Rampant bull is lighter and faster

Lamborghini is using the Geneva motor show to unveil what's arguably the last hurrah for its venerable V12-powered Murcielago flagship.

The evocatively named Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is essentially a steroid-infused successor to the LP 640 and, as its numeric designation suggests, power from the 6.5-litre V12 has been ramped up to 670 horsepower (493kW) -- thanks to optimised valve timing and a reworked intake system.

The power hike is complemented by a crash diet that's resulted in a substantial 100kg weight loss, and this has yielded a formidable power-to-weight ratio of 3.1kg per kilowatt.

No surprises, then, that Lambo is boasting of a 0-100km/h split of 3.2 seconds and a top whack of 342km/h with the small standard-fit rear spoiler. Opting for the large "Aeropack Wing" (pictured) takes 5km/h off the v-max, but it might be a worthwhile sacrifice in exchange for the high-speed stability it brings.

As per the LP 640, the SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, e.gear robotised manual gearbox, which has a high-performance "Corsa" mode and a "Low adherence" mode.

The SuperVeloce will also be available with a conventional six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option.

The weight-saving goals were aided by extensive use of carbonfibre, and the transmission tunnel and the floor are made of the light, strong material. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, but the remainder of the outer skin is made from a carbon composite material.

For the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini says its engineers recalculated the framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel.

This achieved two objectives -- on the one hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 per cent to provide improved handling precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20kg.

The front fenders, the rear side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are also made of a modified carbonfibre material. Combined with the removal of the drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13kg.

Added to the 33kg weight reduction from the chassis and exterior are 34kg from the carbonfibre/alcantara-laced interior, as well as over 33kg removed from the engine and drivetrain.

The weight reduction in the engine bay was derived primarily from a completely new exhaust system, which is claimed to be far lighter than that of the LP 640.

Lamborghini says the new exhaust system "makes for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance -- from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8000 revs".

Visually, the latest raging bull appears exactly that, with an assortment of aero aids beefing up what was hardly a shrinking violet in the first place.

Steep driveways needn't be a problem either as the standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45mm to boost ground clearance.

The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive "Ares" alloy-forged wheels clad in 245/35 ZR 18 Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber at the front and 335/30 ZR 18s at the rear.

The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell, while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce.

The SuperVeloce will be a low-volume model, but not as exclusive as the mega-expensive Reventon, of which just 20 examples were built. Lamborghini says it will produce 350 units of the former, but don't expect too much change from $1 million.