Few drag races promise a more entertaining clash of automotive philosophies than a modern electric family SUV taking on an iconic Italian V12 supercar. In a recenr carwow showdown, Mat Watson and his team put a Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance against a 2007 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 to discover whether electric power can overcome supercar heritage.
Powertrain and Performance Specifications
On paper, the Volvo has a surprising advantage. Its dual-motor electric powertrain produces 680 horsepower and 870 Nm of torque, exceeding the Lamborghini’s 640 hp and 660 Nm. However, the Swedish seven-seater carries a substantial weight penalty at approximately 2.7 tonnes, compared with the Murciélago’s 1.7 tonnes.
The Lamborghini counters with a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12, all-wheel drive and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Its unmistakable soundtrack and supercar character provide a sharp contrast to the Volvo’s instant electric torque and near-silent acceleration.
Standing Quarter-Mile: An Unexpectedly Close Contest
The standing quarter-mile becomes an unexpectedly competitive contest, with launch technique and the Lamborghini’s 112-mph speed limiter playing significant roles. Multiple attempts produce a closely fought battle, eventually revealing just how little separates these two radically different machines.
The final recorded times are particularly telling: the Murciélago completes the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds, narrowly ahead of the Volvo’s 12.3 seconds.
Rolling Races and Acceleration Tests
The competition continues with rolling acceleration tests, comparing the Lamborghini’s performance in different gears against the Volvo’s immediate torque delivery. The choice of gear proves particularly important, with the Murciélago demonstrating the benefit of keeping its naturally aspirated V12 within its power band.
Emergency Braking Challenge
A 100-mph emergency braking challenge adds another unexpected dimension, testing whether the considerably heavier electric SUV can match the Italian supercar’s stopping performance. It is another fascinating demonstration of how engineering, braking systems and vehicle dynamics can challenge conventional expectations.
Two Different Approaches to Performance
Beyond the entertainment, this comparison highlights how dramatically automotive performance has evolved. The EX90 demonstrates the effectiveness of modern electric propulsion, while the Murciélago showcases the enduring appeal of a naturally aspirated V12.
It’s an unconventional matchup, but one that delivers a fascinating examination of power, weight, traction and technology.
Source: carwow
