"The Murciélago embodies the pure, unadulterated values of our brand.

It is truly extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian." - the words of Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, in a speech in 2010 outlining the company's future plans and celebrating the end of production of the Murciélago.
 
The car may have been 'unmistakably Italian' but its name is unmistakably Spanish (Castillian for Bat), and is a continuation of Lamborghini's tradition of naming its cars after legendary figures from the world of bullfighting, 'Murciélago' being the name of a particularly brave animal, who, in 1879, refused to succumb during a long and bloody encounter and displayed such spirit and passion that his life was spared.

When Audi purchased Lamborghini, with the help of parent company Volkswagen, many were sceptical how good the subsequent car would be - would the Germans water down the styling, reduce power -tame the wild bull? It can be comfortably said the end re...