Autoblog

Click above for more high-res spy shots of the Murcielago SV

We alerted you last week to the existence of the Lamborghini Murcielago SV, a rear-wheel-drive version of the normally all-wheel-drive LP640. Seen here undergoing some on-track testing, the SV will reportedly serve up some 680 horsepower from its Lambo V12 behind the seats. It will also be lighter than a normal Murcielago by 220 pounds. Clearly visible on the car is a new fixed rear wing that's either meant to assist in take offs or stabilize the car at high-speeds. Expect carbon fiber to be a common build material, as well. Those are all some potent variables for a formula that guarantees a fun time.

The Murcielago SV will be the latest in a string of new models from Lamborghini lately including the LP640, Reventon, Gallardo LP560-4, Gallardo Superleggera, among others. We're expecting the SV to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, but judging from the spy shots in our gallery below, it looks ready now.


[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Lamborghini has kept its promise to unveil a "new" model at every major auto show this year, and it's not stopping even though the show season has is pretty much wrapped up. Autocar has spied what's believed to be the Lamborghini Murcielago SV, a lightweight version of the Italian automaker's top model that will be sending its additional ponies to the rear wheels alone.

Based off the current range-topping LP640, the SV will putting out around 680 hp from its mid-mounted V12 and will tip the scales under 3,500 pounds. The weight savings will come from the abandonment of the front differential and drive shafts that would normally also power the front wheels, along with nixing the ICE stereo and the system that raises and lowers the rear spoiler. Naturally, plenty of carbon fiber is part of the equation, including the doors, smaller rear wing and other assorted parts.

There's no word on when the Murcielago SV will debut, but we've got a five-spot on the Paris Motor Show later this year.

[Source: Autocar]

Photo for illustration purposes only

Autocar is reporting that Lamborghini is preparing a lightweight, more powerful RWD SV model for 2009 that will end the Murcielago's production with a bang (or crazy amounts of burning rubber and engine revving, whichever you prefer). As with the Gallardo Superleggera, weight savings will be a key, and anywhere from 100 to 130 kg could be dropped from the LP640. The removal of the front differential and driveshaft will save 40 kg alone. Other weight savings will come from the use of carbon fiber and magnesium components, lightweight wheels, and the removal of the sound system, although it can be added back in at the request of the customer (who needs a stereo when you have Lamborghini's V12 behind you?). The final version of this 6.5-liter motor could have as much as 680 horsepower and 516 lb-ft torque that will be mated to Lambo's E-Gear transmission. Take that, Ferrari!

[Source: Autocar]