insanity, in easy-to-digest form - 2012 lamborghini aventador coupe first drive

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    By Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor

    Published: 05/02/2011

    http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/road-test.html

    It took one full-throttle upshift into 4th gear while tracking away from an apex to remindus that the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is a monster. The gear slams home withsuch authority that the ass end instantly jerks sideways a couple of feet before theAventador can scramble the appropriate countermeasures to prevent its V12's avalancheof power from having its way with the car's carbon-fiber chassis, huge tires and thesurrounding countryside.

    With the Aventador, Lamborghini has an all-new range-topping supercar to replace itsaging Murcielago. It's big, outlandish and powerful. In other words, it's a typical Italiansupercar.

    There's a new wrinkle here, though the Aventador is a pussycat. A 690-horsepowerpussycat that will tear to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.9 seconds, reach 124 mph (200 km/h) 6seconds later and rip off 10.5-second quarter-miles.

    Italian supercars and V12s go together like grappa and food comas, so naturally theAventador (say ah-vent-ah-DOR) mounts a hand-built, normally aspirated bent-12longitudinally between the rear wheels and the cabin. That's where the Aventador get itsLP (Longitudinale Posteriore) designation.

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    Known internally as L539, it's a clean-sheet power unit that shares nothing with theoutgoing power plant beyond its 6.5-liter displacement. Variable phasing of the intakeand exhaust cams facilitates a compression ratio of 11.8:1, quite high for an engine thatdoesn't use direct injection (DI). Engineers say DI was ruled out due to upcomingEuropean regulations for particulate emissions, which would have required a particulatefilter and an associated penalty in exhaust backpressure. Besides, the performance targetswere met without DI, so why bother?

    L539 is a deceptively conventional engine elsewhere, too, with forged steel connectingrods instead of the titanium that's all the rage and steel sleeves in lieu of whatever unicorntears are sprayed onto the cylinder walls of other modern engines. However, it's hard toargue with the results.

    Its numbers are staggering peak power of 690 hp is reached at 8,250 rpm and itsmaximum 509 pound-feet of torque arrives at 5,500 rpm. Dry-sumped, short-stroke 12-cylinder layouts lend themselves to high revs and breathing 48 valves provide anenormous valve curtain area, and each piston and rod can be relatively puny, reducingreciprocating forces in the bottom end.

    Despite its absurd power, the engine is said to weigh just 518 pounds and stands nearly 3inches lower than the old V12 to keep the center of gravity in check.

    Sharp and tractable at low revs, yet devastatingly powerful, it's a gem of an engine. Thecombination of its flat, broad torque curve and terrific reach results in velocity that pileson deceptively quickly. The lazy sound of the engine, too, is tricky. Three-thousand rpmsounds like idle, and the 8,500-rpm redline which comes up in a hurry is devoid ofaural urgency: a tenor wail with a dash of flat-6 drone. As a result you find yourselftraveling much faster than you expect when it comes time to visit the carbon-ceramicbrake department, which, fortunately, offers ample fade resistance.

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    Appropriately, the new engine is mated to a new transmission and all-wheel-drive system.The transaxle houses a new single-clutch seven-speed automated manual gearbox and aHaldex IV clutch pack that replaces the viscous coupling center differential of theMurcielago.

    At 154 pounds, the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador's single-clutch gearbox called ISR orIndependent Shifting Rod is said to be lighter than a twin-clutch unit while offeringgearchange speeds as quick as 50 milliseconds. The upshot is that ISR cansimultaneously disengage one gear while engaging the next, shaving precious time. The

    smallerGallardo's e-gear transmission takes more than twice as long between shifts (120ms).

    The Haldex unit manipulates clutch pressure in order to actively adjust how much torqueis sent to the front differential, which is of the brake-locking variety. Sprouting from thepassenger side of the transaxle is a power takeoff that drives a mechanical rear limited-slip differential.

    Carbon-Fiber Bones

    The Aventador's carbon-fiber-intensive construction is far more sophisticated than theoutgoing car's welded-steel chassis, and signals the path of Lamborghini's future.

    Produced in Lamborghini's Sant'Agata factory, the car starts life as huge spools ofcarbon-fiber cloth in a temperature-controlled room. The cloth is cut into pieces by aCNC-guided ultrasonic knife and then hand-laid into carbon-fiber molds before beingsent to really expensive ovens known as autoclaves for curing. All this forms the basis ofthe Aventador's tub and roof sections.

    Other pieces are molded into place until the two halves of this clamshell are fusedtogether, forming a single rigid central monocoque to which aluminum subframes arebolted front and rear.

    http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/gallardo/http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/gallardo/
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    The carbon-fiber monocoque imparts tremendously high rigidity to the chassis whileslicing weight. The car's torsional stiffness as measured between the axles is 25,800 lb-ftper degree of twist, some 150 percent higher than the Murcielago. At 506 pounds togetherwith subframes, the entire body in white is 30 percent lighter than the outgoing car.

    On the curb, the Aventador's 3,472 pounds means it isn't quite a flyweight, but at least itbucks the usual trend of model bloat. And the masses are centrally located, so when youpoint the Aventador toward an apex it turns in right now, like a shark missile-locking ontoa meal.

    Taming the Beast

    All of this newfound powertrain sophistication is intended to exploit the 2012Lamborghini Aventador's ridiculous power in a controlled fashion. Three driving modes Strada, Sport and Corsa govern just how stupid you can be, progressively looseningthe leash of allowable slip angle, reducing understeer and adding heft to the steering.Likewise, gearchange firmness varies from gentle in Strada to the where's-the-ibuprofenbrutality of Corsa.

    On the Vallelunga race circuit situated just outside of Rome, we stretched the Aventador'slegs. Lamborghini forbade anyone from driving with the stability control switched fullyoff, a hedge against the expensive consequences of handing a 700-hp car tooverconfident, jet-lagged journalists.

    The steering is linear and weighted well, if a shade mute as if a consequence of thewizardry that's keeping this car on the straight and narrow. Exploring the Aventador'slimits is a cinch, and the very wide car seems to shrink at speed, feeling sharper the fasteryou go. This is a beast with manners. Pour on the power at corner exit and the Aventadordigs in and pins you into the seat, absolutely clawing itself out in a way that would beimpossible with just two driven wheels.

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    Even in Corsa mode, the Aventador is foolproof. Though this mode does permit a degreeor two of power oversteer, the car remains forgiving and approachable even at full whack.Its handling balance is nose-led at low speed and you can feel the brake differential andall-wheel-drive system subtly working to maintain the car's composure when you enter aturn at speed. In this regard it makes lesser drivers look like heroes, though skilled userswill be looking for the "ESP Off" button for a more absorbing drive.

    Damper force of the bell-crank-actuated Ohlins shocks is fixed. Apparently Lamborghinireckons there's just one level of damping required the correct one. We didn't drive theAventador on the street, but it absorbs the lumpy FIA curbing without flinching, yet staysflat in corners, so that bodes well. Also, the Aventadors we drove were all equipped withPirelli P Zero Corsa tires, sticky street-legal R-compound jobs that will be offered as anoption. Don't expect to get a lot of life out of them.

    A Feast for the Eyes

    The Aventador is unmistakably a Lamborghini. Its scissor doors, the massively imposingrear end and the single plane formed by the hood and windshield all point to a supercardescended from the Countach.

    Brutal rather than beautiful, it nevertheless has some organic flourishes like a roof linethat makes it look like a reptile emerging from a pile of jagged boulders. Two panels oneither side of the engine bay pivot open at speed like the exoskeleton of a beetle, feedingair to the transmission and oil coolers. When this happens as the rear wing rises from thebodywork, the Aventador looks eerily alive.

    Its cabin looks contemporary and is usefully roomy, sporting an impossibly deep cowland minimal brightwork. Headroom is decent, though the top of the windshield is a bitlow for tall drivers, who will also learn to duck lower as they swivel into the cabin toavoid a lump on the head.

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    An easy downward tug of the handle and the door swings shut with a whump. A manualrelease lets you bring the steering wheel right to your chest if you like (and we do). Theseats are supportive without relying on overly intrusive bolsters. In fact, they work sowell that we didn't even think about them as we blasted around the Vallelunga circuit,which tells you all you need to know.

    All the bodywork's hexagons and trapezoidal elements are reprised inside, all the waydown to the buttons on the center stack and the paneling of the seat cushions. It's a bitmuch, especially the silly swing-up cover over the engine start button, which is alsohexagonal. Then again, supercars are all about theatre and occasion, and the Aventadordelivers.

    One neat feature is the switchable LCD display in the instrument cluster. Hold down thebutton on the wiper stalk for 3 seconds to switch from a giant tachometer and digitalspeed display to the opposite: a pie-size speedometer and numerical tach.

    Still a Supercar

    The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador is truly a user-friendly supercar, which some mightconsider an oxymoron. As long as you make sure the steering wheel is more or lesspointed straight when you command an upshift, the Aventador is docile and its vastperformance easily accessible. Perhaps a bit too easy, as you can give it a thrashing, reachinsane speeds and then spring out of the cockpit as fresh as ever. This, then, is a new-school supercar.

    Accessible performance, however, is one thing. Actually getting your hands on one isquite another. The Aventador will sticker for $393,695 including destination and gasguzzler tax when it reaches U.S. shores in late summer. But even money can't buy youtime, as the first 18 months of Aventador production are already spoken for.

    Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored press event to facilitate this report.

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    (6.5L V12 AWD 7-speed Automated Manual)

    Vehicle

    Model year 2012

    Make Lamborghini

    Model Aventador LP700-4

    Style 2dr Coupe AWD (6.5L 12cyl 7AM)

    Base MSRP$393,695 (including destination and gas-guzzler tax)

    Drivetrain

    Drive type All-wheel driveEngine type Normally aspirated 60-degree V12 with port fuel injection

    Displacement (cc/cu-in)

    6,498cc

    Block/head material Aluminum

    ValvetrainDouble overhead camshaft with variable timing, four valves percylinder

    Compression ratio(x:1)

    11.8

    Redline (rpm) 8,500

    Horsepower (hp @rpm) 690 @ 8,250

    Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 509 @ 5,500

    Fuel type Premium unleaded

    Transmission type Seven-speed dry-clutch automated manual

    Chassis

    Suspension,front

    Independent double-wishbone with bellcrank-actuated monotubedampers, coil springs and stabilizer bar

    Suspension, rear Independent double-wishbone with bellcrank-actuated monotube

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    dampers, coil springs and stabilizer bar

    Steering type Electric-over-hydraulic power steering

    Steering ratio(x:1)

    14.5

    Tire brand Pirelli

    Tire model P Zero Corsa

    Tire type Summer Tire size, front 255/35 ZR19 96Y

    Tire size, rear 335/30 ZR20 104Y

    Wheel size 19-by-9 inches front -- 20-by-12 inches rear

    Wheel material Aluminum alloy

    Brakes, frontTwo-piece 15.75-by-1.5-inch ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with 6-piston fixed calipers

    Brakes, rearTwo-piece 14.96-by-1.5-inch ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with 4-piston fixed calipers

    Fuel Consumption

    EPA fuel economy (mpg) 13.5 mpg combined

    Dimensions & Capacities

    Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)3,472

    Length (in.)188.2

    Width (in.) 79.9Height (in.) 44.7

    Wheelbase (in.)106.3

    Safety

    Electronic brake enhancements Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution

    Traction control Standard

    Stability control Standard

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    More on 2012 Lamborghini Aventador

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    LP 700-4 Coupe (6.5L V12 AWD 7-speed Automated Manual)

    MSRP from $387,000

    PRICE WITH OPTIONSGet a Free Price Quote

    Highlights

    FUEL ECONOMY (CTY/HWY) 11/17 mpg CAR TYPE Coupe TRANSMISSION 7-speed Automated Manual BASIC WARRANTY Not Available

    ENGINE TYPE Gas TOTAL SEATING 2

    CYLINDERS V12 CONSUMER RATING Not Available

    Colors

    Exterior Colors

    http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/options.html?style=101329827http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/options.html?style=101329827http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/quickquotes.html?style=101329827http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/options.html?style=101329827http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/options.html?style=101329827http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/quickquotes.html?style=101329827
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    Arancio Argos Pearl EffectArancio Atlas Pearl EffectBianco Canopus Matte FinishBianco IsisBlu Hera MetallicGiallo EvrosGiallo Horus MatteGiallo Orion Pearl EffectGrigio Antares MetallicGrigio Estoque MetallicMarrone Apus Matte FinishNero AldebaranNero Nemesis Matte FinishNero Pegaso MetallicInfo N/AOut of Range Color

    Interior Colors

    Arancio Dryope/Nero Ade, premium leather/alcantaraBianco Polar/Nero Ade, premium leather/alcantaraGiallo Taurus/Nero Ade, premium leather/alcantara

    Marrone Elpis, premium leatherMarrone Elpis/Nero Ade, premium leatherNero Ade, premium leatherTerra Antiope/Nero Ade, premium leatherTerra Dirce/Nero Ade, premium leatherTerra Semele/Nero Ade, premium leatherVerde Pan/Nero Ade, premium leather/alcantara

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    Specifications

    LENGTH 15ft 8.2inWIDTH 6ft 7.9inHEIGHT3ft 8.7inBody style illustration may not reflect the actual shape of this vehicle.

    Exterior Measurements

    WIDTH 6 ft. 7.9 in. (79.9 in.) HEIGHT 3 ft. 8.7 in. (44.7 in.)

    LENGTH 15 ft. 8.2 in. (188.2 in.) FRONT TRACK 5 ft. 7.2 in. (67.2 in.)

    REAR TRACK 5 ft. 6.9 in. (66.9 in.) WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 10.3 in. (106.3 in.)

    Fuel

    ENGINE TYPE Gas FUEL TYPE Premium unleaded (required)

    FUEL TANK CAPACITY 23.8 gal.RANGE IN MILES (CTY/HWY)261.8/404.6 mi.

    EPA MILEAGE EST. (CTY/HWY) 11/17mpg

    DriveTrain

    DRIVE TYPE All wheel drive TRANSMISSION 7-speed automated manual

    Engine & Performance

    BASE ENGINE SIZE 6.5 L CAM TYPE Double overhead cam (DOHC)

    CYLINDERS V12 VALVES 48

    VALVE TIMING Variable TORQUE 509 ft-lbs. @ 5500 rpm

    HORSEPOWER 700 hp @ 8250 rpm TURNING CIRCLE 41.0 ft.

    Suspension

    Double wishbone front suspension Double wishbone rear suspension

    Four-wheel independent suspension Front and rear stabilizer bar

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    Features

    Interior Features

    Front Seats

    Multi-level heating passenger seat

    2 -way power passenger seat 2 -way power driver seat Multi-level heating driver seat

    Premium leather Sport front seats

    Power Features

    Remote power door locks Power mirrors

    Heated mirrors

    Instrumentation

    Clock Tachometer

    Low fuel level warning Compass

    Convenience

    Front door pockets Power steering

    Front and rear parking sensors Tilt and telescopic steering

    wheel

    Transmission controls and audio controls onsteering wheel

    Rear view camera

    Comfort

    Climate control Sun sensor

    Carbon and leather trim on center console Leather trim on dash

    Carbon and leather trim on doors Front reading lights

    Carbon, suede and leather steering wheel Front floor mats

    Dual vanity mirrors

    In Car Entertainment

    4 total speakers 540 watts stereo output

    AM/FM in-dash single CD player stereo IPod/iPhone integration

    Memory card slot USB connection

    Telematics

    Hard drive based display w/voice activation and directionsnavigation system

    Pre-wired forphone

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    Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone

    Exterior Features

    Roof and Glass

    Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers

    Body

    Rear spoiler

    Tires and Wheels

    Painted alloy wheels 20 x 12.0 in. wheels

    335/30R Z tires Performance tires

    Safety Features

    4-wheel ABS Dual front side-mounted

    airbags

    Remote anti-theft alarm system Daytime running lights

    Engine immobilizer Dusk sensing headlamps

    Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp 2 front headrests

    Passenger airbag occupant sensing

    deactivation

    Front seatbelt pretensioners

    Stability control Traction control

    Electronic brakeforce distribution Front integrated headrests

    Tire pressure monitoring

    Options

    Exterior Options

    Yellow Brake Callipers Shiny Black Rims Transparent Engine Bonnet Orange Brake Callipers

    Grey Brake Callipers T-Engine Cover in Carbon Fiber

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    Interior Options

    Steering Wheel w/Suede LeatherInserts

    Steering Wheel w/Perforated LeatherInserts

    Lamborghini Sound System (LSS) Smoker Package

    Multifunction Steering Wheel inSmooth Leather

    Multifunction Steering Wheel w/SuedeLeather Inserts

    Fully Electric and Heated Seats Homelink

    Branding Package Bicolore Elegante Plus Interior

    Unicolor Interior w/ContrastStitching

    Multifunction Steering Wheelw/Perforated Leather Inserts

    Bicolore Sportivo Interiorw/Alcantara

    Bicolore Sportivo Interior

    Park Assistance Bicolore Elegante Interior

    Mechanical Options

    Yellow Rear Suspension Springs

    What Edmunds Says

    The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador is pure bull-inspired awesomeness. What, you thoughtwe weren't going to like it?

    Read Full Review Safety Reliability

    Pros

    Vicious acceleration; sublime steering; unmatched visual presence; surprisingly spaciouscabin.

    Cons

    Ride can be intolerable at times; poor outward visibility; tough to maneuver in tightplaces; awkward-shifting transmission; limited cargo space.

    Available Coupe Models

    http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/#fullreviewhttp://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/safety.html?style=101329827&sub=http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/reliability.html?style=101329827&sub=http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/#fullreviewhttp://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/safety.html?style=101329827&sub=http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/reliability.html?style=101329827&sub=
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    Use the Edmunds Pricing System to help you get the best deal:

    View photos

    LP 700-4

    6.5L V12 engine Automated manual transmission Up to 11 cty/17 hwy mpg All-wheel drive Navigation System Bluetooth iPod input Side/Curtain Airbags Stability Control Traction Control

    View All Features & Specs

    MSRP from $387,000

    PRICE WITH OPTIONS

    Published: 11/04/2011

    What's New for 2012

    The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador is all new.

    http://edmunds.pagescope.launch_photoflipper%28%27year%3D2012%26make%3Dlamborghini%26model%3Daventador%26submodel%3Daventador%20coupe%26trim%3Dlp%20700-4%27%29/http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/features-specs.html?style=101329827http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/options.html?sub=coupe&style=101329827http://edmunds.pagescope.launch_photoflipper%28%27year%3D2012%26make%3Dlamborghini%26model%3Daventador%26submodel%3Daventador%20coupe%26trim%3Dlp%20700-4%27%29/http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/features-specs.html?style=101329827http://www.edmunds.com/lamborghini/aventador/2012/options.html?sub=coupe&style=101329827
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    Introduction

    The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador is intimidating. It's not the wild paint or the razor-sharpstyling. It's not the 690-horsepower V12 lurking behind your shoulder or theLamborghini lore of punishing overzealous drivers. It's not even the sky-high price. No,it's the indisputably alien nature of the Aventador.

    One must maneuver around the scissor door into the low-slung cockpit. The windshield israked to an absurd degree. The side windows are dominated by angular, wide mirrorsmounted to tall stalks and the view rearward is like spying on someone through an airvent. The car is enormously wide, which makes the visibility all the more intimidating.The starter button is hidden under a little red panel as if it launches a bomb; the paddleshifters look like a ninja's weapon. The Aventador isn't so much a car as it is an alienspacecraft.

    Lamborghini wanted it this way as a means to produce a car that leapfrogged past itslong-running Murcielago. For starters, the Aventador is lighter (by about 200 pounds)thanks to a new carbon-fiber chassis. The 6.5-liter V12 is all new, as is the racecar-inspired pushrod suspension. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed automatedmanual gearbox. Zero to 60 mph is said to take just 2.8 seconds. To haul the Aventadordown from speed, Lamborghini equipped it with massive carbon-ceramic disc brakes.

    Once you acclimate to the Starship Aventador, you'll realize this is one of this world'smost incredible cars. Its handling capabilities are truly extraordinary, and the V12produces the sort of thrust that once resulted in the words "the Eagle has landed." Asincredible as you'd imagine the ultimate Lamborghini would be to drive, it's even better,and you don't have to drive it to its sky-high limits to appreciate its talents. It's also notthe scary, punishing beast of its forbearers.

    There are downsides, of course. The Aventador's ride is punishing on anything but themost pristine roads, and its cargo space is very limited. As such, it would be difficult togo very far in this Lamborghini. We're also not sure if many drivers will be able todiscern and appreciate the performance differences the Aventador affords versussignificantly cheaper V8 exotics like the Ferrari 458 Italia and McLaren MC4-12C.

    Then again, those cars don't come close to having that quintessential intimidation factorand alien nature of the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador.

    Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

    The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador is a two-passenger exotic supercar available in a singletrim level. Standard features include 19-inch front wheels, 20-inch rear wheels, high-performance tires, carbon ceramic brakes, an adjustable-height suspension, hill-startassist, automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, heated and power-foldingmirrors, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a tilt steering wheel, LCD gauge

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    cluster, the Lamborghini version of Audi's Multi Media Interface, a navigation system,real-time traffic, Bluetooth, an iPod interface and a sound system.

    Optional equipment includes a transparent engine cover, a carbon-fiber engine cover, theParking Assist package (front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera), heatedpower seats, a multifunction steering wheel (in smooth leather, perforated leather orsuede) and an upgraded sound system. There is also an extensive customization programavailable.

    Powertrains and Performance

    The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 features a 6.5-liter V12 that produces 690 hpand 509 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard along with a seven-speedautomated manual gearbox that features five different operating modes: three manual(Strada, Sport and Corsa) and two automatic (Strada-auto and Sport-auto). Launchcontrol and hill-start assist are also standard.

    Lamborghini estimates that the Aventador will go from zero to 60 mph in about 2.8seconds; it doesn't get much quicker than that. Estimated fuel economy is 11 mpg city/17mpg highway and 13 mpg combined. You'd be hard-pressed to find something muchthirstier than that.

    Safety

    Standard safety equipment includes traction and stability control, antilock carbon-ceramicdisc brakes, knee airbags and side airbags that cover the head and thorax.

    Interior Design and Special Features

    The 2012 Aventador has the most flamboyantly styled interior ever to be found in aLamborghini, but thanks to a full helping of Audi electronics, it also has the most user-friendly interior as well. The Aventador gets essentially the same electronics interface asthe Audi A4, featuring a knob, surrounding menu buttons and a corresponding largescreen. It works well, though given the concentration required to drive the Aventador,simple tasks like changing a radio station are probably a little too complicated.

    Space in the Aventador is what you'd expect in today's generation of supercars. A 6-foot-3driver found sufficient headroom and just enough legroom, though there's certainly aclaustrophobic feel that goes along with its low-slung windows and limited visibility.

    Storage is also practically nonexistent, making the prospects of a road trip rather remote.Sure, no one's making the family summer trek to Mt. Rushmore in an Aventador, but evena weekend trip with your spouse would be far more pleasant in an Aston Martin DBS.

    Driving Impressions

    At low speeds, the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador is pretty disappointing. The transmissionis jerky, the ride borders on intolerable and the engine emits a rather unimpressive, whiny

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    mechanical drone. But this is a Lamborghini -- what on Earth are you doing driving itslowly?

    Lay into the throttle and the V12 comes alive with a raucous symphony. When the roadceases being straight, the Aventador dive bombs into corners thanks to its precisesteering. Unlike some other big exotic cars, however, the Aventador never feels smallerthan it actually is. Due to the car's wide girth and poor outward visibility, it can be hardfor the driver to build up confidence on a demanding road or racetrack.

    2012 Lamborghini Aventador Coupe

    (6.5L V12 AWD 7-speed Automated Manual)

    Vehicle

    Model year 2012

    Make LamborghiniModel Aventador LP700-4

    Style 2dr Coupe AWD (6.5L 12cyl 7AM)

    Base MSRP$393,695 (including destination and gas-guzzler tax)

    Drivetrain

    Drive type All-wheel drive

    Engine type Normally aspirated 60-degree V12 with port fuel injection

    Displacement (cc/cu-in)

    6,498cc

    Block/head material Aluminum

    Valvetrain Double overhead camshaft with variable timing, four valves percylinder

    Compression ratio(x:1)

    11.8

    Redline (rpm) 8,500

    Horsepower (hp @rpm)

    690 @ 8,250

    Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 509 @ 5,500

    Fuel type Premium unleaded

    Transmission type Seven-speed dry-clutch automated manual

    ChassisSuspension,front

    Independent double-wishbone with bellcrank-actuated monotubedampers, coil springs and stabilizer bar

    Suspension, rearIndependent double-wishbone with bellcrank-actuated monotubedampers, coil springs and stabilizer bar

    Steering type Electric-over-hydraulic power steering

    Steering ratio(x:1)

    14.5

    Tire brand Pirelli

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    Tire model P Zero Corsa

    Tire type Summer

    Tire size, front 255/35 ZR19 96Y

    Tire size, rear 335/30 ZR20 104Y

    Wheel size 19-by-9 inches front -- 20-by-12 inches rear

    Wheel material Aluminum alloy

    Brakes, front Two-piece 15.75-by-1.5-inch ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with 6-piston fixed calipers

    Brakes, rearTwo-piece 14.96-by-1.5-inch ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with 4-piston fixed calipers

    Fuel Consumption

    EPA fuel economy (mpg) 13.5 mpg combined

    Dimensions & Capacities

    Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.)3,472

    Length (in.)188.2

    Width (in.) 79.9

    Height (in.) 44.7

    Wheelbase (in.)106.3

    SafetyElectronic brake enhancements Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution

    Traction control Standard

    Stability control Standard