Automobili Lamborghini has revealed an all-new 6.5 litre V12 power plant and automated manual transmission that will enter service in 2011 with the Murcielago replacement.
The new 6.5-litre, 235kg engine was designed from a clean sheet of paper, says Lamborghini, despite retaining its predecessor's displacement. Output has been boosted to a stonking 700hp at 8,250rpm, with maximum torque of 509lb ft available at 5,500rpm.
"High-revving joy, stunning sound", is what the company promises in its press release today.
"Even in the world of super sports cars, 700hp at 8,250 rpm sets a new benchmark. The extremely well-rounded torque curve, beefy pulling power in every situation, incredibly spontaneous responsiveness and, not least, the finely modulated but always highly emotional acoustics make this engine a stunning power unit of the very highest order," the text proclaims.
There's more where that came from, too:
"For optimum weight, the crankcase and the four-valve cylinder heads are made from aluminum-silicon alloy, while the short-stroke layout ensures exceptional high-revving performance and very low internal friction. A lengthy process of fine tuning perfected the thermal management system for the high-performance power unit, as well as the oil circulation system with dry-sump lubrication. The intake system with four individual throttle valves is highly complex - an extremely well-rounded torque curve and outstanding pulling power across the rev range the reward.
"The exhaust system delivers the lowest emission levels, as well as that unmistakable, spine-tingling Lamborghini sound - from a moderate rumble when cruising through the city at low revs to the howling crescendo of gears at their limits."
It all sounds right up our street, and there's innovation on the gearbox side too. Lamborghini says its intention is to create the world's most emotional gearshift feel (whatever that means), and its new manual gearbox combines extremely fast shift times - almost 50 per cent shorter than with a dual-clutch transmission - with the benefits of low weight and compact dimensions.
"The low shift times are enabled through the transmission's particular design, known as ISR (Independent Shifting Rod). Instead of taking place in series, as with a conventional gearbox, shifting can occur virtually in parallel. While one shifting rod is moving out of one gear, the second shifting rod can already engage the next. Moreover, the transmission weighs only 79 kilograms - a distinct benefit, even against comparable DSG transmissions, which are considerably heavier," says Lambo.