Car Evolution: Lamborghini Murcielago successor to debut at Geneva

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Lamborghini Murcielago successor to debut at Geneva

Lamborghini confirms Geneva debut and motorsport-derived suspension for Murcielago successor.

Lamborghini is building the suspense with news that its Murcielago successor will debut at the Geneva Motor Show. What�s more, it will feature a motorsport-derived pushrod suspension system inspired by Formula 1.

Tipped to be called the Aventador when it arrives in March, Lamborghini�s new supercar will be powered by a 690bhp V12. But the firm has clearly worked hard to ensure that the new car has the handling to match its power.

Lamborghini has worked to reduce the weight of each of the four corners of the car, by fitting lightweight aluminium double wishbones and carbon ceramic brakes. But the suspension is truly a break from the norm.

Instead of being connected vertically to the wheel mounts, the supercar�s suspension is mounted horizontally under the windscreen at the front, and close to the engine in the rear. The suspension is connected to the wheels by a series of pushrods, which Lamborghini claims should make the supercar more responsive, yet and more predictable, even when driving at high speeds.

The new suspension also includes a lifting system for the front axle, which raises the front suspension by 40mm at the touch of a button, allowing the car to negotiate speed bumps.

Finally, the firm has confirmed that the new supercar will feature electro-hydraulic steering which has three different modes which can be changed depending on driving conditions.