Ferruccio Lamborghini had a serious love for the sport of bullfighting, and it’s a well-known fact that many of the vehicles that his company has produced are named after famous bulls. The Murciélago (which, coincidentally, also means “bat” in Spanish) is no exception, being named after a bull that was so brave in the ring that its life was spared so that he could produce offspring through which his fighting spirit could continue. That’s not unlike the Murciélago itself, introduced in 2002 as the top dog (or, rather, bull) in the Lamborghini stable, replacing the Diablo. Relatively unchanged through 2005, it went on to produce several special variants and limited edition cars. However, this 2005 model is the last year of the original specification, which is as fresh today as it was when new. Powered by the revered Lamborghini V12 that’s good for 575 horsepower, paired to an AWD system for maximum traction, the big Murciélago is a card-carrying member of the very exclusive 200 mph club. At high speeds, two active air scoops pop up from the C-pillars to ensure proper airflow into the engine, but at even higher speeds they automatically retract for cleaner airflow over the car. Whether it’s the performance or the handsomely sinister exterior (penned by Luc Donckerwolke, who also designed the Diablo VT and Gallardo), the Murciélago is worthy of its storied name.
