A Living Dream

Written by Nicolas Bates

Lamborghini has long been synonymous with speed, luxury and…more speed. However, although faster cars have hit the market, and even, perhaps, more technologically advanced cars (although, maybe not this time!), Lamborghini still manages to be a leader in today’s top selling and drooled-over supercars. Lamborghini’s new 2012 Aventador LP700-4 (named after what is said to be of the most courageous species of bulls in Spanish bullfighting), replacing the flagship Murcielago, will surely not disappoint any supercar enthusiast, or automotive enthusiast in general, for that matter.

Lamborghini, by way of history of its cars, has proven that a V12 will always power its cars—and the Aventador is no exception. The Lamborghini “Bull God” will be hurtled down the asphalt via a 6.5-liter V12, but a V12 that was completely redesigned from its previous incarnation. The task was to create a V12 that offered more horsepower and torque than that of the Murcielago’s, yet, was lighter and could enable a lower center of gravity for the car. To put is simply, not an easy task. Internally known as the L539, the Aventador’s all-new V12 performed its task, and thus, Lamborghini’s most technologically advanced and lightest V12 was born. The L539 will take the Aventador from 0-62 in 2.9 secs., and produces 700 hp at 8,250 rpm and 509 lb-ft. of torque at 5,500 rpm with the car weighing in at 3,472 lb. Great numbers, undeniably, however, not far from being on par with any other supercar currently in production. Lamborghini definitely upped the technology being put into their cars with the Aventador, and one example is its transmission. Instead of the common DSG-style transmission, the Aventador is outfitted with an ISP (independent shifting rods) transmission, and can shift from gear to gear in 50 milliseconds. The transmission only weighs 174 lb. The Aventador has a solid, and all-new powerplant and drivetrain on its side with which to tame its competition—or try to, anyway. Regardless, there is something to be said about a vehicle with newly-designed integral parts.

Technology breathes through the entire car. The cockpit of the Aventador is one solid, carbonfiber structure and only weighs in at 325 lb. The monocoque, with front and read aluminum frames has torsional rigidity of 35,000 Newton meters per degree and weighs a mere 510 lb. (to put that into perspective, the Murcielago has 20,000 Newton meters). The Aventador is also outfitted with a new suspension and steering system. Pushrod springs and damper concept come straight from Formula 1 racing. The spring/damper elements are not located on the wheel mounts, but connect inboard to the body. Pushrods and relay levers/rockers transmit the forces placed on the wheel mounts to the spring/damper elements. The Aventador’s hydraulic steering is highly sensitive and gives the driver maximum input. Servo-tronic steering is based upon which speed the car is at and has three modes of operation. Standard electronic systems include ABS, electronic brake distribution, anti-slip control, hill start assist, and ESP stability control. The rear spoiler and side air intake are completely electronically controlled as well. Lamborghini’s Drive Select System enables the Aventador to be set into three different modes, all depending on characteristics of engine, transmission, differential, stability control and steering inputs. Basically, this thing is starting to seem more like a fighter jet than a super car.

Exterior-wise, the body seems to be nothing more than a Lamborghini Revention. I am not complaining, however, because: 1. It’s dead sexy and 2. It takes its inspiration from modern aeronautics and from the world’s fastest and most agile aircraft. The Aventador is 4.78 meters long, 2.26 meters wide, and a mere 1,136 meters high. That is one low ride (speaking of low, the Aventador has a mechanism that will raise the car enough to safely traverse a speed bump)! As expected, the Aventador has scissor-style doors that open upward—a trait given to every Lamborghini since the Countach. Customers will also have the choice of 13 colors available to them.

The Lamborghini Aventador is a gorgeous car with tight lines and extremely smooth arches. Coupled with its looks, the engine and driveline give something for the world to rejoice in. As stated previously, Lamborghini’s have always been the in forefront of the supercar world. But with the new 2012 Aventador, they’re sure to stay there.

For more info go to:
Lamborghini.com