The $280,000 Murci�lago (say �mercy-ell-ah-go,� it�s Spanish for either bat or fighting bull) debuted last year and is unchanged for 2003. Although its styling isn�t as extragalactic as the Diablo it replaces, it makes up for it in technology. Except for a steel roof and doors, the bodywork is all carbon fiber. It also has an electronically controlled rear spoiler and radiator intakes, integral venting that automatically adjusts to reduce rear lift, and a system that raises the front at low speeds to save the front spoiler. Its mid-mounted V-12 faces rearward so the six-speed manual gearbox can slot between the seats. And it has all-wheel drive with enough grip to zip to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, thanks to an engine that generates a monstrous 572 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. For the practical minded, Lamborghini�s ownership by Audi should ensure reliability and customer service.
Vehicle type: mid-engine, 4-wheel-drive; 2-door 2-passenger coupe
Interior volume, F/cargo (cu ft) 45/5
Wheelbase 104.3 in
Length/width/height 176.0/80.3/43.5 in
Turning circle 43.1 ft
Curb weight 3750 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 10/13 (est)
Fuel-tank capacity/range 26.4 gal/264 mi (est)
Passive restraints driver and passenger airbags
POWERTRAIN
6.2-liter DOHC 48-valve V-12, 572 hp; 6-sp man
F ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented, cross-drilled disc/vented, cross-drilled disc
ABS standard