Lamborghini Espada 400 GT: the legendary V12

In 2022 Lamborghini is celebrating the V12: the legendary 12-cylinder engine that has powered its most iconic cars for almost 60 years. They include the Espada 400 GT, which was the first four-seat vehicle by Lamborghini and was its biggest selling model for years. Encapsulating an exceptional approach to technical innovation, thanks to the front-mounted 4-liter Lamborghini V12 engine it was always an extremely fast grand tourer despite the step up in size. Taking the V12 engine to 4 liters The technical cornerstone of the Espada was the 60° V12 engine that was first produced in 1963 with a displacement of 3.5 liters, which had already been increased to 4 liters (3929 cc) in 1964. It is a remarkable example of engine development technologies, and it was capable of delivering 325 hp at 7200 rpm when it was first fitted in the Espada. This increased to 350 hp at 7500 rpm in the Espada Series II, which was presented in 1970. Fed by six Weber 40 DCOE side-draft carburetors, the V12 had a compression ratio of 9.5:1 (which increased to 10.7:1 from the Series II onwards) and two chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank. It weighed just 232 kg thanks to substantial use of aluminum to make not only the cylinder head but also the crankcase and the pistons. It was front-mounted in a position that was slightly further forward compared to the previous Lamborghini 350/400 GT engines, in order to make the interior roomier. Thanks to the large opening below the aluminum hood, it was easily accessible. The chassis was based on that of the 400 GT but it was lengthened so that the wheelbase reached 2650 mm and it was also widened, with the wheel track increasing to 149 cm. It had four-wheel independent suspension, with double wishbones and coil springs. In November 1968, an Espada “Lancomat” with hydropneumatic suspension went on display at the Turin Motor Show. The system was made available on demand, but in the end it was chosen by very few owners. The Espada was an extremely fast grand tourer that was capable of reaching a top speed of between 245 and 260 km/h and keeping up with the sportier Miura in most conditions. Source: Lamborghini #Lamborghini #Espada #Espada400GT #LamborghiniEspada