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Lamborghini unwraps new 6.5L V12 engine, ISR gearbox


UPDATE: More info and video added!

The V12 engine and Lamborghini are inseparable; all poster favourites from the Miura to the Countach and Diablo had one behind the seats. These black and white images are of Lamborghini’s all new V12 engine and automated manual gearbox, essentially the heart of the Murciélago successor that’s due next year. Just like the cars from Sant’Agata, be prepared for some dramatic descriptions.

Codenamed L539, the naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12′s 700 hp is made at 8,250 rpm while 690 Nm max torque is achieved at 5,500 rpm, 500 revs lower than present. It may be high revving with “highly emotional acoustics” but the V12 will also have “a well-rounded torque curve, beefy pulling power and incredibly spontaneous responsiveness”. Compared to the current V12, the L539 has an increased bore (88 mm to 95 mm) but a reduced stroke (89 mm to 76.4 mm). Compression ratio is up to 11.8:1 from 11:1. No direct injection for now.

Developed “from a clean sheet of paper” the 60 degree V12 will be hand built in Sant’Agata Bolognese. To reduce weight (it’s 18 kg lighter at 235 kg), the crankcase and the four-valve cylinder heads are made from aluminum-silicon alloy. The short-stroke layout ensures high-revving performance and low internal friction, with good thermal management (two switchable water circuits for rapid warm-up) and oil circulation (dry-sump lubrication with eight scavenging pumps) to back up.

There also a complex intake system with four individual throttle valves, where air flows through two flaps, several channels and one bypass. The exhaust system is said to deliver a “spine-tingling Lamborghini sound”. It’s a three-into-one system with two separate mufflers – one low-volume, one high-volume – regulated by ECU controlled valves.

The new V12′s perfect mate is the new 7-speed ISR transmission, designed for “the world’s most emotional gearshift feel”. Shift times for this single clutch ‘box are quick – 40% faster than the Gallardo’s e.gear and almost 50% less than dual-clutch unit, says Lambo – thanks to the ISR (Independent Shifting Rod). Instead of taking place in series, as with a conventional gearbox, shifting can occur virtually in parallel. While one shifting rod is moving out of one gear, the second shifting rod can already engage the next. It’s faster because both actions partially overlap and the mechanical distance is shorter as it bypasses neutral.

There are four ISRs in the gearbox, controlled via hydraulic actuators. The double-plate clutch is also hydraulically actuated. Synchronizing rings are made from carbonfibre. The ISR box’ low weight of 70 kg also compares favourably with twin-clutch units. Three modes are available: Strada (with full auto shift shifting, if you want), Sport and the most hardcore Corsa with launch control.

Looks like the Murciélago successor will be very well equipped to be the top bull in the supercar ring! Gallery and a video after the jump.
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Paris 2010: Stunning Lamborghini Sesto Elemento unveiled!

The Lamborghini concept that’s been naughtily teased over the past month has been unveiled! It’s called the Sesto Elemento and it looks gorgeously outrageous, as spectacular as the name. Sesto Elemento is Italian for Sixth Element, and the sixth element in the periodic table is carbon. Get it?

Boasting an extremely lightweight construction thanks to advanced carbonfibre technology, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento has an overall curb weight of just 999 kg including its V10 engine and permanent all-wheel drive. That’s very little weight for 570 hp to pull (sensational power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kg per hp) and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is done in only 2.5 seconds!

“Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

Images after the jump!
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Lamborghini Sesto Elemento: official reveal from the Paris Motorshow 2010

Lamborghini has finally revealed its concept sports car, which demonstrates the use of advanced carbon fibre technology. Official specs of the car has revealed that the Sesto Elemento, that we have been teased with for a few weeks now, has an over all curb weight of just 999kg.

The use of the word Sesto Elemento (Sixth Element) represents the carbon elements position on the periodic table. This also showcases Lamborghini’s future of employing carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology.

Lamborghini also claims to be the only company to have mastered the CFRP process, across a range of technologies from 3D design to simulation, validation, production and testing. Essentially meaning, the body is made by Lamborghini, for Lamborghini.

Complementing, or rather overpowering, this lightweight shell will be the powerful V10 from the Gallardo Superleggera, generating an impressive 570hp and 540Nm of torque. This gives the all-wheel drive super car a power to weight ratio of just 1.75kg per hp.

This lightweight concept accelerates to 100km/h in a measly 2.5 seconds! That’s almost superbike figures. This goes on to reach a top speed of 300km/h. In a normal sports car, you’d be all over the place due to its heavy shell, but thanks to the lightweight construction the car should handle like a dream. It looks like someone’s planning to take Lotus’ crown.

Expect minimalist design inside as instead of the conventional seat frame, the whole internal structure is obtained and defined directly from the Forged Composite tub. Also, as seen in previous teasers, the interior is fully CFRP, while the instrument panels provide information on engine conditions and road speed. On the centre console you will find three buttons, one to start the engine, one to shift to reverse and the last for the lights.

We should have live photos coming to you direct from Paris anytime soon, till then enjoy the picture gallery after this jump.
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Lamborghini Sixth Element concept leaked ahead of Paris

This is believed to be Lamborghini’s Sixth Element concept, the car that the company has been teasing about for the past few weeks. It does seem genuine as the vehicle here has the things that were shown in the teaser images, such as the red interior and the wheels.

The concept is believed to be made entirely out of carbon fiber, except for the mechanical bits. Weight is figured at about 999 kilograms and power is rumored to come from a V10 engine which can help propel the concept to the 100km/h mark in 2.5 seconds, up to a top speed of 350km/h.

Why the Sixth Element designation? Apparently the name was inspired by the periodic table of chemical elements, were carbon has an atomic number of six. Official information and images should be coming up real soon, stay tuned!

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Lamborghini releases 4th Paris Motorshow teaser – your guess is as good as mine!

The Paris Motorshow is only a few days away and Lamborghini has released a fourth teaser of a possible concept. Early speculation pointed towards it being the Murcielago replacement, but it is more likely to be a new concept model. This is starting to feel like a game show where you guess the picture.

We’ll let you decide what it is but it looks as if it is pointing to the back area of the cabin, right behind the front seats. If you look closely, you can notice the Lamborghini logo as well as loads of carbon fibre. UPDATE: Some readers have pointed out it looks like a wheel rim, looks like that as well! Look after the jump for a high-res version of the picture and the rest of the teasers.
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Lamborghini and Blancpain team up to produce a special edition Gallardo LP570-4

Paris has got another beauty to showcase in the upcoming motorshow, which is none other than the special edition Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain Edition. The Italian brand has teamed up with the world-renowned watchmaker for the second time, as they also are in partnership for the Super Trofeo race series.

The first thing you will notice is the “shoutey” exterior made up of a variety of aerodynamic and visual touch-ups. This includes Skorpius wheels with yellow-painted brake calipers, carbon-ceramic composite discs, matte black paintwork and carbon fibre components all around the car.

Most visually prominent is the huge rear spoiler, which has the task of improving downforce, along with an engine cover that optimizes airflow into the appropriate sections. Under the engine cover is the mighty 5.2-litre Lamborghini V10 engine, which generates 570hp, lifted directly off the Superleggera production car.

Unique on this car is the fact that it is the lightest road going model in Lamborghini’s line-up as it only weighs 1340kg. This allows it to accomplish a dash to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 320km/h.

Inside, prospective buyers will be greeted with an interior completely finished in black Alcantara with yellow accents and carbon fibre. Looking at the car, I can’t help but think that this could be a possible visual successor to the Diablo GT. What do you think? Have your say. Picture gallery is available after the jump.

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Lamborghini may not unveil Murcielago replacement in Paris, just a concept

Further speculation and rumour has pointed to the fact that Lamborghini may not be introducing the Murcielago replacement in Paris, but instead just a demonstrator concept vehicle, according to publication autoguide.com. This would actually shed some light on the teaser pictures that the Italian company has been releasing recently. One indicated the possibility of a V10 engine, while another showed a dash made out of just carbon fibre and nothing else. Plus the design of the top dash looked a little too futuristic for a production model.

Other reports seem to point to a different direction as 0-60 magazine reported that during a Lamborghini dealer’s meeting in the US, the agenda for Paris included the unveiling of the V12 Lamborghini LB715-5 and the Lamborghini 83X, which is said to be the Gallardo replacement. Is this one for the rumour mill or to be actually considered as fact? At this point, it is best for you to decide. What ever it is, we can be sure that we’ll be getting something completely new in Paris.

Even if it is a concept car, Lamborghini will definitely make use of either the technology or design for future models. Hence it is still something to look forward to. Catch all these when our man in Paris brings you the latest at the end of this month. Teaser pictures available after the jump.

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3rd teaser image of Lamborghini’s mystery vehicle

Lamborghini has released a third teaser photo that depicts a mystery model ahead of Paris, this time showing us what looks to be the inside dash of the car. This along with the rest of the car makes use of carbon fibre to keep weight down. It is now unclear what Lamborghini’s model line-up would entail as this almost looks like a barebone super light concept car, a far cry from the top-of-the-range Murcielago replacement.

0-60mag has reported that the Audi-owned company may bring two new models to the motor show. They are made up by the Lamborghini LB715-5 and the 83X. According to the website, the former is the Murcielago replacement featuring a V12. The latter could be a Gallardo replacement.

The mystery model teased here is likely a different model or concept all together. Whatever it is you can expect a final reveal in Paris at the end of the month. Previous teasers are available after the jump.

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Lamborghini Reventon 1:10 scale replica remote control car with permanent four wheel drive!

The Lamborghini Reventon is a supercar that is out of reach for most of the population, with a price tag of $1,271,405. It’s only for the very privileged few. For the rest of us, perhaps we can settle for this 1:10 scale replica remote control car of the Reventon.

De Agostini will build the pint-sized car components and in true Reventon style, it will be limited to only 65 units. A detailed model, the car will run on a two-stroke 3cc petrol engine, with a two-speed transmission. Staying true to its brand, it will sport permanent four-wheel drive, while also employing independent suspension, hydraulic shocks and disc brakes. This is said to give it optimum road holding abilities.

The company making the car is selling it as part of a model making subscription with the first issue costing 2.99 Euros and 7.99 for the subsequent issues, so it’s not going to be too expensive if it comes out every week. The bad news is that it’s unlikely they will deliver to Malaysia. A picture gallery is available after the jump.
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Lamborghini adding a four-door model to its lineup?

CEO of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, is hinting at the possibility of a third model in the supercar maker’s lineup, possibly a four-door car in the mould of the Porsche Panamera and Aston Rapide, but only if it improves sales and gives “a real leap” in deliveries.

“A third model would fit Lamborghini very well. A four-door car would be a very feasible approach,” the 45-year old CEO said at Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata base.

Remember the four-door Estoque concept? It was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and featured a 560 hp 5.2-litre direct injection naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 540 Nm of torque. That 5150 mm long “4-door 4-seater super sedan” caused many mouths to gape, but we haven’t heard much news of it making production so far.

The economy is gathering pace with most luxury brands recording good sales, which could be tempting Lambo. Sales in the US may jump 70% for the $200,000 to $400,000 category this year after falling 37% in 2009, according to researcher IHS Automotive. BMW owned Rolls-Royce this week posted record first-half sales of 970 units thanks to demand for its “baby” Ghost.

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