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2005 Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT

Is This Bull Set for the Winners Circle?

The FIA GT series is a prime example of how international manufacturers can flex their muscle when it comes to absolute performance. With entries from Porsche, Panoz and a wide variety of other carmakers previous involved, it seems only natural that seasoned veteran Lamborghini is to unveil a new GT supercar for the series.

In its past form, the Diablo GT-R swept the competition with its immense V12 engine and lightweight design. However, since the Diablo is no longer with us, its high time for the replacement Murciélago to step up to bat, carrying on in the Diablos extremely wide

With the Diablo long gone, its time for the Murci?lago to try and fill its FIA GT series shoes. (Photo: Lamborghini)

racing footprint.

Developed from the very capable Murciélago road car, the R-GT has been designed to comply with the FIA and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) strict regulations. However, in order to meet the criterion of both sanctioned events, a certain number of homologation cars must be produced. Much like the Porsche 911 GT3-RS, Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, BMW M3 GT-R (V8), this particular

The R-GT has been specially designed to comply with the FIA and the American Le Mans Series strict regulations. (Photo: Lamborghini)

evolution of the Murciélago will be available for purchase by race teams as well as privateers - at a price, of course, reflected their special, purpose-built, extremely limited in production.

Coming together as a project between Lamborghini and Reiter Engineering, the Murciélago will be a welcomed competitor within an already heated rivalry that includes the likes of Porsche and Ferrari. Already outrageous in terms of appearances, the car has been outfitted with FIA-spec aerodynamic aids. An extended front lower lip, side sills and massive

Few modifications were needed to the Murci?lagos stock 6.2-L V12 engine to increase its horsepower to 600. (Photo: Lamborghini)

rear diffuser are all a part of the exterior update. As with all GT-series cars and nothing new for the raging bull brand, Lamborghinis racer will feature a massive rear wing. Upon its release at this years Geneva show, the car will be presented unpainted, left in its original black and gray carbon weave. These exterior changes in combination with a stripped out cabin keep the cars weight within the 2,425 lb FIA limit.

Fitted with a 6.0-liter V12 derived from the regular production Murciélago, the R-GTs engine features an air restrictor, and yields an output of about 600-hp. Few modifications were done on the engine in comparison with other entries, a point driven home by the stock cars 6.2 liter size, and 580 horsepower production.

At $560,000, its almost a steal for a GT-class race car. (Photo: Lamborghini)

However, as opposed to keeping a stock gaited shifter, Lamborghini have equipped the Murciélago R-GT with a sequential transmission. Also, due to FIA regulations, the car is no longer driven by permanent all-wheel drive, but rather features rear-wheel drive.

The Murciélago R-GT will be supplied and sold by the Lamborghini Customer Sports Program, plus after sales assistance as well. Considering that many a race car and its running costs are in the millions, the R-GT grants those with a half million Euros (USD$560,000), and the funds for regular engine and body maintenance, the chance to get out and race their very own GT-class car in competition.

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