Murcielago R-GT: Sign me up, please!

[-Fred-]

Today at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled the Murciélago R-GT, a new race car derived from the Murciélago.

Built to the specification of FIA and ACO regulations, the R-GT will be equipped with a Lamborghini air restricted 6 litre V12 engine, developing a highly competitive power output. The drive train, converted from the Murciélago permanent 4WD to RWD, as per the FIA/ACO regulations, will sport a sequential gearbox. The total weight will be contained within the relevant class specification of 1100 kg.

The R-GT will be supported by the Lamborghini Customer Sports Programme that takes care not only of race car sales but will also offer trackside assistance.

The Murciélago R-GT will be eligible for entry in national and international race events such as the European FIA GT Championship and the American Le Mans Series, competing in the GT category of these two major championships. Vehicles for customers will be available by 2004 at a selling price below 500.000 Euros.

Following the official launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Reiter Engineering will undertake a test and development programme, entering a Murciélago R-GT in the FIA GT races at Estoril, 5 October and at Monza on October 19, 2003. Reiter Engineering plans to shakedown the first car in late September and undertake a test session prior to the Estoril race weekend. For this test and race programme, the car will be driven by professional drivers Peter Kox and Oliver Gavin.

Dr. Werner Mischke, Chairman and President of Automobili Lamborghini, says of the Murciélago launch, “There is already substantial demand for the Murciélago R-GT, from motorsport teams and drivers alike: we anticipate this new race car becoming one of the special attractions in GT motorsport. The presence of this new racing Lamborghini at international sports car events will be a perfect opportunity to showcase the competitive and performance advantages of the Murciélago.”

It does look a bit pieced together at the last minute, but i'm fairly sure it's because it's only a show prototype. Hopefully it'll be more of a threat to the Vipers and 550s in the FIA GT championship than the Diablo was...

Why would Gavin leave the Corvette team, though? Or Kox leaving Prodrive Ferrari? Hardly makes sense.

 

[under18carbon]

Whoah. Damn the car is absolutely beautiful! If it does compete in the FIA GT championship then it'll be really cool. Racing Vipers and 550s alongside the Murcielago R-GT.

 

[vat_man]

Don't know if I'd have picked that colour and those wheels to show it in - looks a bit Aston Martinish.

Still - good to see Lamborghini in sports car racing - thats' got to be good for the profile. At least the VW Group seem to be serious about pushing Lamborghini at Ferrari.

 

[Pebb]

I have saved this picture in my car file in the Lamborghini because i just love this car, this is a nice car can we have some more photos plz m8.

 

[ZEE]

I hope THIS is in GT4!!

 

[Pebb]

Remember there might be a problum getting that, car in the game because of cost`s of getting Lambo`s cars in the game.

 

[Jugend]

Cool car! Although it looks a bit strange with the rear wheel crammed up the back-arch like that.

 

[Pebb]

I think they were just doing the car quickley, next time we see it the back wheel arch and the wheel should be right next time.

 

[ShobThaBob]

I want 5.

 

[Rue]

I'm afraid it doesn't do it for me. Ever since the demise of the Countach Lamborghinis just haven't 'tickled me fancy'. I love the colour though!

 

[mr_pushrod]

Is that naked carbon fibre?

 

[GaryR]

Now that it's a RWD...any specs? 0-60 etc..

 

[Roo]

1

 

[Roo]

2

 

[Roo]

and 3. I really, really want one. If anyone has a spare half million euros/US dollars then Christmas is coming up, and I've been very good this year...

 

[Fruitcake]

 

[Vasco]

Wow.

You can taste the carbon fibre.

 

[1989therat]

theres also a new 575M race car coming out in '04...and the new Viper chassis...the reighn of the vette may be history this year...I'm scared

 

[Roo]

"Document done: 1459.09 seconds"

 

[LoudMusic]

Well, they sure did get a lot of pictures of it ...

 

[under18carbon]

Yeah, it effectively slowed down my PC, Metallica's The Unforgiven II was running like it had no batteries.

Thanks for the pictures, they are awesome. (Looking good for vectoring)

 

[Boost Lee]

It look's almost too good to put on a racetrack..

 

[caneman8]

I guess everyone knows why they chose that color now lol

 

[canyouhearmenow]

anyway you could downsize the picture of that sketch? i want to print it and then try to draw it...hehe...note i said 'DRAW' not 'TRACE'...