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[Video] Gold Lamborghini LP640 World Record: 219mph!!!

A Gold 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 with 2461 miles just recently hit an LP640 world speed record at 219mph (352km/h). It took this raging steroidal bull 4 runs (with its sideview mirrors folded back) to finally hit this new speed record.

On it’s 3rd run it overtook Zahir Rana’s Yellow Enzo Ferrari’s earlier Top Speed Run of 211 mph (339km/h).

This speed record took 4 attempts to finally hit 219mph (the bull needed the first 3 to really stretch & warm up).

1st Run - 190mph (306km/h)
2nd Run - 211mph (340km/h)
3rd Run- 214mph (344km/h)
4th Run - 219mph (352km/h)

For the full 53 photo gallery spread of this sick 2008 LP640 goto the 205mph.com Photo Gallery.

[Source: 205mph.com, YouTube.com]

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Spy Shots: 2008 Ferrari F430

Ferrari has started the development of mid-engined F430 successor.

First test mules are based on the, yet to be released, F430 Challenge Stradale and have now started to rack up test kilometers on the Fiorano test track as well as the winding mountain roads around the Maranello headquarters.

For some time, it was speculated that Ferrari would opt for a V10 engine in order to match the Lamborghini Gallardo. However, since Formula 1 regulations went back to using V8’s, Ferrari decided to stay with the proven configuration for the F430 successor.

Rumors from within the Ferrari factory have hinted to a supposed 5.4 litres of displacement. However, from an engineering point of view, a more moderate, figure-inverted, 4.5 litres seems much more likely.

Most interestingly, as a result of the increased engine displacement, Ferrari, through their extensive experience in Formula 1 and track-based Ferrari FXX are planning to raise the maximum rev limit from 9,500 to 10,000 rpm with output in excess of 500 hp.

From these spy photos we can see this prototype has camouflaged lateral air scoops in the side of the front bumper fascia (in front of the front wheels) which alludes to an improved braking system which requires increased cooling capabilities. Also, we can see enlarged and flared lateral air intakes in front of the rear wheels which suggests increased cooling needs of a larger engine. Lastly, a revised and partly camouflaged flow efficient rear skirt and exhaust setup all derived from the Challenge Stradale can be seen.

A sharper more radical new styling scheme, the NEW option of all-wheel drive, reduced body weight and improved handling from innovative adaptive suspension damping will all mark important aspects in bringing Ferrari well ahead in the competition with the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8/RS8. And in this respect, the new Ferrari cannot be released too soon, although the current F430 is still a fantastic car and virtually sold out.

With all these all-wheel-drive V8 & V10’s coming out, it makes sense that the next NSX could possibly sellout to be a V10 with all-wheel-drive!

It’s all about the sales figures, and by the looks of things, Mid-Engined all-wheel-drive exotics are the hot market to be in at the moment!

[Source: WorldCarFans.com, Hans G. Lehmann and Brian Potter]
[Photos: Lehmann Photo-Syndication]

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Spy Shots: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 SV

Lamborghini’s top brass swore blind at the launch of the Gallardo that there was no stripped-out Murcielago LP640 waiting in the wings. ‘The LP640 is wild enough,’ Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s president told Car Magazine. But he’s obviously changed his mind – as these pictures prove as evidence.

Despite the impenetrable ring of secrecy surrounding the development of this new iteration – no one at Lamborghini will officially acknowledge its existence – sources claim the LP640 will not adopt the Superleggera name, but rather the more hallowed Superveloce badge.

First seen on the last of the Miura P400 (the one without the eyelashes around its headlamps) and later on the Diablo SV (Sport Veloce which lacked the VT’s all-wheel-drive system).

Superveloce is Italian for high speed… Expect it to bow in at the Frankfurt Motor Show this coming September, wearing a brash £230,000 price tag.

Although the LP640 is due for a final swan-song power hike before its Walter de’Silva-penned replacement arrives at the turn of the decade, it’s thought that the LP640 SV will go on an extreme diet and rely on a lower kerb weight and shorter gear ratios to give it even more ferocious in-gear go from its mid-mounted 6.5-litre V12.

Like the Gallardo Superleggera, the LP640 SV’s curb weight will drop by an anticipated 100kg to 1565kg, boosting its power-to-weight ratio to 409bhp per tonne.

Fitting carbon ceramic brakes, stripping the cabin of everything but the essentials and even using titanium wheel nuts (like on the Gallardo Superleggera) should easily take care of the necessary weight loss, but the LP640 SV will retain its all-wheel-drive layout.

[Source: CarMagazine.co.uk, Wikipedia.com]

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