DRIVEN: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 in Sepang

six_points · Post time 2-2-2012 07:18 AM

You’re looking at a future classic, the latest generation of a legendary lineage that counts the Countach, Diablo and Murcielago as ancestors. The latest V12 powered big Lamborghini with epic noise and scissor doors. Meet the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

Sant’Agata’s latest flagship made its debut at this year’s Geneva show, and they have already collected over 1,500 orders, with a waiting list of 18 months!

Those with the ability to write a RM2.9 million cheque (that’s the estimated price of the Aventador in Malaysia) are not accustomed to waiting, but for this hot one, they will have to. We’ve also heard that Lambo won’t be making many of these…

Continue reading after the jump.

The Aventador brings new meaning to all-new, especially for Lamborghini. For once, there’s a completely new engine behind the seats. It’s a 6.5-litre V12 that’s relatively compact and lightweight at 235 kg.

The bull’s heart pushes out 700 horses at 8,250 rpm, while maximum torque is 690 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Lambo says that the torque curve is “extremely well-rounded” with “bull-like pulling power in every situation”. Acoustics is of course a main selling point, and great sounds are promised.

Its partner in crime is as fresh faced. Meet the new 7-speed ISR transmission, designed for “the world’s most emotional gearshift feel”. Shift times for this single clutch ‘box are quick – 40% faster than the Gallardo’s e.gear and almost 50% less than a dual-clutch unit, says Lambo – thanks to the ‘box’s Independent Shifting Rod. Apparently, ISR has smaller dimensions than a manual gearbox.

The new drivetrain is contained in a new carbonfibre body. It’s a full monocoque made from carbon fibre, meaning that the entire occupant cell, with tub and roof, is one single physical component. The entire CF monocoque weighs only 147.5 kg.

Together with the front and rear aluminium frames, it weighs only 229.5 kg and torsional stiffness is an amazing 35,000 Nm per degree. This contributes to the Aventador’s trim kerb weight of 1,575 kg, which is the weight of a Camry 2.0 with yours truly in it.

An amazing recipe that brings some impressive results. The Aventador does 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. Push on and you’ll reach 350 km/h. Lambo is proud to point out that while performance and power is up by 8%, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 20% from the Murciélago.

Power is laid down via permanent all-wheel drive. A self-blocking rear differential together with a front differential electronically controlled by ESP aid handling. A Drive Select Mode System lets the driver choose vehicle characteristics (engine, transmission, differential, steering and dynamic control) from three settings – Strada (road), Sport and Corsa (track). Finally, the Aventador sports pushrod spring and damper suspension inspired by F1 and carbon ceramic brakes in each corner.

The supercar has reached a new level, and with the Aventador, the boys and girls at Sant’Agata have pushed the ball to Ferrari’s court.

Many think that what we do for a living is cool, but it’s not always fun and games. Getting a chance to drive Lambo’s finest is nice, but after waiting the whole day from morning to evening, I felt like I more than earned those few minutes behind the wheel. And then there’s the writing bit!

al-asil · Post time 2-2-2012 07:28 AM

tak tau la apa bestnya bawah keta2 camni, terutamanya di kawasan lembah klang yang memang terkenal dengan trafik jem dan kualiti jalan yang macam lahabau