Lamborghini Aventador S – SV styling, more power

Lamborghini has unveiled the latest generation of its V12 flagship model called the Aventador S, which receives not just a visual update, but plenty of new technologies and features as well.

Unsurprisingly the 6.5 litre V12 engine now outputs 740 hp at 8,400 rpm and 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, which is 40 hp more than its predecessor. To achieve this, Lamborghini optimised the mill’s VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and VIS (Variable Intake System), as well as increase the maximum engine revs from 8,350 to 8,500 rpm.

Also new is the car’s exhaust system, which is more than 20% lighter than before and represented by the three single pipe outlets at the rear of the car. A seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission sends the power to all four wheels through a Haldex Generation IV 4WD system, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (unchanged from before).

To go along with the power bump, the Aventador S is also the first series production Lamborghini to come with four-wheel steering to make the car more agile at low and medium speeds, while making it more stable at high speeds.

Lamborghini explains that at low speeds, the rear wheels face in the opposite direction to the steering angle, virtually reducing the wheelbase and making the car more agile with a reduced turning radius. On the other hand, both front and rear wheels share the same steering angle at high speeds, thus “extending” the wheelbase for better stability.

Other handling enhancements include an updated version of Lamborghini’s pushrod and magneto-rheological suspension to accommodate the new four-wheel steering system, improved ESC package, new rear springs and variable damping system, as well as redeveloped, bespoke Pirelli P Zero tyres. Carbon ceramic brakes still come as standard, and are capable of stopping the car from 100 km/h to a standstill in just 31 metres.

To go along with the performance enhancements, the Aventador S adopts some of the SV’s aggressive cues, including a new front end and longer front splitter. These help to improve the car’s cooling performance, while the two air ducts at the sides reduce the aerodynamic interference from the front tyres and optimise the air flow to the rear radiator.

At the rear, a larger diffuser with vertical fins (available in carbon-fibre) sees a reduction in drag through pressure recovery, and an increase in downforce generated. There are also three single exhaust pipes in the centre, as mentioned above, and the active rear wing can be set in three different positions depending on speed and the selected drive mode.

Lamborghini claims the work of its Centro Stile and development team sees the Aventador S generated 130% more front downforce compared to its predecessor. It adds that when the rear wing is in its optimum position, the overall efficiency at high downforce is improved by over 50%, and in low drag by more than 400% compared to the previous model.

Inside, drivers now get to choose from four different driving modes – Strada, Sport, Corsa and the newly-added Ego. The latter provides several individual set-up profiles, allowing the driver to select his preferred conditions for the car’s traction, steering and suspension systems that best suits his driving ego/skills.

As for the other modes, Strada makes things as comfortable as possible for daily driving, with the engine’s torque split 60/40 to the rear and front. Sport mode is pretty self-explanatory as the car is being set up for “driving fun”, allowing up to 90% of torque to the rear wheels. In full-on race mode or Corsa, the car allows a maximum 80/20 torque split to the rear and front to maximize track-oriented performance.

A new TFT digital colour display is another addition to the cabin, which offers different screens for each of the selected driving mode, and can also be customised to the driver’s preferences in Ego mode. Other amenities include Apple CarPlay and Lamborghini’s optional telemetry system, and owners will also have full access to the Ad Personam customization programme.

The price of the Aventador S? Well, it retails for 281,555 euros (RM1,316,171) and Lamborghini says that deliveries to customers is scheduled to take place in the spring of 2017.

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