lamborghini-lb83x-prototype

It's rare that car manufacturers invite the media to drive a car under development, months ahead of its public debut, or even before the official press introduction. And so it is even more special when a select number of journalists were asked to participate in a program with to see and drive early running prototypes of the company's upcoming replacement in Sant'Agata and Nardó, Italy. After signing our life away on a confidentially agreement, we were released onto the test track in black-tape shrouded mules of the next Lamborghini flagship codenamed LB83X, rumored to be unveiled first half of 2011.

In the test cars made available to us, it is easily apparent after even just one stint behind the wheel that this new Lamborghini is a better car in every way than the Murciélago. First, the seating position is much improved—the driver is no longer canted inward toward the center console. And the interior space feels roomier, despite the prototype appearing to have relatively the same over exterior footprint as the current car.

The Murciélago is fast, but it feels heavy and a bit cumbersome when you ask it to turn corners quickly, especially through a series of chicanes. The LB83X by comparison feels much lighter on its feet. There is a nice progressive on- and off-center feel to the steering wheel. The car feels smaller the harder you push it around the racetrack. Various suspension configurations can be called upon to suit driver needs, from a more comfortable on-road setting to a racier setup on the track. Overall, the LB83X is more balanced in handling, exhibiting less understeer than its predecessor. As in any prototypes, Lamborghini tells us that there is still much work to do to fine-tune the car to get it production ready.

Powering the new Lamborghini flagship is an . Recently unveiled to the media, the powerplant is capable of pumping out 704 bhp at 8250 rpm and 509 lb.-ft of torque at 5500 rpm. The V-12 is mated to a 7-speed electro-hydraulically actuated gearbox featuring two independent shifting rods that can swap gears in as little as 50 milliseconds, 40-percent faster the Gallardo's e.gear single-clutch system. Details remain to be seen as to the differences or similarities in Lamborghini's system with the twin-clutch configuration favored by many carmakers already on the market today.

Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini's director of research and development, said that the LB83X will show the future direction of Lamborghini with emphasis on weight reduction, and priority given to power to weight ratio rather than just chasing biggest horsepower output in its sports cars. Look for the Murciélago replacement to make an official appearance at next year's Geneva Auto show.

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