Spy Shots: Lamborghini Jota Murcielago Replacement

Lamborghini recently revealed its new Reventon Roadster, a car many believe to be the final evolution of the Murcielago platform so it’s not surprising to see this new prototype for the car’s replacement undergoing testing. This new Lamborghini will have some tough competition when it arrives as there are new supercar models in the works at rival brands Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin.


The new model will retain the Murcielago’s mid-engine layout but be much lighter. According to previous reports, its wheelbase will be similar in length to the Murcielago but its overhangs, both front and rear, will be much shorter. It will also feature a wider track.


A big-cube V-12 engine will likely remain but the addition of direct injection technology should improve fuel-efficiency and power levels across the rev-range. In this way, engineers will be able to improve performance without having to boost power, the end result of which will be a much easier to drive Lamborghini flagship. The 670 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque developed by the latest Murcielago LP670-4 SV gives us a rough estimate as to what to expect, though expect final numbers to sit somewhere around the 700 horsepower mark. A dual-clutch transmission may also be offered to help transfer power to the four wheels.


This may also be the first Lamborghini to be fitted with a hybrid powertrain, as well as fuel-saving engine stop-start and brake-energy regeneration technologies. CEO Stephan Winkelmann has already hinted at a 2015 launch for a hybrid Lamborghini and the new supercar’s expected 2012 release date puts it right on target to be the first green Lambo.
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