- Powerful 6.5-litre V12 petrol engine
- Excellent dynamics
- Audi-influence apparent in build and finish
- Suspension lacks compliance, particularly at low speeds
- Harsh upshifts
- Challenging entry and exit for tall occupants
- High running and maintenance costs
Overview
Released in July 2011, the Lamborghini Aventador was initially available as a two-door coupe, with Roadster (convertible) models following in November 2012. Manufactured in in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, the all-wheel drive Aventador was powered by a 6.5-litre V12 petrol engine which was mated to a single-clutch seven-speed ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) transmission (capable of providing 50 ms gearshifts). The Aventador could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and had a top speed of 350 km/h.
Dimensions and chassis
Compared to its Murcielago predecessor, the Aventador was 200 mm longer (at 4780 mm), 15 mm narrower (2030 mm), 1 mm taller (1136 mm) and had a 35 mm longer wheelbase (2700 mm). The Aventador, however, had a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis which contributed to a 90 kg reduction in dry weight (to 1575 kg) and an F1-inspired pushrod aluminium double wishbone suspension system (front and rear) with aluminium sub-frames onto which the suspension, engine and transmission components were mounted.
The Aventador had a five-mode drive select system, which consisted of three manual modes: Strada (road) Sport and Corsa (race) with launch control; and two automatic modes: Strada-auto and Sport-auto.
November 2012: Aventador Roadster
The Aventador Roadster had a two-piece, carbon-fibre roof and a unique engine cover with a separate wind deflector. Compared to the coupe, the rear pillar of the Roadster was redesigned with additional reinforcement, a rollover protection system for passengers and engine ventilation. For open-air driving, Roadster’s the roof panels could be stored in the front luggage compartment.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aventador LP700-4 | 6.5-litre petrol V12 | 7sp semi-auto | 515 kW at 8250 rpm | 690 Nm at 5500 rpm |
All-wheel drive system
The Aventador’s all-wheel drive system utilised an electronically-controlled Haldex centre coupling. In normal conditions, the engine’s torque was primarily directed to the rear wheels, though the coupling could vary the torque distribution from zero to 60 per cent of the total torque available.
The Aventador was also fitted with a self-locking rear differential and an electronically-controlled front differential.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Aventador included dual front airbags, head/thorax side airbags, front knee airbags (for driver and passenger), ABS, electronic stability control and traction control. The Aventador was also fitted with carbon-ceramic composite brakes with 400 mm front discs with six-piston calipers and 380 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers.
Features
Standard features for the Aventador included 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels (with 255/35- and 335/30-section tyres respectively), satellite navigation with a seven-inch LCD, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, a reversing camera, power windows, power door mirrors with heating and folding functions, a power-operated park brake, trip computer and an immobiliser.
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