The Lamborghini Murcielago has been on sale since its Frankfurt Show debut in 2001, with about 2,000 cars made. It's hard to believe that the shape is that old when you are standing next to it; its raw aggression and menace is undiminished from the day it was conceived. In Geneva, Lamborghini revealed the latest evolution, the bad, bad LP640.

The title refers to the engine's position, in Italian naturally (longitudinale posteriore) and the savage 640bhp power output, which is at the heart of the new car's development. The bestial 60-degree V12 has been bored and stroked from 6.2 to 6.5 litres, elevating power from 580bhp to the new peak at a heady 8000rpm. The new engine also produces 660Nm of torque to ensure wheel spin even with the car's standard four-wheel drive. The results are 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph.

Poring over the subdued grey example on show in Geneva, it's not difficult to imagine the frightening acceleration produced by this car. Cosmetic changes accompany the new engine, with new bumpers featuring sharper detailing. The rear bumper now incorporates an opening for the exhaust, looking for all the world like a massive rocket launcher. LED technology is utilised in the rear lights for the first time and a neat 'function-over-form' feature we noticed is different sized vents on the left and right of the car, the left-hand side housing the oil cooler. The LP640 will go on sale in the UK later this year.

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