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The Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show to replace the original 6.2 version that had been on the market since 2001, so an evolution was a great idea, and the LP640 would set the direction for all models to come after it, again using the Longitudinale Posteriore we've seen on the Countach before, but this time the digits don't tell the engine displacement but the number of horse power available.

If the original Lamborghini Murciélago design was still a bit angular, and used hints from both the sensually classic Miura and the legendary Countach design, the LP640 evolution added some aggressiveness to the look. Just check out that amazing front spoiler, sitting even lower to the road than before, the exterior rear view mirrors are more aerodynamically now to reduce drag while at the rear the modified, lower diffuser now houses one massive, centrally mounted exhaust.

And those taillights with the triangular LED design … amazing, and it lifts the Murciélago right up to the top of the scales once again, the original rectangular lights were aging a bit by 2006, putting new wheels on the car made it look less cluttered compared to the multi-piece look of the wheels used on the 6.2 version … although I must admit the Roadster wheels are just amazing.

The biggest eye catcher on the outside of the Murciélago LP640 must be those side skirts … they are asymmetrical this time, on the left side we have a large outlet for the oil cooler, while on the right side the outlet is much smaller because there is no radiator mounted there … such a simple, but awesome looking detail that makes sure you know there is power underneath the glass engine cover … the original Murciélago had 580 Bhp as the V12 flagship, but when the Gallardo came along with 520 Bhp at first is came too close to the majestic V12, so Automobili Lamborghini SpA released 640 Bhp from the V12 engine, putting it back at the top of the line … where she belongs anyway.

I already mentioned the new Hermera wheels, which could be ordered in glossy black now, just like you can see on this 1/18 scale model by AutoArt, but let's take a look inside … check out that stitching on the seats. It is called Q-Citura by the way, and it is an option, but it's not only the seats that receives this amazing looking stitching, it is also used on the wall behind the seats, on the central console, the door panels … and even on the roof, which can all be covered in stunning Alcantara instead of leather as an option.

Taking a closer look at this Giallo Orion version made by AutoArt unveils all those little details that make this LP640 look so different and much more aggressive compared to the original 6.2 version, the glass engine cover is there, the engine is very nicely detailed with the carbon fiber cover, the seats are using the optional Q-Citura stitching, and yes, AutoArt even put this cross stitch on the roof liner, how's that for attention to detail.

Peeking into the exhaust you can distinguish the two large exhausts inside the massive oval tip, the grilles at the rear still allow you to admire the fans on the rear mounted radiators and those taillights look like they could light up any minute now.

The glass engine cover is using a green tint, it does look a bit weird I agree, but it is correct with the real car, so no complaints there, even inside I'm once again impressed with the way AutoArt managed to reduce everything to 1/18 scale, sure there are a few cast lines on the plastic, but overall it looks just so real … perhaps next time AutoArt will deliver a small 1/18 ignition key with their models.

I do have one small issue with this model however, if you look at the inside there is carbon fiber here and there, like on the dashboard cluster, the grab handle for the passenger, the arm rest on the central console and the bottom of the steering wheel … sure it looks nice, but it's not standard issue, and it was only available as an option from the factory. Now this sure isn't a deal breaker you know, the Q-Citura stitching and the black wheels are also options, so I guess AutoArt went for a ‘full option' model this time.

Talking about the wheels … I like the new Hermera style wheels, they are simple but still impressive looking, I do have a little problem with having them glossy black … for me personally I would prefer at least one shade to be using the normal silver finished wheels … and while the AutoArt made Super Veloce uses yellow brake calipers the LP640 only gets the standard black calipers. Behind those glossy black wheels a yellow caliper would look so great on this car, naturally it can all be done by ourselves, but it would be nice if AutoArt would offer this too.

But there are two little details that really bug me on the 1/18 AutoArt version of the Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 … for one I really don't like those license plates with ‘LP640' on them, they are too large and draw attention to them, I haven't checked yet, but I sure hope there are no ‘holes' behind them so we can remove them, if not I'm probably going to cover them with a custom plate in the end.

The second ‘problem' I have with the new LP640 release from AutoArt … there is no Grigio Telesto available. You know I always get the first shade available on the market and afterward get the shade used for the official Lamborghini press release and as the show car on the Auto Show that introduced this model … and in this case it would be the gunfighter grey shade … but it isn't in the books from AutoArt right now, let's hope they will release it in the future.

Other than those two minor items I am really impressed with this 1/18 AutoArt made Lamborghini Murciélago LP640, the metallic yellow paint is just about perfect, all the details are correct at first glance, the interior looks like you could take a seat and fire up that massive V12 engine behind your ears … I can't wait to add the three other shades to the collection too, the black one should be arriving in January I've heard from my shop, I guess the orange and green one will be delivered in a few weeks too.

our RATING

Overall rating

10/10

Original price : € 105