We all know Lamborghini Murciélago, has been racing around since 2002 and as its time for it to take a rest, and let its successor take onto the track. Lamborghini engineers appear to be just ready with the replacement of the mighty supercar. Taking its first learning steps in the cold weather on a VW/Audi test track somewhere in Scandinavia, the next supercar was caught test-driving by the spy photographers.
It might have been blisteringly cold at Volkswagen/Audi’s secret test location in northern Scandinavia, but the prototype car in question was red hot: It’s the replacement for Lamborghini’s mighty Murciélago. Rumored to be called the Jota (the name of a one-off development Lamborghini from 1970), the latest Lamborghini supercar is sure to be the greatest yet from Sant’Agata Bolognese.
The 2012 Lamborghini Jota Murcielago is powered by a 7.0L V12 engine that is able to deliver between 700 and 720 HP and will take this supercar to an amazing top speed of 362 km/h! The new Lambo will feature a bespoke carbon composite chassis with an aggressive and dynamic bodywork and will come with an unusually light four wheel drive system.
Sources indicate that this new Lambo will weight less than 1,500 kg which will probably result in a breathtaking acceleration. Since the power to weight ratio will be in the region of 470 HP per 1,000 kg the car will probably accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.
The 2012 Lamborghini Jota Murcielago won’t feature a DSG transmission because it would be too complex and too expensive to engineer but it will come with a sequential seven speed manual with a seven speed paddle shift as standard.
It is also expected that a dual-clutch transmission may be used to transfer power to the four wheels of the new Lambo. Another rumour soaring around is regarding the new all-wheel drive system from Swedish supplier Haldex. Newfound lightness will come via an aluminum/carbon-fiber version of the aluminum space frame from the Audi R8, replacing the current Murciélago’s steel chassis. Other weight savings will be achieved through the use of lightweight body panels; but instead of extensive use of carbon fiber as originally thought, Lamborghini’s partnership with aircraft builder Boeing has apparently led to research into other composites that yield a better cost/benefit ratio than carbon fiber. Lamborghini’s goal going forward is that every new car tips the scales about 200 lb. less than the car it replaces.
