Lamborghini launches stunning £200,000 Aventador

5 March 2011

The undoubted start of the Geneva Motor Show was the absolutely stunning Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 - the eagerly anticipated replacement for the Murcielago which has been on sale since 2011. The supercar, which goes on sale this summer, is priced at a cool £201,900 but Lamborghini is unlikely to have much trouble finding interested customers.

Power comes from new 12-cylinder 6.5-litre engine which, as the latter part of the name suggests, produces 700bhp along with 690Nm of torque. This, combined with a lightweight construction that includes plenty of carbon fibre, means the Aventador can accelerate from 0-62mph in a mere 2.9 seconds - quicker than anything Porsche, Aston Martin or Ferrari make - and onto a a top speed of 217mph.

However, Lamborghini says that thanks to the fact it weighs in at just 1575kg (that's about the same as a Ford Mondeo TDCI), fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 20 per cent compared to its predecessor. The famous Italian carmaker is promising more than just sheer power too, saying that the Aventador combines 'outstanding lightweight engineering and phenomenal handling precision with peerless design and the very finest equipment to deliver an unparalleled driving experience.'

It's fitted with an ISR transmission which is unique among road-going vehicles and according to Lamborghini, gives the fastest shifting time (only 50 milliseconds), while the lightweight chassis with pushrod suspension are said to deliver handling precision and competition-level performance. The interior has hi-tech features ranging from the TFT cockpit display with Drive Select Mode system.

To transfer its immense power to the road the Aventador has a permanent all-wheel drive system (hence the 4 in the model name). There is also a Drive Select Mode System which lets the driver choose vehicle characteristics (engine, transmission, differential, steering and dynamic control) from three settings – Strada (road), Sport and Corsa (track) – to suit his or her individual preferences.

The Aventador has the trademark Lamborghini doors that open upward – a feature that was first introduced in the now legendary Countach and then used for subsequent V12 models such as the Diablo and Murcielago. There are also electronically controlled air intakes that open depending on the outdoor temperature and the need for cooling, ensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency. At the back owners can choose an optional transparent engine bonnet which shows off the twelve-cylinder engine.

Inside, there are premium materials and 'perfect Italian craftsmanship' according to Lamborghini's blurb plus with state-of-the-art technology. A red switch cover on the central tunnel encloses the start button while the Aventador is fitted with a next-generation dashboard. As in a modern airplane, the instruments are presented on a TFT-LCD screen using innovative display concepts. A second screen is dedicated to the standard-fit multimedia and navigation system.

And the name? Well as is Lamborghini tradition, the new model bears the name of a bull. Aventador was the name of a bull that entered into battle in October 1993 at the Saragossa Arena, earning the “Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera” for its outstanding courage.

Owners get plenty of opportunity to personalise their Aventador too. There are 13 production paint colours to choose from, three of which are matt tones. There's a choice of two-tone interiors with the “Sportivo” and “Elegante” versions, while a premium audio system and reversing camera are among the options. Or there's the “Ad Personam” individualization program which has no limits when it comes to colours and materials.

Full coverage of the Geneva Motor Show 2011