After a decade since the introduction of the Murcielago, Lamborghini finally launched a new flagship - the all new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.
Along with a name that was carried over from a valiantly fought bull in the bull ring of Saragossa, Spain, other hallmark traits include the vertically opening scissor doors and a naturally aspirated V12 engine linked to a single-clutch gearbox.
The Aventador possesses a handful of contemporary additions too, starting with an innovative monocoque made from carbon fibre, a push-rod suspension and, among others, a digital instrument cluster.
A first for Lamborghini, the carbon fibre tub combines lightweight engineering with exemplary levels of stiffness, which among other benefits, aids in safety of its occupants.
Despite the supercar tag, the Aventador is fitted with Cylinder Deactivation System (CDS) and a start/stop system. Under light loads, the V12 operates on six-cylinders and the technology alternates between cylinders on each of the twin banks.
The start/stop system is well-suited for traffic like ours, and restarts the lump in a lightning quick 180 milliseconds.
Along with a name that was carried over from a valiantly fought bull in the bull ring of Saragossa, Spain, other hallmark traits include the vertically opening scissor doors and a naturally aspirated V12 engine linked to a single-clutch gearbox.
The Aventador possesses a handful of contemporary additions too, starting with an innovative monocoque made from carbon fibre, a push-rod suspension and, among others, a digital instrument cluster.
A first for Lamborghini, the carbon fibre tub combines lightweight engineering with exemplary levels of stiffness, which among other benefits, aids in safety of its occupants.
Despite the supercar tag, the Aventador is fitted with Cylinder Deactivation System (CDS) and a start/stop system. Under light loads, the V12 operates on six-cylinders and the technology alternates between cylinders on each of the twin banks.
The start/stop system is well-suited for traffic like ours, and restarts the lump in a lightning quick 180 milliseconds.
ExteriorEver since the Reventon, Lamborghini has taken a fancy with winged transport. Compared to the offerings of its compatriots, the Aventador's aesthetics are more like a tailored suit - sharp and crisp.
Unlike the Murcielago from the Diablo, the Aventador is a major leap from its predecessor, and the lean, sharp and chiseled design is reminiscent of the Countach. The concept of scissor doors was first introduced by Italian designer, Marcello Gandini, through the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo Concept and was carried over to the Gandini designed Countach.
These doors have been retained in all its successors and have evolved from a fashion symbol to an identity of their own.
Unlike the Murcielago from the Diablo, the Aventador is a major leap from its predecessor, and the lean, sharp and chiseled design is reminiscent of the Countach. The concept of scissor doors was first introduced by Italian designer, Marcello Gandini, through the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo Concept and was carried over to the Gandini designed Countach.
These doors have been retained in all its successors and have evolved from a fashion symbol to an identity of their own.
Interior
The 'cockpit' in this four-wheeled jet is a clever mix of familiarity, uniqueness and contemporary.
Another Top Gun influence is the engine ignition button, which is concealed beneath a striking red flip panel.
Anyone who has sat in any modern Audi would find the scroll wheel and surrounding buttons familiar. The steering wheel feels perfect in our hands, and the Alcantara finish on the sides provides really good grip.
The neatly stacked toggle switches are reminiscent of the Nissan GT-R and operate functions for the electric windows, the height of the front axle as well as an 'ESC Off' function.
Despite the low and tapered roof, we didn't feel claustrophobic and forward visibility was decent by supercar standards.
The same, however, cannot be said for rear visibility, which was slim, wide and constrained by glass panels hovering above the engine.
The 'cockpit' in this four-wheeled jet is a clever mix of familiarity, uniqueness and contemporary.
Another Top Gun influence is the engine ignition button, which is concealed beneath a striking red flip panel.
Anyone who has sat in any modern Audi would find the scroll wheel and surrounding buttons familiar. The steering wheel feels perfect in our hands, and the Alcantara finish on the sides provides really good grip.
The neatly stacked toggle switches are reminiscent of the Nissan GT-R and operate functions for the electric windows, the height of the front axle as well as an 'ESC Off' function.
Despite the low and tapered roof, we didn't feel claustrophobic and forward visibility was decent by supercar standards.
The same, however, cannot be said for rear visibility, which was slim, wide and constrained by glass panels hovering above the engine.
The Drive
The Longitudinale Posteriore (Abbreviation for LP, and Italian for Longitudinal Rear) mounted power unit is brand new and retires the V12 unit that Lamborghini had been utilising for the past five decades.
Known internally as the L539, the 6.5-litre lump weighs 235kg and has a power output of 690bhp and 650Nm of torque.
The powerplant is married to a hyperactive seven-speed single-clutch transmission, which accomplishes gearshifts in just 50 milliseconds - almost three times faster than an Enzo Ferrari.
In automotive terms, this teleports the car to the century mark in just 2.9 seconds.
The powerful thrust of the engine and the instantaneous gear changes can be best experienced when the car is in Corsa (track) mode as every gear shift would have you jerking forward as if someone has rear ended the supercar.
Additionally, with the Pirelli P Zero tyres, the car sticks to the tarmac and executes each turn in a similar fashion to a figure skater in an ice ring.
There have been myths and fables on how Lamborghinis of yesteryears are twitchy and are quite a handful to drive. Thus, it comes as a surprise that the Aventador isn't.
Despite the whiff of understeer, the ESP system and the invincible carbon ceramic brakes ensure you do not end up on the gravel.
You find yourself having so much confidence behind the wheel because you are aware that the supercar is mechanically capable of preventing you from a disaster.
Conclusion
The Aventador is not only a clean sheet design, but also a game changer for Lamborghini.
Despite the whiff of understeer, the ESP system and the invincible carbon ceramic brakes ensure you do not end up on the gravel.
You find yourself having so much confidence behind the wheel because you are aware that the supercar is mechanically capable of preventing you from a disaster.
Conclusion
The Aventador is not only a clean sheet design, but also a game changer for Lamborghini.
For a start, the car is surprisingly environmentally-friendly as it is equipped with cylinder deactivation in addition to start/stop technology.
Under light cruising the car's gentleman attitude does not make it intimidating behind the wheel, although the low, wide and long dimensions are not that ideal for city driving.
But all that's said and done, thanks to a clever mix of tradition infused with the best technology and engineering at hand, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is a responsible supercar for the modern era.
