alongside the bodyshell design and the smooth underbody, which culminates in a powerfully formed diffuser, the rear spoiler carries responsibility for downforce. It deploys from the rear edge at about 130 Km/h (80 mph) and adopts an even steeper angle as of about 220 Km/h (136 mph). The entire aerodynamic concept – around and through the car – is radically laid out for performance.

State-of the-art development techniques

Lamborghini used state-of-the-art, highly networked processes to bring the Reventón Roadster to life. The design, CAD work and model making that took place in the Centro Stile, which opened in 2004, were accompanied continuously by specialists and test engineers from the Research & Development Department.

The Design Department is directly linked to the neighbouring Ufficio Tecnico, ensuring rapid implementation of ideas. Lamborghini’s capabilities also include the independent development of the complete electronic platform. This incorporates all control units – including those for the V12 and the innovative cockpit displays.

All units of the Reventón Roadster are being built on the Sant’Agata Bolognese production line, with perfect craftsmanship and to the highest levels of quality.

[Source:Autoblog]

Reiter Engineering used last weekend’s 24 Hours of Spa race to reveal its Murcielago LP670 R-SV, a GT1 race-ready version of the already hardened LP 670-4 SV. The box-stock Lambo already shed 220 pounds compared to its non SV brethren, weighing in at 3,451 pounds. The Reiter racer, stripped of any non-essentials and with a body rendered entirely in carbon fiber, drops further 921 pounds to weigh in at just 2,530 pounds (1,150 kg).

Reiter is hoping the car will be one of the six allowable brands chosen for next year’s FIA GT World Championship. You can read the press release on the taurean missile after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

PRESS RELEASE

In the course of the 24h of Spa, the FIA has presented the new REITER LP 670 R-SV during a press conference on Friday 24th of July at 6.30 p.m. to the international press.

The new REITER Lamborghini LP670 R-SV can be unveiled to the public only a few months after the street version was officially presented in Geneva. The new Lamborghini GT1 race car is presented to the public at the 24-hours of Spa. The car is based on the production Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 model. It is equipped with a new, more powerful 6.5 V12 engine producing 670 PS/493 kW (without restrictor), which propels the wild bull with a torque of 660 Nm (@ 6,500 rpm). The FIA-ECU from Magneti Marelli regulates the engine control.

The REITER Lamborghini P670 R-SV is designed and manufactured to comply with the FIA 2010 regulations. The FIA allows only 6 automobile brands to be nominated. The race car is targeting to be nominated for the GT World Championship.

The GT1 machine from REITER measures 4800 mm in length and is 2058 mm wide. The total weight is only 1,150 kg (+ ballast to correspond with the FIA 2010 regulations).

A complete carbon outer skin clothes the Lamborghini racer. Its new visual appearance is unmistakable - extreme and uncompromising. The significantly modified aerodynamics improves the aerodynamic efficiency compared to its predecessor the Murciélago R-GT.

In addition, the engineers could also improve the suspension geometry. Compared to its forerunner, the new suspension geometry with modified roll-centre height and improved steering geometry, modified track width and re-engineered suspension components characterise the new Lamborghini race car.

The race braking system, comprised of carbon discs and pads, was also re-engineered and is now equipped with superior cooling.

[Source:Autoblog]

To some casual observers, Ferrari and Lamborghini may seem like peas in a pod: exotic Italian supercars with aggressive styling and superlative performance capabilities. But how they arrive at that point is far from similar. While Ferraris are bred from racing technology, Lamborghini, for the most part, doesn’t compete in motor sports. For that, they’ve got Reiter Engineering. The German motorsport garage has decades of experience turning Lamborghini’s road cars into racing cars, and not with an immodest level of success. Especially in the GT3 racing class, where Reiter-prepped Lambos have taken titles and continue to lead championships around the world. The latest Reiter GT3 car is now emerging from the development phase and the order books are open.

Based on the Gallardo LP560-4, the Reiter LP560 GT3 is a lightweight road-course rocket. The 5.2-liter V10 has been revised to GT3 specifications, while lightweight aluminum chassis components draped in carbon fiber bodywork keeps weight down to just 2,624 pounds. Downforce has been optimized, shift times have been halved and weight distribution has been balanced. But one of the most intriguing elements of the LP560’s design is that it can be easily upgraded to compete in the higher level GT2 class, giving privateer teams a wider variety of titles to contest. Reiter will sell your team a turn-key GT3-spec model for 265,000 euros (about $375k), and upgrade it to GT2 spec for another 30,000 euros ($43k). Details in the press release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

Motorsport innovation with new REITER Lamborghini LP560 GT3

The REITER Lamborghini LP560 GT3 was tested for the first time in public and is more efficient than its victorious predecessor: More power, improved suspension geometry, refined and optimised aerodynamics and a reduction in weight are key factors for the performance increase. In addition the car scores with an innovative 2-in-1 concept.

The new car is based on the production Lamborghini LP560-4. The REITER LP560 GT3 is equipped with a completely new and more powerful 5.2 litre V10 engine producing 570 PS (419.2 kW) at 8,000 rpm. It also develops significantly more torque than its predecessor – namely 540 Nm at 6,500 rpm. An EFI Euro 12 ECU performs the engine management.

With its new car REITER Engineering aims to continue the winning ways of its GT3 model series. To date a total of 49 examples were sold to the worldwide customer base. And with success: In addition to numerous race victories a REITER Gallardo GT3 currently holds the overall lead in the French FFSA GT3 and Asian GT3 championships. A brace of team titles (ADAC GT Masters), three championship titles (Australian GT, FFSA GT, Italian GT) and two championship runner-up positions (ADAC GT Masters, FFSA GT) have been credited to the REITER designed and developed Lamborghini racer over the last few years. However, the talk can not be of matching previous successes, “since the new Lamborghini GT3 is clearly far superior in many aspects than its predecessor,” states Team Boss Hans Reiter

The car weighs-in at an impressive 1,190 kg and, as a result, numbers among the lightweights in the GT3 class. The reason for this is its unique light-weight design aluminium spaceframe-structure, which allows the chassis to be considerably lighter and extremely rigid torsionally. The front and rear bodywork and the sills are also manufactured from lightweight carbon-fibre.

The aerodynamic concept follows the high-downforce philosophy of the predecessor. A combination of the carbon rear wing, front splitter and the completely closed aluminium-honeycomb underfloor generate the downforce required. The aerodynamic could be improved by 8% compared to its predecessor.

According to comments by chief engineer Edward Turner the new GT3 suspension concept is based on its big brother the REITER Murciélago R-GT which has proven its competitiveness in recent seasons. CNC machined uprights, fabricated race wishbones, an 24-hour race braking system and the multi-adjustable race suspension specially developed for the GT3 car underline this and are the foundation for the improved suspension geometry. The state-of-the-art mid-engine concept gives the car excellent handling and forms the base for the perfect front to rear weight distribution of 43-57%.

Equipped with 270/650-18 (front) and 310/710-18 (rear) REITER Engineering exploits the maximum tyre dimension on the rear axle which in turn improves the grip compared to the forerunner GT3 and, more specifically, allows significantly more constant lap times.

As usual a Holinger race gearbox ensures excellent power transmission. An Evo-gearbox enabled gear-shift times to be reduced by half. In addition, the fully programmable, electronic power management system (OBR) is another technical innovation that eases handling and maintenance.

A genuine motorsport innovation and interesting added value for GT3 customers: During the concept and design phase the REITER development team produced the REITER Convertible Concept (REITER CC/32). It allows the GT3 car, available for 265,000 Euro net, to be converted to a full-spec GT2 race car cost-efficiently in an ‘After Sales Solution’ for approx 30,000 Euro net. In this way customers receive a REITER LP560 GT3 race car which can start worldwide in the GT3 classes and also in the GT2 categories including the LM GT2 class.

Orders for three cars have already been placed. In September Lamborghini and GT3 customers have the opportunity to test the REITER Lamborghini LP560 GT3.

[Source:Autoblog]

Oh baby. The cat would appear to be out of the bag for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2, as what certainly look to be official photos of the newest bull have hit the web. Details are sketchy, but Lamborghini’s naming scheme keeps no secrets. Assuming this is all on the level, expect 550 horsepower from the V10 mounted aft of the cockpit, with that power going to the rear wheels exclusively. The lack of AWD should also result in some weight loss, a welcome addition in any sports car, much less a Lamborghini making this kind of power. And yes, that’s a ball-topped gated shifter in the interior photo featured in the gallery. Glorious. A very serious car for very serious drivers. We’re dying to hear the official details.

[Source:Autoblog]

t’s not much of a shock to find an automotive mash-up on eBay Motors. However, it’s rare that one of those Frankencars is a combination of one vintage Italian exotic with an even rarer and more exotic body on top, all assembled by the genius responsible for much of the hardware in the first place.

Initially intended to be a Bizzarrini GT America, this striking red coupe has been assembled on top of a Lamborghini 400GT chassis carrying the very V12 Giotto Bizzarrini designed for the marque of the bull before striking out on his own. It’s more than the melding of one man’s portfolio of work, the seller says it’s a true Bizzarini because the car was actually finished in Livorno, Italy by Giancarlo Reali, former coachwork chief for the Bizzarrini operation.

While the car is in need of some elbow grease to render it fully stunning, that doesn’t make it a bargain at a $250,000 starting bid. Given that this car seems to have actual pedigree that’s sorely lacking from most of the stock offered on eBay, that price may not be as outlandish as it first seems for a one-off put together from 40-year-old leftover parts.

[Source:Autoblog]