Lamborghini, a word that means so much to me. Personally, they represent my childhood poster car, the ultimate in exotic super cars. Coming from a land that I hope to visit one day. The name, conjures up thoughts and desires in me now, that it did when I was a child.
The Diablo was on my wall for many years, when the Murcielago came out, I was awe struck, I know at the time many said the design seemed a bit restrained and with Audi’s 4WD system, it was questioned if it could retain the Lambo lunacy. 13 year old me didn’t care, it was a new Lamborghini, therefore to me, perfect.
Fast forward to 2011 and I was lucky enough to see the Aventador in the metal, at TopGear live, if I thought it looked good in photos, the look of these in real life to me, is jaw dropping.
The razor edges, sharp styling, the futuristic hive rear end and the interior taken up to number 11, there was certainly no mistaking this is a Lamborghini. Aventador marked a new era for Lamborghini and my lust as an adult for one of these, has never been stronger.
6 years after its release, we now have an updated Aventador, the ‘S’. Yes we have the SVJ too but the mainstream model is what we’ve chosen as our car of the week.
The Lamborghini Aventador S LP740-4 S was announced in 2016 with the official reveal taking place in early 2017.
The S gained suspension upgrades, more power, driving dynamic updates and a new aerodynamic design.
Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali. “The Aventador S is visionary design, cutting-edge technology and driving dynamics in pure harmony, and elevates the concept of super sports cars to a new level.”
Now with 740 hp, (40 more than before) and 690nm of torque, ‘S’ will accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. The engines rev limit has also been increased from 8,350 to 8,500 and couple that with a new exhaust system that is 20% lighter, you have a very happy V12, that will sing that Lamborghini tune all day long. This is also a V12 that has Stop/Start and Cylinder Deactivation that will shut off 6 cylinders when they aren’t needed, to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.
The aerodynamic re-design has been done purposefully, with aspects changed purely for an improvement in airflow, to aid handling characteristics and cooling. Front down force has been improved by over 130%. The active rear wing in high down force improves efficiency by 50% and in low drag improvement of over 400% compared to the original Aventador.
The Aventador S was designed around a ‘total control concept’, to give better ride, handling and performance, as well as improved power and aerodynamics, suspension and steering have also been improved.
Personally, I think the biggest feature to note is 4 wheel steering, at low speeds the rears turn in the opposite direction of the front and at high speeds the same direction. This improves the turning circle and manoeuvring at low speeds and the sharpness and responsiveness at high speeds.
Updated pushrod magneto suspension and updated driving modes from a brand new brain in the car, the Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva, ensures maximum grip, wheel and body control specifically designed for the new 4 wheel steer.
For the driving modes, all have been updated, STRADA, SPORT, CORSA and a new EGO Mode. STRADA is for your daily driving, maximum ease of use and best comfort. SPORT introduces a sporty rear wheel drive feeling and CORSA is the maximum attack track setting. EGO allows you to define your own personalised setting, taking elements from each of the preset 3 modes.
The cockpit in the S has a new TFT display that is customisable to the drivers preferences and has new looks for the differing driver modes. Apple car play is now standard fit.
This isn’t an article about how this car compares with the likes of McLaren or Ferrari, nor should it be. The majority of super car owners buy them because they want them. To me, although the Aventador is pushing in age, has the beating heart and soul of a true super car and I cannot wait to see what comes out of Sant’Agata next.