Imagine, if you will, placing Lamborghini's million-dollar Reventon into a blender with a brand-new Murcielago LP 640-4, and pushing the button marked "blend." Although we wouldn't perform such a sadistic act on our own accord, we've no doubt that the result would look something like the 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce.
But the latest iteration of the Murcielago is more than simply a cosmetic refresh. Although the Italian term Superveloce translates to "high speed," when applied to the legendary Miura and Diablo, it came to represent a hardcore supercar with heightened levels of performance. From what we've seen about the new LP 670-4 SV, that tradition continues.
Engineers first reworked the Murcielago's aluminum-block 6.5-liter V-12 engine. At first glance, it differs little from those in the LP 640 and Reventon, but thanks to a new intake manifold, exhaust system, engine computer, and optimized valvetrain, the engine now pumps out a substantial 670 hp - 10 hp more than the Reventon and 30 hp over a Murcielago LP 640. Unlike the Diablo SV, which eschewed the Diablo VT's all-wheel-drive system in favor of a rear-wheel-drive setup, the Murcielago LP 670-4 SV continues to send power to all four wheels via either a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.
With power increased, the team in Sant'Agata Bolognese looked at decreasing weight. Although a base Murcielago already used a considerable amount of carbon fiber throughout the car, its 3670-lb curb weight isn't the definition of svelte. As such, Lamborghini worked on cutting weight out of multiple components. That new exhaust system may help boost power, but it's also 22 lbs lighter than before. Switching to a high-strength steel for the tube frame chassis sheds 44 lbs, while increasing torsional rigidity by 12 percent.
Although it's still well appointed, the Murcielago's cabin isn't spared from the crash diet. Sport seats are requisite for a sports car, but those in the LP 670-4 SV are fashioned from carbon fiber. They're also trimmed in Alcantara, a material Lamborghini claims is much lighter than leather hide. Don't look for any audio or navigation systems, either - unless specifically requested by customers, they're purged in the pursuit of a lighter car.
Designers also had some free reign to revise the Murcielago's form. A new chin spoiler, side skirts and intakes, rear diffuser, and spoiler may seem as if they're merely design tie-ins to the ultra-rare Reventon, but they're so much more. Each part plays a big part in adding downforce, something many Lamborghinis sorely lacked. A fixed rear spoiler plays a big part in keeping the rear end planted to terra firma, but an even larger unit (pictured) is also available. Although the LP 670-4 SV is available in seven different colors, Lamborghini seems intent on painting the new body kit in a contrasting black hue.
The end result is a lighter (3450 lbs), meaner Murcielago that's ready for either road or track. Lamborghini claims the SV-spec Murcielago can hit 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 212.5 mph. That's certainly fast, and we expect the entire production run (limited to 350 examples) to sell out just as quickly.