Lamborghini Shows Off Limited Editions in Paris

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/Oct/2006

Paris, France — Though Italian exotic marque Lamborghini didn't release anything totally new at the Paris Motor Show - some were hoping for a revised Gallardo or a 4x4 SUV concept car based on the Audi Q7 - the niche car maker did show off a couple of spectacular designs in the form of the Gallardo Nera and Murcielago LP640 Versace Edition.

The Lamborghini LP640 Versace Edition is a special edition Murcielago that features the same enlarged 6.5-litre engine as the current LP640 Murc, and coincidentally the same chassis as well, but gets ivory paintwork on the outside, and matching interior appointments.

It will appeal to the fashionistas out there who love cars as much as their love haute couture, as the engine of the big Lamborghini was given an increase in bore and stroke when the LP640 version arrived, taking displacement from 6.2- to 6.5-litres. This larger sized engine gives the 60° V12 engine even more courage: power rises from 426kW (580bhp) to a scorching 470kW (640bhp) @ 8000 rpm.

The 12-cylinder engine develops a torque maximum of 673Nm @ 6000rpm.

The Versace Edition Lamborghini sports car gets a 6-speed gearbox as well as a tougher rear differential and new axle shafts due to the larger engine, and on request, the 'e-gear' automatic gearbox is also available equipped with the new dedicated 'Thrust' acceleration program mode.

As well as the engine, the body of the Versace Edition Murcielago with its characteristic scissor doors is created from the prized union of sheet steel and honeycombed carbon fibre, glued and riveted together. Driving, handling and stability at high speed are enhanced by new springs and stabilisers, as well as by a redesigned electronically controlled damping system that controls shock absorber rebound. The "antidive" and "anti-squat" features on the axles, which efficiently prevent brake diving and squatting, have not been changed.

The other Lamborghini on show in Paris was the Gallardo Nera. The Nera is another special edition sports car that features a black paint scheme with impressive-looking matte black inserts. Production is limited to 185 units and the model is powered by a 5.0-litre direct injection V10 engine that generates 387kW (520hp). It accelerates from 0-100km/h in about 4.1 seconds.

Lamborghini didn't have anything radically new to offer at the Paris Motor Show, but it's pair of special edition models attracted plenty of attention in Paris.