Lamborghini Aventador

The Lamborghini Aventador is a mid-engined sports car produced by the Italian manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini.

Launched on 28 February 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show, five months after its initial unveiling in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the vehicle, internally codenamed LB834, was designed to replace the ten-year-old Murciélago as the new flagship model.[2][3][4]

Soon after the Aventador unveiling, Lamborghini announced that it had already sold over 12 of the production vehicles, with deliveries starting in the second half of 2011.[5]Aventador LP 700-4[edit]
Production will be limited to 4,000 units (4,099 Murciélagos were built). The molds used to make the carbon-fibre monocoque are expected to last 500 units each and only 8 have been made. The base price of the Aventador is $393,695.[8]

The car's shape also borrows heavily from Lamborghini's limited-edition Reventón and their Estoque concept car.

The vehicle was unveiled at Lummus Park, Miami, followed by Miami International Airport,[9] followed by Auto China 2014 (with Nazionale configuration via Lamborghini Ad Personam personalization program).[10]Engine[edit]
The Aventador LP 700–4 uses Lamborghini's new 700 PS (510 kW; 690 bhp) 6.5 litre 60° V12 engine weighing 235 kg. Known internally as the L539,[3] the new engine is Lamborghini's fourth in-house engine and second V12. It is the first all-new V12 since the 3.5 litre powerplant found in the 350GT.[11]

Displacement 6,498 cc (396.5 cu in)
Max. power 700 PS (510 kW; 690 bhp) @ 8,250 rpm
Power to weight 432 PS (318 kW; 426 bhp) per tonne
Max. torque 689 N·m (508 lb·ft) @ 5,500 rpm
CO2 emissions 398 g/km
Combined fuel consumption 17.2 L/100 km (16.4 mpg-imp; 13.7 mpg-US)[12]
Performance[edit]
0–97 km/h (0–60 mph): 2.9 s[13]
400 m (1⁄4 mi): 10.6 s @ 220 km/h (137 mph)
Top speed: Official: 350 km/h (217 mph),[13][14] measured by Sport Auto magazine: 370 km/h (230 mph)[15]
97–0 km/h (60–0 mph): 30 m (100 ft)[citation needed]
Its transmission, a single-clutch seven-speed semi-automatic, is built by Graziano Trasmissioni.[16][17] Despite being single-clutch, gear-shifts are accomplished in 50 milliseconds.

The new, electronically controlled, all-wheel drive system is developed and supplied by the Swedish company Haldex Traction, offering traction[18] and handling capabilities based on their 4th generation technology.[19]

Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster[edit]
The 2013 Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster was announced for production on 27 December 2012, equipped with the same V12 engine as the coupé version, Lamborghini claims again that it can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds and a top speed equaling that of the coupe, at 349 km/h (217 mph).[20]

The removable roof consists of two carbon fiber panels, weighing 6 kg (13 lb) each, which required the reinforcement of the rear pillar to compensate for the loss of structural integrity as well as to accommodate the rollover protection and ventilations systems for the engine. The panels are of easy removal and are stored in the front luggage compartment. The Aventador Roadster has a unique engine cover design and an attachable wind deflector to improve cabin airflow at high speed as well as a gloss black finish in the A-pillars, windshield header, roof panels, and rear window area. The car has a US$441,600 base price. With a total weight of 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) it's only 50 kg (110 lb) heavier than the coupé (the weight of the roof, plus additional stiffening in the sills and A-pillars).[21][22][23]

Special editions[edit]
Aventador J[edit]

Lamborghini Aventador J
Six months after unveiling the Aventador, plans for a roadster version were leaked by the U.S. EPA after it included the model on a data sheet on its website. Lamborghini officially unveiled the Aventador J to the world at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[24] The roofless and windowless concept car uses the same V12 engine as the standard Aventador, producing 700 hp through a lightweight seven-speed automated transmission. The car does not have air conditioning or radio to save further weight for a total of 3,472 pounds (1,575 kg).[25][26] The car presented at the Geneva show was the only unit to be produced, and was sold for US$2.8 million. Another Limited Edition model was made for Shaikh Al Yahyaa and was sold at an unknown price. The car was specially made for a close relation.[27]

The J designation was thought to have come from Appendix J in the FIA rulebook that describes the technical specifications of race cars.[28] However, during an interview with designer Filippo Perini, it was revealed that the 'J' actually stands for Jota, in reference to a 1970s one off Lamborghini Miura Jota, which also conformed to the FIA's Appendix J regulations.

Dreamliner Edition (2012)[edit]
It is a version of Aventador LP 700-4 coupé with blue and white body colour scheme from Boeing 787 Dreamliner, pitch-black wheels.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Aerospace & Defense Supplier Summit.[29]

Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario (2013)[edit]
The Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is a limited (200 units - 100 Coupe and 100 Roadster) version of the Aventador LP 700-4 commemorating the 50th anniversary of Automobili Lamborghini. It included increased engine power to 720 PS (530 kW; 710 bhp) via a new specific engine calibration, enlarged and extended front air intakes and the aerodynamic splitter, small flaps set into the sides, new rear end featuring an enlarged diffuser and expansive meshwork that further improves engine-compartment ventilation, model-exclusive Giallo Maggio (Italian for "May yellow") body colour featuring sparkling yellow paintwork with a layer of transparent and highly reflective particles; front and rear and sills in two-tone (Giallo Maggio and matte black) design, semi-aniline leather interior upholstery in Nero Ade (black) with Terra Emilia (optional Giallo Quercus (yellow)) with Q-Citura stitch diamond pattern, 50th anniversary emblem in forged composite carbon-fiber. The base price of the Aventador LP 720-4 50° is $548,000 which is $106,300 more than the Aventador Roadster.

The coupe was unveiled in 2013 Shanghai Motor Show.[30][31]

The roadster was unveiled in 2013 Quail Motorsports Gathering.[32]

Aventador airport vehicle (2013)[edit]
An Aventador was made for Bologna Airport with white body colour, red and white chequered flag decals on the sides, a light bar on the roof and 'FOLLOW ME' written on the hood.

The vehicle was unveiled in Bologna Airport between 6 May 2013 and 19 May 2013 and was used to guide aircraft around the airport.[33] It was also used in Heathrow Airport, London, as an airport vehicle for a single day.[34]

Aventador Pirelli Edition (2014)[edit]
The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition was announced in December 2014. Celebrating a 50-year association between Lamborghini and Pirelli it features a design and color scheme that echoes the Pirelli tyre, with a thin red stripe running across the roof.[35]

Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce (2015)[edit]

2015 Lamborghini Aventador at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show
Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce was announced in March 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show. Representing the essence of Lamborghini's brand it features an upgraded power train, with maximum horsepower increased to 559 kW (750 bhp) from the standard coupé's 522 kW (700 bhp). Combined with weight reduction of 50 kg (110 lb) from increased usage of carbon fiber both inside and outside the car the LP750-4 SV boasts a power to weight ratio of 1 hp to 2 kg. The car also features increased aerodynamics, with downforce increased by 180% as compared to the standard Aventador coupé. Notable aerodynamic upgrades are a revised front splitter and rear diffuser, and a rear wing. The supercar is available in 34 base colors.[36] The car's driving dynamics have also been ungraded, featuring new enhanced electronic steering for superior maneuverability at high speeds, magnetic pushrod suspension for superior handling, and chassis improvements to increase rigidity. Overall the LP750-4 SV's standing 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time is decreased from 2.9 seconds to 2.8 seconds, with the theoretical top speed still "somewhere in excess" of 349 km/h (217 mph). Delivery of the car is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2015.[37]

Reception[edit]

Unibody construction as used for the Aventador LP700-4
Automotive magazines such as Car and Driver and Motor Trend reviewed the Aventador. Car and Driver titled their article "The best Lamborghini ever." Motor Trend described it as "the friendliest V-12 supercar in the world." Praise for Lamborghini's all-new V-12 powerplant centered on the engine's responsiveness, torque, and smooth power output. Criticism centered mainly around the Aventador's unrefined single-disc clutch.[38][39]

On 31 July 2011, the Aventador was reviewed by the motorsport show Top Gear. Host Richard Hammond was impressed with the performance and handling of the car. His biggest complaint was a nostalgic poke at the Aventador's accessible temperament, implying that it left him longing for the "danger" associated with driving previous Lamborghini supercars.[40] The Aventador posted the fifth fastest time ever recorded on the Top Gear test track with a time of 1:16.5, beating the $2,000,000 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the Ferrari Enzo, the Porsche 911 GT3, and other supercars from around the world. In season 18 of the program, cohost Jeremy Clarkson said that the Aventador is better than the Ferrari 458 Italia (which they had previously called the best super car ever), describing it as being "£200,000 worth of dreams."[41] The Aventador won the "Supercar of the Year 2011" from Top Gear.

Marketing[edit]
Robert Gülpen of RGE Robert Gülpen Engineering GmbH produced a 1/8-scale model Aventador LP 700-4 that was sold through an auction December 2011 with starting bid price of US$4.7 million (€3.5 million).[42] A second model, featuring gold wrapping at body, was set to go for sale at auction with a starting bid price of US$7.5 million.[43]

BMC Switzerland produced a limited (50 units) edition of Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Edition impec bicycles inspired by the Lamborghini Aventador. The vehicle was sold for €25,000 (US$32,000) via international BMC or Lamborghini dealer network, with delivery done by the dealer.[44]

Related development[edit]
Veneno[edit]
Lamborghini Veneno
Lamborghini Veneno, Car Zero (profile).jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A
Production 2013-present
Model years 2013-present
Assembly Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Body and chassis
Class Supercar
Body style 2-door coupé
2-door roadster
Layout Mid-engine, all wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 6.5 L V12
Transmission 7-speed semi-automatic transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.30 in) (Roadster)
Length 5,020 mm (197.64 in) (Roadster)
Width 2,075 mm (81.69 in) (Roadster)
Height 1,165 mm (45.87 in) (Roadster)
Curb weight 1,490 kg (3,280 lb) (Roadster; dry)
The Lamborghini Veneno is a limited production supercar based on the Lamborghini Aventador and was built to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary. It is the second most expensive car in the world.[citation needed] The prototype, Car Zero, is finished in grey and includes an Italian flag vinyl on both sides of the car. The engine is a development of the Aventador's 6.5 L V12 and produces 750 PS (552 kW; 740 bhp).[45][46]

Lamborghini built just four examples of the Veneno: one for itself, and just three for customers. The first Veneno, with red accents, went to Antoine Dominic, owner of Lamborghini Long Island. The second went to Kris Singh, whose 4-million-dollar 750-hp masterpiece was delivered with green accents. Trimmed with white accents and completing the Italian Tricolore, the third model has been caught in Hong Kong en route to Macau where its new owner presumably resides. Car Zero, which was the vehicle on display,[47] will be retained by the factory for the museum. The three production cars cost €3.12 million each, and all three were sold.[48]

The vehicle number 0 was unveiled at the March 2013 Geneva Motor Show,[49] followed by 2013 Quail Motorsports Gathering,[49] Vallelunga circuit near Rome during the World Finals of Lamborghini Super Trofeo 2013 series.[50]