At the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy, the venerable team at edo competition have put their Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 to the task, making the raging bull go as fast as they can. Using a “meticulously accurate and incorruptible” GPS-based measuring system from TÜV-Rheinland, the LP 640 clocked a record breaking 345.7 km/h (214.8 mph) run, making it the fastest top speed ever recorded by a Lamborghini. Amazingly, the only modifications made were an ECU recalibration, new high flow air filters and high performance catalytic converters specifically designed for the LP 640 which produce 663 hp from the 6.5-liter V12 engine. Already, edo competition have set a new goal for themselves next year as they aspire to achieve a top speed in excess of 360 km/h (224 mph). They estimate 700 hp should do the trick.A 4am wake-up Espresso has to suffice. The remaining drowsiness disappears as soon as the 6.5 ltr. V12, now with 663 hp, is fired up. Re-torque the wheels once again. After checking the pressure of the new Continental V-max tires the edo competition LP 640 Versione Nardo rolls onto the 12.6 km (7.8 miles) long oval.
Each contestant has 3 laps: The first one as the warm-up lap, the second one as the high-speed lap and the third one as the cool down lap. By now it’s 6am, the sun is rising over the test track. It’s chilly with light winds, but above all - It’s dry. On this Sunday morning the warm-up lap is driven at speeds between 280 and 300 km/h (174-186 mph). Particular attention is paid to vibrations, oil- and water-temperatures. It feels good, the LP 640, and thanks to the newly developed rear wing it’s so fantastically stable, as if the tires were glued to the south-Italian tarmac.
Now it’s on. The second lap counts and the growl of the V12 is turning into an infernal shriek as the revs rise - similar to a chainsaw cutting through a giant sequoia tree. Wide open throttle is the norm now and even at 280 km/h (174 mph) one is still being pushed into the seat. Meanwhile in 6th gear the raging bull comfortably eclipses the 340 km/h (211 mph) mark, but there’s more. 345.7 km/h (214.8 mph) is what TÜV-Rheinland’s meticulously accurate and incorruptible GPS-based measuring system shows.
Cool down lap – Not without pride the engine is brought back into more sedate rev ranges, with the knowledge to have achieved the fastest ever recorded top speed of a Lamborghini!
Even the newly developed rear wing could prove itself in these extreme conditions. No drop in top speed - far from it, and absolutely stable driving behavior even at these high speeds.
With this result Edo competition has clearly proven that even small modifications like an ECU recalibration, new high flow air filters and high performance catalytic converters specifically designed for the LP 640 can have a resounding effect.
Our thanks go to Continental, AutoBildSportscars, TÜV-Rheinland and Mr. Thomas Budde, Prof. M.D., who measured the heart rate of Edo Karabegovic and the other pilots during the runs.
While for some test drivers heart rates equaling those of top athletes were measured, our results were well within the comfort range with a peak of 150 beats per minute.
Driven by this fantastic success the team of edo competition Motorsport will field the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 with considerably more power next time. The goal is 700 hp, which should allow for a top speed in excess of 360 km/h (224 mph).
