Lamborghini Jota: Murcielago Successor Prototype Spied Testing In Europe

AFTER NEARLY A DECADE in production, the Lamborghini Murcielago is swiftly reaching the end of the road. These new spy photos, revealing the Murcielago successor prototype testing in Europe, follow shots obtained earlier this year.

The first time TMR caught a glimpse of the Murcielago's successor, it was a mere test mule with its mechanicals hidden beneath the Murcie's skin. Now, with the new model caught cold weather testing in Scandinavia, we can see a whole lot more.

Previous reports suggested the as-yet unnamed Murcielago successor would utilise the ultra-light - and smaller - aluminium spaceframe underpinning the Audi R8.

These new photos add credence to those reports, the body of the prototype appearing more compact and lithe than the outgoing Murcie's proportions.

Other early reports claimed the new Lambo would ride on a wheelbase close in length to that of the current model, but with shorter overhangs front and rear.

Although difficult to discern, the spied prototype appears to utilise a slightly shorter wheelbase than expected - keeping it more in line with the R8 wheelbase - while its rear overhang appears every bit as long as the outgoing model, if not longer.

If the prototype Murcielago successor is shorter nose to rear than the outgoing model, speculation that it will sit on a wider track appears vindicated here.

While the prototype is still decked in significant camouflage, it's clear that the sharply-cut rear end bears a stylistic connection to the recent Estoque concept.

Along the doors, deep intake gouges feature, oddly reminiscent of the Ferrari Testarossa - although some of that can be attributed to the deliberately diversionary strakes running along the inside of the intakes.

It’s too soon to be speculating about engines and performance details, but, as with the Ferrari 458 Italia, the new Lamborghini’s output should comfortably match that of its most potent forebears: in this case, the 500kW Murcielago LP 670-4 SV.