Rumormill: Lamborghini working on two rear-wheel-drive cars for 2009
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Murcielago SV
Those who have been praying for a two-wheel drive Lamborghini, your wishes may have been granted twofold. De Telegraaf is reporting that Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed not one, but two different rear-drive-only Lambos for 2009. First up will be a Murciélago LP640-2 with 640 HP coming from its mid-mounted longitudinal V12. The "2" at the end of the moniker signifies two-wheel-drive, separating it from the current LP640-4 equipped with AWD. It's still possible this model will be dubbed SV for Super Veloce. It's no Diablo SVTT or Murcielago R-GT, but it'll do.
Next up will be the a new Superleggera Gallardo LP560-2, as in Superlight Gallardo, with a longitudinal 560 HP engine in back, also driving the rear wheels. That should keep the Gallardo neck-and-neck with the Scuderia from arch-nemesis Ferrari. The elimination of the AWD equipment should save quite a few kilos and make the driving experience a bit hairier for anyone intent on stepping up to wrestle these bulls. Expect to see them late next year, possibly as 2010 models.
[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kumail 7:32PM (12/18/2008)
i want it to be a new image for lambo, something based off of their current design scheme but something that even a non-automotive-enthusiast can state, man, i think thats a new lambo...
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MajorGeek 7:32PM (12/18/2008)
Thank you, I was trying to put my thought into words, but that does it. As a Viper owner, trying to get power to the ground is a huge problem. If I had an all wheel drive vehicle, I don't know I would go back. I assume with the success of the Gallardo this is another way to lower the price and get people onboard who still felt 260k was too much for a Lambo.
" The elimination of the AWD equipment should save quite a few kilos and make the driving experience a bit hairier for anyone intent on stepping up to wrestle these bulls."
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Kaveh 7:42PM (12/18/2008)
It just looks brutel with that rear wing. Lamborghini is probably making a top speed monster.
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arturo 7:55PM (12/18/2008)
the heffner Gallardo was modified to be RWD. and it seems like it puts the power to the ground pretty well. lets not forget that mid engine cars have more weight on the back compare to a viper weight distribution, so I assume that it puts the power down better. I have never been a fan or awd. I prefer donuts, burnouts, power sliding. and when you launch a rwd car the proper way, it puts a smile in your face.
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MajorGeek 9:22PM (12/18/2008)
I assume you were replying to my comment, and your right, not sure how mid engine works. I have a friend who took me for a ride in his Lambo, but we were usually rolling when he hit it. Ive always been impressed with the all wheel drive (Lambo, Porsche) off the line myself. The Viper not only has to launch, but you also have to shift and not spin it again. Its not uncommon to shift into second gear at 50 MPH only to spin the tires again.
Namir 5:18PM (12/19/2008)
What makes you think you can't do donuts, burnouts, and powerslides in an AWD car? Maybe you missed the video of Ken Block's gymkhana practice in his Subaru (yes AWD).
As far as smiling when you launch a rwd car the 'proper' way, I would get a bigger smile launching an AWD R35 GTR and putting down a 1.58 60' time and smoking the RWD dragster in the next lane.
Yes, its easier to break loose a rwd car but when you are talking about 500+hp awd cars, I think you can still have fun doing all those tire homicide activities you mentioned.
arturo 6:20PM (12/19/2008)
what you are saying is totally irrelevant. you are talking about a modified subaru, try doing that with a stock Subaru and see how long it last. I was just referring to the normal cars we see at the streets, most of the AWD cars are not capable of doing what I mention above. yeah about the 500 hp awd car you mention, let me borrow it and I ll trash it all you want, and I would sure be happy to do that. the fact is that AWD cars are not as fun as RWD in their stock form.
Mobius_1 8:15PM (12/18/2008)
Those mirrors are HUGE!
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Big Rocket 8:49PM (12/18/2008)
And functional, considering you can't see out the back window.
jackson liu 11:48AM (12/19/2008)
they need to be that huge in order to see through that wing =)
Tang 12:21AM (12/19/2008)
Didn't Clarkson once say... he's sure glad they hadn't taken out the AWD system in that small Lambo...
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CarbonBlack 1:41AM (12/19/2008)
THANK GOD!
AWD is cool, but RWD is best! (imho)
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Seminole 2:09AM (12/19/2008)
I don't think the wing is big enough...
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Barry 1:53PM (12/20/2008)
For a second there I was second guessing that it was even a lamborghini, seriously, that cover on the front of the car hiding the emblem is like a kid closing his eyes saying "I'm invisible and you can't see me now!"
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