Lamborghini Murcielago Lp 640

Meanwhile, on the other side of Modena, Italy, Lamborghini isn't just sitting around waiting for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to steal all the local thunder. The exoticar elves at Lamborghini have been at the grindstone sharpening their own big ax. The result is an even nastier-looking, more finely detailed--and faster--Murciélago.

Although the Murciélago's V-12 AWD powertrain, chassis architecture, and most of its body panels remain the same, the makeover is comprehensive. Highlights include a bigger and more powerful engine, retuned suspension, updated electronics, a virtually new interior, and much-revised visuals. The original was launched at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2001.

The restyle is the work of Lamborghini's own Centro Stile design department and gives the Murciélago a snarkier, more lethal look. The front and rear fascias are new, as are the rocker panels and air intakes. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is that each side of the car is a bit different. The area behind the air intake on the right has a small opening, while the left side features a much larger aperture to feed the oil cooler.

As if the original Murciélagos 580 horsepower weren't enough, the LP640 gets a displacement bump from 6.2 to 6.5 liters. This, and revised engine management and exhaust systems, equate to 640 horsepower. Torque is now rated at 443 pound-feet. Bore and stroke have been increased; most of the rest of the work went into the heads, new cams, and a revised intake tract. Lamborghini claims the Murciélago LP640 shoots from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds.

The max-glam Lambo won't hit our shores until summer; expect it to cost about $300,000. It'll be offered only in closed coupe form at launch. A Roadster version will follow to be revealed by the end of this year. Our test gear is ready and waiting. Andiamo...