Murcielago

First-generation Murciélagos were powered by Lamborghini's V12 that traced its roots back to the company's beginnings in the 1960s and was the last model to feature the historic power plant. The V12 produced 572bhp and could boost the car from 0-62mph in 3.8sec. The rear differential is integrated to the engine itself with a viscous coupling center differential providing drive to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. The Murciélago's suspension design utilizes an independent double-wishbone design, and bodywork featuring carbon fiber and aluminum features to reduce weight. The rear spoiler and the active air intakes integrated into the car's shoulders have an electromechanically controlled system to maximize both aerodynamic and cooling efficiency.

In March 2006 Lamborghini unveiled an updated version of its halo car at the Geneva Motor Show: the Murciélago LP 640. The new title incorporated the car's name, along with an alphanumeric designation which indicated the engine's orientation (Longitudinale Posteriore). However, the original Murcielago was never referred to as "LP 580s" until the LP 640 came out. Along with the newly update title, displacement was increased to 6.5 liters, giving the new car 631hp at 8000 rpm.

Lamborghini's tradition of naming its cars after stars from the world of bullfighting is well known, and the Murcielago is no different. Its name comes from a fighting bull that survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 fight against Rafael "El Lagartijo" Molina Sánchez, at the Coso de Los Califas bullring in Córdoba, Spain. Murciélago fought with such vigor and spirit that the matador chose in a rare honor to spare its life. The bull, which came from Joaquin del Val di Navarra's farm, was later presented as a gift to Don Antonio Miura, a noted local breeder; thus began the famed Miura line of fighting bulls and the name for one of Lamborghini's most celebrated designs.