03.02.2004 LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO BARCHETTA PREPARES FOR GENEVA LAUNCH IN A MONTH'S TIME

In just a month's time, Lamborghini will add a third model to their line-up, when the open topped 'Barchetta' version of the 6.2-litre V12 Murcielago sportscar is unveiled officially at the Geneva Motor Show.

It will be based closely on the Lamborghini concept Barchetta, designed by Luc Donckerwolke, which was first seen at last January's Detroit Motor Show. The premier North American show gave the Audi-owned marque an ideal opportunity to test the public's reaction to the idea of an open Murcielago in what will be the key market for the model. With Lamborghini confident about demand for this new model, they expect it to account for around half of Murcielago sales, the go-ahead was given for production.

With this concept, Donckerwolke, the head of Lamborghini Design, created a more aggressive design compared with the Murciélago. The car, it is claimed, was inspired by the open racing cars of the 1950s that used to compete in the Targa Florio or Carrera Panamericana and follows in the footsteps of the 350 GTS, Miura Roadster and Diablo open-top.

The Barchetta had streamlined headrests that were integrated with the car’s air intakes and the asymmetrical leather cladding, the right hand side being in a different colour and material compared with the left hand side.

Under the skin, the car was similar to the 6,2-litre V12 four-wheel drive Murciélago that created a stir at the Auto Africa Show in October 2002. But as the roof was been discarded, structural parts of the chassis were re-designed to ensure an adequate torsional stiffness. The ride height was lowered by 13.6mm.

Producing 427 kW at 7,500 r/min, the Barchetta’s V12 powerplant develops 650 Nm of torque from 5,400 r/min. In a full-throttle charge through the six-speed ‘box, the car is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in a staggering 3.8 seconds.

Four-pot brake calipers have been specially developed for the car's set-up, which is further enhanced by drilled and vented brake discs. As is the case with the Murciélago, the Barchetta has 19-inch alloy wheels shod with massive 335-section tyres at the rear.

Driver aids will be plentiful, traction control is to be standard, along with a four-channel ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, a Lamborghini spokesman said. Adding, that at higher speeds, the extending air intakes will complemented by a height-adjusting rear wing that reduces lift on the rear axle, improving maximum-speed stability.

text by KLD Concept ( www.kldconcept.com )