FORECOURT
LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR S With Lamborghini phasing out its iconic V12 engine, Darren Cassey bids a sad farewell to one of the most exciting supercars ever made.
THE KNOWLEDGE Lamborghini Aventador S
Price (as tested): £304,555 Engine: 6.5-litre V12 petrol
Power: 730bhp Torque: 690Nm Max speed: 217mph O-60mph: 2.9 seconds MPG (combined): 14.7 Emissions: 460g/km CO2
Power The 12-cylinder engine pumps out 730bhp and can propel the Aventador to a 217mph top speed
WHAT IS IT? Introduced a decade ago, the Aventador has seen updates that have increased power and produced increasingly extreme versions. Most importantly, it will be the last car to get this iconic V12 engine in its purest form and will be replaced soon. WHAT’S NEW? This model was introduced in 2016 as the entry level in the range, bringing a few updates to its predecessor, the LP700-4. It received various mechanical upgrades as well as styling tweaks for a fresher, more modern appearance. The engine was updated to provide more power, it was given four-wheel steering to improve handling and stability, plus uprated software for a sharper driving experience. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? It’s no exaggeration to say that this is one of the greatest engines of all time. The performance is frankly ludicrous, and if you put your foot down in lower gears there’s a violent surge of acceleration. It feels quick of course, but it’s the sound that really gets under your skin. The wail of the engine fills the cabin and overwhelms your senses as 12 cylinders fire at an increasingly rapid pace. Boy, will we miss stuff like this when it’s gone! WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The Aventador is big, and it only feels lower and wider from behind the wheel. It’s surprisingly easy to drive at normal speeds, with well-judged steering weights, but once you pick up speed the car shrinks around you. There’s one downside and that’s the gearbox – the auto betrays the car’s age. Unless you’re in sport mode charging hard, it’s slow and sluggish to swap cogs. Incredibly annoying, but a small sacrifice for the overall experience. HOW DOES IT LOOK? There really is nothing else quite like an Aventador on the road. Sharp angles dominate this
36 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
