Lamborghini Aventador S – supercar benchmark elevation

The Lamborghini V12 flagship supercar elevates the benchmark with the new Aventador S.  Addition of the “S” suffix is familiar from previous enhanced models of Lamborghini, such as the Countach S… and now follows the Aventador S.

The new Lamborghini Aventador S is characterised by new aerodynamic design, increased power, new driving dynamics, and redeveloped suspension.

Officially: Lamborghini Aventador LP740-4 S

Aventador S, in short.  Officially the name is Lamborghini Aventador LP740-4 S.  Dissecting this, LP still means that the engine is longitudinally in the back (posterior), power is up from the previous Aventador LP700-4 (with 700 hp) to a new 740 horsepower peak, and the dash 4 means it is 4-wheel-drive.

None of the regular badging here, though – just a simple stylised “Aventador S” on the rear lower flanks.

544kW for Aventador S

In kW measurement, this means the previous engine’s 515kW is bettered by the S’s not-inconsiderable 544kW.  This is nearly touching the 552kW power of the LP750-4 Superveloce (SV) – the recent limited-run Aventador flagship model.

The 12-cylinder Lamborghini V engine of 6.5-litre capacity achieves power peak from the previous 8250 at a new higher 8400 r/min.  Torque remains 690Nm at 5500.

Performance by the 2 main measurements of acceleration to 100 and top-end stay, perhaps disappointingly, the same as the previous car’s:  2.9 seconds and 350km/h.  In-gear acceleration is said to be even more fierce.

The lightweight Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) 7-speed gear shifting system is retained, providing robotised gearshifts in up to 50 milliseconds.

A newly-designed triangularly-stacked 3-exhaust outlet exits through the rear bumper.  It is new to look at, but also “enhanced Lamborghini sound and resonance” from the already inimitable V12 aspirated engine.

Redesigned for a purpose

Every modified component is redesigned for a purpose, achieving maximum aerodynamic efficiency while accenting the Aventador’s complex, muscular dynamism. 

Lamborghini Centro Stile has cleverly integrated certain elements of past icons, such as the lines of rear wheel arches, reminiscent of the original Countach, which now appear on the Aventador S.

A more stylised nose and longer front splitter redirect airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency, and improved cooling to engine and the radiators.  Air ducts in the side of the front bumper reduce aerodynamic interference from the front tyres, and optimise wake flow to the rear radiator.

The rear of the Aventador S is dominated by a black diffuser, available on request in carbon fibre, characterised by a number of vertical fins that amplify the airflow effects, reduce drag through pressure recovery, and generate downforce.

The active rear wing is movable in 3 positions depending on speed and selected drive mode, and optimises the car’s improved overall balance, working with vortex generators created in the front and rear of the chassis’ underside that maximise airflow as well as assist in brake cooling.

One would think such a low-slung supercar coupé is already as slippery and aero-optimal as can be, yet the Aventador S design results in significantly enhanced aerodynamic performance: front downforce has been improved by more than 130% over the previous Aventador coupé.  When the 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%.

4 masterpieces evolve driving emotion

4-wheel drive, new active suspension, new 4-wheel steering system, and the new EGO driving mode – these are 4 new systems the company dubs masterpieces.

The Aventador S is redeveloped around a “total control concept” to provide a superior drive, ride and performance – every aspect of the car’s suspension and electronic control systems has been advanced, with the goal of particularly enhanced control and driving emotion.

Enhanced lateral control comes from new four-wheel steering, adopted for the first time on a series production Lamborghini.  The system provides improved agility at low and medium speeds, and more stability at high speed.

At low speeds, rear wheels face in opposite direction to the steering angle.  With less steering wheel angle required, the Aventador S is more agile with a reduced turning radius, ensuring higher performance in curves while making it easier to manoeuvre at town and parking speeds.

At higher speeds both front and rear wheels share the same steering angle, thus providing increased stability and optimising the responsiveness of the car.

EGO mode

The Lamborghini Aventador S allows the driver to select between 4 different driving modes:  STRADA, SPORT, CORSA and the new EGO mode.  Each mode influences the behaviour of traction (engine, gearbox, 4WD), steering (LRS, LDS, Servotronic) and suspension (LMS).

EGO mode provides several additional and individual set-up profiles, customisable by the driver by selecting one’s preferred criteria for traction, steering and suspension within the STRADA, SPORT and CORSA mode settings, so essentially it is a custom setup according to the ego of the driver.

Have a look at the Aventador S video advert, and you’ll see it speaks of an ego: “I think that those who speak of ego like a disorder, a mistake, have never cultivated their own.  They never tried to exceed themselves.  I did.”

Aventador S for SA?

For sure!  The Lamborghini Aventador LP740-4 S is available to order at R 7 488 000 (call it 7-and-a-half bar) including taxes, excluding options or if you want to dip into the Ad Personam personalisation program to make your Aventador S more your ego.

This is the coupé, and an Aventador S roadster is sure to follow.