*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* Lamborghini unveils the new 740bhp Aventador S, that combines a new aerodynamic package with four-wheel steering, the first such setup on a production Lamborghini
“What does it take to be an icon?”
Alan Rickman. As we all know, it’s not Christmas until we see Hans Gruber plummet from the 65th floor of Nakatomi Plaza. Ho…ho…ho…
In terms of motoring icons, there are few more revered Italian icons today than the Lamborghini Aventador, flagship of possibly the most charismatic carmaker on the planet and a reminder that V12 powerplants can be fun. Really, REALLY fun as you can see HERE.
Mercifully the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 has been retained for the model’s new generation – the originally-named Aventador S – the power from which has also been given a hike, up 50bhp to 740bhp, the same as the more performance-focused Aventador SV. Torque is now a heady 509lb ft – again, the same as the SV – and coupled with a 1575kg kerb weight, 0-100kph is taken care of in just 2.9 seconds.
And “expression of new technological and performance milestones” – so says new Lamborghini boss Stefano Domenicali – among the most significant tweaks to the Aventador S is the ‘visionary design’, which combines a new rear diffuser, tri-exhaust pipes, more aggressive nose and longer front splitter, and an active rear spoiler. And a moustache, or so the beefy air intake running the length of the front air intake would have us believe. At the heart is the same rigid lightweight carbon fibre monocoque with attached aluminum frames as found in the outgoing generation, while the new exterior tweaks results in significantly improved aerodynamic performance: front downforce is up 130 percent over the old Aventador, while the active rear wing in its lowest settings ups this to 400 percent. Apparently.
Also of note is the Aventador S’ four-wheel steering setup – a first for a production Lamborghini – for the sake of ‘enhanced control and driving emotion’: Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) on the front axle has been tuned for more natural feel through the steering column and sharper turn-in (front wheels face in opposite direction to the steering angle) while Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering (LRS) at the rear makes use of two actuators that react to driver input in just five milliseconds, an offshoot of the updated Magneto-rheological suspension.
Prices? Suitably Lamborghini-esque at $421,350, although bear in mind you also receive a lightweight seven-speed automatic transmission and performance Pirelli P Zero tyres for that weighty tag.
