Lamborghini Murcielago (2003)

When the Volkswagen group took control of Lamborghini, they had a considerable task on their hands to create the successor to the formidable Diablo. The first car to be released under the new ownership would either make or break Lamborghini. Fortunately the Murcielago heralded a triumphant return for the Italian brand after many years of declining sales. The new ownership helped breathe new life into the struggling manufacturer and the Murcielago proved an instant success, a combination of flamboyance and excitement combined with the refinement and reliability one would expect from a modern supercar.

The Murcielago was fitted with a 6.2-litre 60 degree V12 developed from the Diablo 6.0 V12, immediately signing its name to an engine heritage that started in the 1960s. With all new variable valve timing and variable geometry intake systems, this V12 produced 572bhp at 7,500rpm and 650 Nm of torque at 5400 rpm fulfilling a top speed of 205mph and when combined with its four wheel drive system, it could accelerate from standing to 60mph in a shattering 3.8 seconds.

To reduce weight the Murcielago's body was constructed of carbon fibre over a steel tubular chassis, with a steel roof and doors to help aid rigidity. This resulted in a weight of just 1,650kg and a power to weight ratio of 350hp per tonne.