The latest rumors suggest that we may see some leaks and some ideas how the design could look like later this year. I am waiting so hard to get more facts about this car. It will be really huge step forward for Lamborghini. The safer bet for estimated launch time is Geneva auto show 2011.

 

good to know. Can't wait for those first pictures to release, I'm dying to finally get a look at this thing.

 

Spy shots of Murciélago replecament:


Lamborghini recently revealed its new Reventon Roadster, a car many believe to be the final evolution of the Murcielago platform so it’s not surprising to see this new prototype for the car’s replacement undergoing testing. This new Lamborghini will have some tough competition when it arrives as there are new supercar models in the works at rival brands Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin.

While it’s still too early to speculate on the final specs, there are several crucial details we can gather from these new spy shots, as well as new reports coming out of Europe. One of the biggest changes over the outgoing Murcielago will be the adoption of the Audi R8’s aluminum spaceframe chassis as well as a carbon-fiber bodyshell. Styling of the vehicle's exterior has clearly been influenced by the Reventon models and the recent Estoque concept car.

The new model will retain the Murcielago’s mid-engine layout but be much lighter. According to previous reports, its wheelbase will be similar in length to the Murcielago but its overhangs, both front and rear, will be much shorter. It will also feature a wider track.

A big-cube V-12 engine will likely remain but the addition of direct injection technology should improve fuel-efficiency and power levels across the rev-range. In this way, engineers will be able to improve performance without having to boost power, the end result of which will be a much easier to drive Lamborghini flagship. The 670 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque developed by the latest Murcielago LP670-4 SV gives us a rough estimate as to what to expect, though expect final numbers to sit somewhere around the 700 horsepower mark. A dual-clutch transmission may also be offered to help transfer power to the four wheels.

This may also be the first Lamborghini to be fitted with a hybrid powertrain, as well as fuel-saving engine stop-start and brake-energy regeneration technologies. CEO Stephan Winkelmann has already hinted at a 2015 launch for a hybrid Lamborghini and the new supercar’s expected 2012 release date puts it right on target to be the first green Lambo.
by MotorAuthority.com

 

Where did I hear that the Murcielago was the last of the "big" Lambos? This looks big. And I grow tired of the on-again off-again nature of whether or not the production model will have a hybrid powertrain. I'll take mine without, thank you very much. I don't need the weight & complexity of a hybrid powertrain on a supercar just to impress my granola sniffin' Prius driving neighbors who won't be impressed anyway.

Like to idea of a NA 700hp V12 though...

 

Interesting news in Road&Track article:

Other weight savings will be achieved through the use of lightweight body panels; but instead of extensive use of carbon fiber as originally thought, Lamborghini’s partnership with aircraft builder Boeing has apparently led to research into other composites that yield a better cost/benefit ratio than carbon fiber. Lamborghini’s goal going forward is that every new car tips the scales about 200 lb. less than the car it replaces.

We’re told the Jota will be equipped with plastic active aero winglets similar to those showcased on the new Ferrari 458 Italia. Not only will these pieces improve downforce, but they will also decrease clutter, as fewer permanent aero devices are needed.

Article in full here:

Future Supercar: 2012 Lamborghini Jota - Car News - Road and Track

 

Take a close look at that car ... it shows absolutely nothing in styling for the possible Murcielago successor, this is a hybrid Gallardo/Reventon car, the front up to the rear wheels is Gallardo while the rear is Reventon styling.

Most likely this is merely a test bed for the new chassis, engine, drivetrain combination ... I'm sure we won't see any styling queues from this test car.

Feel free to check out my take on this car here : Lamborghini Jota, the 2012 Murcielago replacement ... with additional images.

 

It is just a mule, its main purpose is to test the tech not revealing the actual design clues. So lots of borrowed parts from existing models are used. I am more than sure that the design of an actual car will look different from what we see here.

Also, speaking about scissor doors - I have heard about interview with Stephan Winkelmann, where he assured that next V12 flagship will use traditional Lambo doors. I will try find this interview and to post a link.

My guess that they could slightly modify them to meet all security standarts, but it is for sure that Murcielago successor will use Lambo doors.

Speaking about the launch - according to latest information, the safest bet is premiere Geneva auto show 2011 as a MY12 model.

 

d55l... lots of added value... thank you!

 

Good info. The replacement looks to be a beast.

 

I have read on another forum and also recived confirmation from other place that Murcielago successor, codenamed Jota, was tested recently at Nardo track and the developement is moving forward at high tempo. And other guess is that it is quite possible that we can see its premiere earlier that we are expecting now.