Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: Aerodynamic Package by IMSA
Motoring Channel Staff - 7/November/2007
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Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
Aerodynamic Package by IMSA
The 'standard' Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
Good or Bad?
The modern world has more millionaires than at any time in this
planet's history, and therefore sales of exotic and super cars are
experiencing strong growth. If it says Aston Martin, Lamborghini,
Ferrari, or Porsche, it's hot stuff. But what if you already own the
most expensive European machinery? You call IMSA and ask for one
its special "Autoklav" moulded carbon fibre body kits. And if you
have to ask how much, you probably don't fit IMSA's buyer profile. While
its aerodynamics are purportedly improved, what about the look of the
car? Do the bold vents over the front wheels add to the Lamborghini's
look, or do they destroy it? Send your opinions to the Letters Page. - Feann Torr, Editor
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Brüggen, Germany — We
love tuned cars here at the Motoring Channel, from tweaked Chevy
Corvettes, to Honda Civics and of course the best stuff from Germany
like Audi TT's, BMW M3s and Mercedes SLRs. But every now and then something stratospheric breaks cover from the tuning groups, such as this example of a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 which gets a new aerodynamic package to improve its performance. German
tuning group IMSA is the company behind the daring new aero package,
which increases the cars width. You'd think a wide body kit for a car
that already spans more than 2.0 metres in width would be overdoing it,
but not for IMSA. According to the press release, "The strikingly aggressive and aerodynamically highly effective front
apron [is] perfectly aligned to the wheel arches (widened 35mm on
each side)." As well as bringing a wider, more aggressive look to one of the world's most iconic exotic cars, IMSA has employed the
cutting edge "Autoklav" moulded carbon fibre. Sometimes called
autoclave, this technology is usually only used by motor sports
teams with hundred million dollar R&D budgets, such as Formula 1. But IMSA has used this Autoclave moulded carbon fibre technique for its new Murcielago
package whose most prominent design feature are the front quarter
panels and front wheel arches which include vented areas for what
appear to aid brake cooling functionality. According to IMSA however, the air ducts result "in
a significant reduction of the drag effect caused by non-aerodynamic
airflow at higher and highest velocity". This means the changes to the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 could improve the its top speed by reducing drag. "IMSA's main target was, for all owners of the Lamborghini
top-of-the-range-model, to offer an exclusive product line,
transforming the Murcielago both technically and optically into a
unique work of art, with the aim of significantly enhancing the
exclusivity of Lamborghini's top-model," claims the German company. As
well as the body kit upgrades, IMSA also mentions that it can supply
new wheels (as seen in the photo), suspension and chassis upgrades,
bespoke interiors and most intriguingly, "...various IMSA engine modifications
and own engines." The company didn't go into detail about the engine mods or what exactly its "own engines" are. Turbocharged V12 perhaps? Getting
back to the body work, and the underside of the side skirts have also
been modified and together with a new rear diffuser they enhance the
airflow underneath the car. With a large rear wing the car achieves
"considerably lower the
downforce at higher and highest speeds". But what is
the end result of this hugely expensive bodywork upgrade for the
already dear big bull from Lamborghini? According to IMSA, the benefits
for the
driver are a significant. The German company claims
that driving stability, safety and
enjoyment are all improved as a result of the special carbon fibre body
work, and who are we to argue? According
to recent information, the IMSA aerodynamic enhancement program
will be available
from this month (November 2007) and will be made available for
earlier Murcielago models that don't have the LP640 designations. There was no pricing details but if you already own a Lamborghini Murcielago then you probably won't mind paying top dollar to have a customised exotic parked in your garage. Related
Links:
- Lamborghini Reventon (2007)
- Lamborghini Gallardo
Superleggera (2007)
- Lamborghini Murcielago (Road Test)
- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster
- Lamborghini Gallardo
- Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
- Lamborghini Gallardo Nera
- Lamborghini Gallardo: Hamann
- Lamborghini Miura (concept)
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