With the exception of a few one-off models and limited-run special editions, the Lamborghini Aventador has occupied the flagship position for the Italian marque since 2011. In 2021 the Italian firm unveiled the Lamborghini Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae and as the name suggests it is the ultimate iteration of the Aventador model. The limited-production model, however, doesn't go without competition as Ferrari and McLaren have created models that rival its performance and exclusivity.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast made its first appearance at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show and replaced the F12 Berlinetta that was around when the Aventador first launched. The 812 Superfast not only incorporates Ferrari's latest design language and luxury interiors but also blistering performance.
Now you might wonder how does the McLaren 765LT feature amongst these V12-powered Italians. Well like the Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae, the 765LT is a limited-production run and even though it comes fitted with a turbocharged, V8 petrol engine, the British automaker has managed to squeeze a staggering amount of performance out of the engine and drivetrain which we will delve into more.
All three of these models come represents the higher tiers of products from the respective manufacturers and produces similar amounts of performance. But for now, let us look at how they compare in terms of running costs, not that it should matter much for customers that are able to afford the quite large investment from the start.
Lamborghini Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae
The Lamborghini Avantador Ultimae comes fitted with a powerful 6.5-litre, 12-cylinder petrol motor coupled to a 7-speed automatic transmission. This combination results in 574 kW and 720 Nm of torque which is sent to all four wheels and will propel the model from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 356 km/h.
Only 350 coupé units will be made and if you are lucky enough to have secured an allocation, you can expect to pay around R9 600 000 before any additional features or trim has been selected. Now, all that power also comes at a price as the V12 will be burning around 20 L /100km and that is on an average combined cycle, not when you are spinning tyres.
Speaking of the tyres, upfront comes 255/30 R20 Pirelli P Zero units while at the rear P Zero Corsa 355/25 R21 items feature. If all four needs replacement, you are in for quite a considerable bill. However, customers will be happy to note that for the first three years, optionally five, or 100 000km, whichever comes first, all the necessary maintenance is taken care of by the dealership.
For all three models in this comparison, we have calculated the estimated monthly instalments if you were to finance the vehicles. The terms are calculated over 72-months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual and the interest rate is set at 12%. In this scenario, the base specification Lamborghini Avantador Ultimae will set you back R 168 914 every month without taking into consideration the fuel, tyres or insurance.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Even though the Ferrari 812 Superfast isn't a limited production run model as the other two, you will be hard-pressed to find an allocation for a new model today. At the time of its local introduction, the base spec of the Ferrari 812 Superfast would have set you back around R7 090 000 while well-specified pre-owned models with delivery kilometres today is around the R8 000 000 mark.
For that amount, you get a true Italian GT car fitted with a 6.5-litre, 12-cylinder petrol motor coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The V12 produces 588 kW and 718Nm of torque which is sent to the rear wheels and will propel the Ferrari from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 340 km/h.
Like with the Lamborghini, the 812 Superfast utilize the best in tyres to ensure the grip needed to put the performance down onto the tar. In the case of the Ferrari, it uses 275/35 R20 upfront while at the rear slightly wider 315/35 R20 units feature. Yet again these tyres are going to cost a considerable amount to replace, however, the Ferrari burns a lot less fuel as the claimed figure is 16.4 L/100km.
The owner, however, will be glad to know that 812 Superfast comes with a 7-year / unlimited-distance service plan. While it might not be a maintenance plan like the others, the cost saved with the service items will definitely make a difference over the ownership period. This leaves you some additional funds to go towards the estimated monthly instalment of R 124 750 if you purchased the base model for the original R7 090 000 asking price.
McLaren 765LT
As alluded to earlier, the McLaren 765LT is the only model in this comparison that does not feature a big V12 engine. Instead, the British automaker decided to go for a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8 petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The model is part of McLaren's Super Series vehicles and only 765 will be produced of the limited-edition Long Tail model.
While exact figures are difficult to come by, it was speculated that eight units are destined for South Africa, each with an approximate base price of R9 000 000. Those lucky enough to get their hands on one gains access to the 563 kW and 800 Nm of torque produced by the mid-mounted motor. The 765LT will reach 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 330 km/h.
The McLaren 765LT also have the most efficient powertrain of all three, only sipping 13 L/100km. The track-focused model also uses the lightest tyres with 245/35 R19 units upfront and 305/30 R20 at the back. In terms of maintenance, owners will be happy to know that it comes with a 3-year / unlimited-distance maintenance plan.
Using the same terms as with the other two competitors, a base specification McLaren 765LT will set you back around R 158 357 every month without taking into consideration the fuel, tyres or insurance. However, this is only an estimate as the R9 000 000 price is just speculation at this time.
Verdict
While it is not very common for customers to finance vehicles in this segment or price class, it is interesting to see what the estimated monthly instalment would be on vehicles of this calibre. The McLaren also makes a strong case as even though it has a high initial price, it is the most frugal of the three and uses the most efficient tyres between the three. However, in this scenario, it would seem that the Ferrari 812 Superfast is the most affordable of the three, while the Lamborghini Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae will cost the most on a month-to-month basis.
*Please note that the estimated monthly instalments were calculated on pricing available at the time of writing this article and could change at any time without notice. The instalments also represent an estimate only as it does not take into account your personal credit score or the fees attached to vehicle finance agreements.
