lamborghini murcielago

Lamborghini Murcielago - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago ranks 1 out of 8 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 8 published reviews and test drives of the Lamborghini Murcielago, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Lamborghini Murcielago flies like a bat out of hell. While other supercars may offer more comfortable accommodations, few can match its lustful design and superior performance dynamics.

Introduced in 2001, the Murcielago LP640 is the successor to Lamborghini's much celebrated Diablo. It is named for a legendary nineteenth-century Spanish bull that withstood an unprecedented 24 thrusts of a matador's sword. True to its namesake, the Murcielago combines a muscular and aggressive design with knock'em dead performance capabilities. "Snake-belly low and reverse-cowgirl sexy, this car ... is the most heinously irresponsible, developmentally arrested, awesomely cool sports car the world has ever known," writes the Los Angeles Times. "This $405,000 hypercar is, in short, a great big booger flicked in the face of respectability." Indeed, the Murcielago's 631-horsepower V12 engine wasn't engineered for the faint of heart.

If you're in the market for an exotic supercar, be sure to add the Ferrari F430 to your short list. While the Murcielago is more aggressively styled, the F430's Formula 1 inspired race technology makes it hard to ignore -- especially the high-powered Scuderia trim. For even greater sports performance, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti makes a great choice. However, its subdued styling cues may not appeal to drivers seeking to flaunt their vehicle's wild abilities.

The 2009 Murcielago is available in two body styles, coupe and roadster.

• "To the extreme on so many levels, the 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 remains the quintessential exotic thrill machine." -- Edmunds
• "One look at this 50 Cent video on wheels, one taste of its seismic performance, and you'll know why the Murcilago LP640 is cross-referenced in the dictionary under 'centrifuge,' 'exhibitionism,' and 'lust.'" -- Motor Trend
• "The Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster is the Italian automaker's top convertible model, with performance credentials matched by few other vehicles in the world." -- Forbes
• "From mind-bending speed and the guttural shriek of the V-12 to the low-slung, sharply creased sheetmetal and the butt-on-the-ground seating position, the Murcie is the archetypal Italian exotic. It always draws a crowd, and it has the performance to warrant the attention." -- Car and Driver

Murcielago Performance - 9.2 (Excellent)

Engineered for super sports performance, the Murcielago's got more than enough power to back its bad boy looks. "Six hundred and thirty one horsepower is more than six Scion xBs combined," writes Motor Trend. "Or three 1982 Corvettes. It's more than any rational, responsible person needs in any one car, precisely why this Lamborghini is so thoroughly, exquisitely addictive." And that's not all -- test drivers are left impressed by its tight handling dynamics too. continue

Murcielago Exterior - 9.5 (Excellent)

Though some reviewers take issue with the roadster's targa top, most agree that the Murcielago is an aggressive work of art. "For some, it's a da Vinci painting, for others, a Stradivarius violin," writes Edmunds. "Those who like their Italian art to 'move' them even more should find the Murcielago LP640 simply 'fantastico.'" The 2009 Murcielago is available as a coupe and convertible. continue

Murcielago Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Auto writers find the Murcielago's cabin well constructed, but complain that it's difficult to get in and out of. What's more, its seats receive mixed reviews for comfort. Its cabin, however, is highly customizable. continue

Murcielago Safety - NA

The Murcielago hasn't yet been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry, but features a wide array of standard safety equipment -- including traction control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Still, reviewers complain of hampered rearward visibility. continue

Murcielago Reliability - NA

The '09 Murcielago carries a three-year/unlimited-mile warranty. continue