Thursday 12th February 2004

Lambo e-gear

Paddles for the Murciélago as Lambo gets sequential gearbox

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UK deliveries of the Lamborghini Murciélago "e-gear" will commence in May 2004, following the model’s launch at Frankfurt motor show in October 2003.

Lamborghini’s e-gear utilises an electronically controlled sequential shifting system, replacing the manual gear-shift system with electro-hydraulic units controlled by a dedicated ECU.

This ECU is operated by software specially developed for the Murciélago, based on inputs received from sensors on the clutch and the gearbox, together with the data exchanged with the engine management system and the traction control system. The e-gear system removes the requirement for a clutch pedal.

The driver changes gear, either up or down, using the paddles mounted on the steering column. Lamborghini claim that the system will provide a shifting system better than most drivers using a manual box.

The electronic control also allows the system to prevent a driver’s inappropriate requests: for example, it avoids down-shifting when engine overspeed would be generated and, to aid the driver, a controlled automatic down-shift is performed when the engine’s rpm falls below acceptable thresholds.

In addition, three operational modes can be selected via buttons on the central console: ‘normal’, as a default setting; ‘sport’ mode for more dynamic driving and faster gear shifts; or a ‘low adherence’ mode for safer driving in adverse conditions.

"Dominic Lancaster, general manager of Lamborghini London said, "We estimate up to 50% of future Murciélago orders will include the new e-gear system ."

The Lamborghini Murciélago was launched in September 2001as the V12 super car successor to the Lamborghini Diablo. The 6.2 litre, 12-cylinder 580bhp engine, permanent four-wheel drive car with manual gear-box costs from £168,000. A price for the e-gear specification is yet to be confirmed.

[Lotusacbc]

Am I the only one who doesnt like these paddle shifters and variations of it? I like to DRIVE my cars, not have my cars drive me. Give me my clutch and manual tranny ANY day over this.

[vojx]

some people like to left-foot break, and an auto prevents many of those awkward stalling moments

>> Edited by vojx on Friday 13th February 16:39

[manu]

Very interested to find out how clutch action will work - cos the super light manual car's clutch takes a little getting used to.
Anyhow the engine is so magnificent and gears so intergalactic the car certainly doesn't need it.
I remember seeing something like ~ 135mph in 3rd on a recent drive and it still wasn't on the limiter. A PROPER supercar.

IMO the most exciting *production* car on sale today.

>> Edited by manu on Friday 13th February 16:50

[robbo64]

Reminds me of a Citroen C2 VTR. Leave paddle-shifts to the playstation.