► New Lamborghini Aventador S revealed
► More powerful, improved handling, new tech
► On sale now for £271k; deliveries in spring 2017
Lamborghini has released its latest raging bull, in the form of the new 2017 Aventador S. It’s a more powerful, more advanced take on the Aventador and benefits from a range of upgrades, including four-wheel steering.
‘This is the next-generation Aventador, as well as the expression of new technological and performance milestones in super sports car development,’ says Lamborghini boss Stefano Domenicali.
So, this is an all-new Aventador?
No. Consider it a heavy reworking of the Aventador, which was first unveiled in 2011. Key updates include reworked aerodynamics, more power, upgraded suspension systems and – most prominently – the adoption of four-wheel steering.
The launch of this car marks Lamborghini’s first use of four-wheel steering in a series production car; previously, it has featured in the likes of the limited-edition Centenario.
What’s changed externally?
The new Aventador S benefits from a host of exterior tweaks, all aimed at improving the car’s aerodynamics. Changes include new air ducts, a sharper nose and a deeper front splitter.
Lamborghini’s even managed to include a few nods to the past, including slightly Countach-aping rear wheel arch profiles.
Out back you’ll find a new black diffuser, and a rather slick triple-exit exhaust system.
What about the powerplant?
You can breathe a sigh of relief, for one thing, as the fabled 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 remains. It’s some 40bhp up on its predecessor, though, thanks to modifications to the Aventador’s variable valve timing and variable intake systems.
As before, the V12 features cylinder deactivation – which shuts off one bank – and a stop-start system. Lamborghini’s upped the S’s rev limiter, however, from 8350rpm to 8500rpm – so make a beeline for those tunnels…
Is it any quicker?
Predictably, Lamborghini’s well into the land of diminishing returns; the new Aventador S, despite more power, matches the 2.9sec 0-62mph time of other Aventadors.
Its top speed remains pegged at 217mph, too – no doubt there’s a little increased drag from the cooling and aerodynamic changes, and gearing may also be a restricting factor.
What about the chassis and steering?
It sounds like Lamborghini’s put in a lot of effort to improve the Aventador’s dynamics. It features four-wheel steering, improving agility at lower speeds and stability at higher speeds, for starters.
The suspension system has also been comprehensively overhauled, with new geometry settings, while the stability control and driving modes have been reworked.
Any other upgrades?
Lamborghini has fitted the Aventador S with specially developed Pirelli P Zero tyres, a new TFT digital dashboard and Apple CarPlay. A telemetry system is also offered as an option, for those drivers intending to spend plenty of time on track.
How much will it set me back?
The new Lamborghini Aventador S will cost £225,955, excluding local taxes – meaning the final UK price should be in the region of £271,000. Deliveries will begin in spring 2017.
2017 Lamborghini Aventador S technical specifications
- Chassis Carbonfibre monocoque with aluminium subframes
- Body Carbonfibre decklid, aluminium bonnet, doors and front wings, composite rear panels
- Suspension Double wishbone all round, push rod mangetorheological dampers
- Brakes 6-piston front calipers with 400x38mm carbon-ceramic discs, 4-piston rear calipers with 380x38mm carbon-ceramic discs
- Steering Servotronic with Lamborghini rear-wheel steering
- Tyres Pirelli P Zero 255/30 ZR20 front, 355/25 ZR21 rear
- Turning circle 11.5m
- Engine 6498cc naturally-aspirated, dry-sumped V12
- Power 730bhp at 8400rpm
- Torque 509lb ft at 5500rpm
- Max RPM 8500rpm
- Drivetrain 7-speed automated single-clutch manual, Haldex all-wheel drive
- Top speed 217mph
- 0-62mph 2.9sec
- 0-124mph 8.8sec
- 0-186mph 24.2sec
- Braking 62-0mph 31m
- Dry weight 1575kg
- Fuel tank 85 litres
- Storage space 140 litres
- Combined economy 16.7mpg
- CO2 394g/km
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