The Iconic Lamborghini Aventador Signifies The End of an Era

The final pure Lamborghini V12, a famous super sports vehicle that defined a decade, has ceased manufacturing.

Sant'Agata Bolognese 26 September 2022 

A last Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster, in a unique light blue Ad Personam colour intended for the Swiss market, is the last naturally-aspirated V12 Lamborghini made in Sant'Agata Bolognese and marks the end of an era.

Presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011 as the Aventador LP 700-4, its name indicated its 700 horsepower and permanent four-wheel drive, with the engine positioned longitudinally at the back - Longitudinale Posteriore - but the Aventador embodied much more. With a new Lamborghini V12 60 engine built wholly in-house, it included substantial new technology, an outstanding and timeless design, and, last but not least, unparalleled performance for a mass-produced super sports vehicle. Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, said during the Aventador's unveiling, "The Aventador represents a two-generation leap in terms of design and technology, with an amazing bundle of exclusive, revolutionary technologies and absolutely overpowering performance."

More than eight model variants and 11,465 vehicles have been delivered to consumers, however the benchmarking qualities outlined upon its introduction have persisted throughout the vehicle's existence. It has spawned over ten one-off and limited editions; set track records; won numerous awards; been the subject of artistic projects; appeared in films and video games; and delighted owners, enthusiasts, children, and media around the globe with its unique design, exceptional performance, thrilling engine noise, and driving emotions.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, states that the Lamborghini Aventador was a game-changer upon its introduction and the marque's flagship model for eleven years. "The V12 engine has been a part of Lamborghini's history since the company's inception; the beating heart of models ranging from the Miura to the Diablo, the Countach to the Murciélago. The 2011 debut of the Aventador exemplified Lamborghini's design and engineering prowess, embodying the company's core values: pure, futuristic design; benchmarking performance; and addressing technical challenges with innovation to produce the most emotionally engaging, class-leading super sports cars. These elements are the heart of the Lamborghini Aventador and ensure its enduring appeal."

In its fifth year, Lamborghini delivered 5,000 Aventadors, equal the total number of Murciélagos made, and will deliver its 10,000th Aventador in September 2020.

Engineering for performance, creativity, and design

Lamborghini's R&D department, led by Chief Technological Officer Maurizio Reggiani and working in close cooperation with the Centro Stile design department, created the Aventador with technical innovation at its core. A lightweight carbon fibre monocoque weighing only 147.5 kg was developed utilising Lamborghini's unique RTM-LamboTM process, which was wholly made in-house. It provided maximum torsional rigidity and safety for the automobile's passengers. Throughout the growth of the Aventador, Automobili Lamborghini's experience in carbon fibre and lightweight technology is reflected, including major advancements in forged composite technologies. At the launch of the Aventador, a crew of "flying doctors" was developed to help dealers with specialised diagnostics and repairs to the carbon fibre monocoque when it is damaged.

The new 6.5-liter 12-cylinder engine, producing 700 horsepower at maximum 8,250 rpm, accelerated the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in an incredible 2.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 350 km/h. With 690 Nm of torque and a well-rounded torque curve, the Aventador's pulling power, dynamism, aerodynamic efficiency, and precise handling have developed to sustain the Aventador's legendary position and appeal throughout the course of its lifespan.

Unique in a road-going vehicle, the Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) single-shift gearbox changed gears in only 50 milliseconds. This transmission was selected for its lightweight compactness and emotional shift. The super sports car features a pushrod suspension system inspired by Formula One, with a central ECU controlling electronic systems as well as the car's setup in terms of engine, transmission, differential, stability, and steering via the exclusive drive mode selection system: STRADA, SPORT, and CORSA.

Filippo Perini, director of the Centro Stile, was responsible for the Aventador's aeronautically-inspired, dynamic, and sculptural design. Its tight lines, intricate surfaces, and juxtaposition of angles and surfaces, such as the scissor doors reserved for V12 Lamborghinis, provide not just a timeless automobile design, but also a powerful and lasting work of automotive art.

Visual and performing arts

With 85% of Aventadors incorporating Ad Personam customization by their owners, each Aventador is regarded a work of art; more than 200 distinct colours and trimmings have been made for the Aventador.

Skyler Grey, a street artist, painted his vision of Lamborghini's signature yellow and orange colours, along with an animation of galloping bulls, on an Aventador S that was shown at Monterey Car Week in 2019; it was the first Aventador to be validated by blockchain. Yohji Yamamoto teamed with Lamborghini Centro Stile to adorn an Aventador S in his characteristic black and red designs in the year 2020. The Aventador has been included in exhibits from St. Petersburg, "Lamborghini: Design Legend," to Art Basel and the Wolfsonian in Miami Beach, as well as in a Lamborghini-curated event entitled "Art and Exclusivity" in Venice. In 2022, the last Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae coupé was auctioned off in conjunction with a 1:1 NFT drop by modern artists Kristin Kim and Steve Aoki.

At the 2017 Lamborghini Day in Japan, five exclusive Aventador Roadster S cars were shown in colour schemes depicting the five natural elements of Japanese culture: water, earth, fire, wind, and sky. In 2021, two automobiles with colours inspired by Korea's culture and flag were built and displayed in Seoul: the Green Ocno, representing "warm Korean spirit," and the Blue Emera, representing "knowledge and wisdom." In 2017, a one-off Aventador S Goodwood Special Edition in Ad Personam grey and orange with Goodwood decals and inside embroidery was manufactured.

The 2012 film "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" featuring Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, who drove an Aventador LP 700-4, showed the Aventador. 2014's "Transformers: Age of Extinction" featured an Aventador LP 700-4 as the Decepticon villain Lockout. Aventadors have appeared in several music videos and have been manufactured as scale miniatures and children's toys.

Numerous excursions and adventures have included the Aventador, from its Italian origin to Scandinavia and Scotland to Asia and the Americas. In May 2013, the Aventador coupe and newly-launched roadster joined 350 current and vintage Lamborghini cars from across the globe to delight owners and fans on Italian roads during a tour event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the company's founding.

The Aventador LP 750-4 SV completed a sub-seven-minute lap around the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:59:75 in 2015, with the Aventador SVJ recovering the record for Lamborghini in 2018 with a timing of 6:44:97.

Model evolution

In December 2012, with the introduction of the Aventador LP 700-4, the roadster variant was unveiled. The roadster featured open-air driving excitement with its lightweight carbon fibre panels removed and stowed under the front hood. During its spectacular introduction in Miami at the start of 2013, Lamborghini's 50th anniversary year, the company set speeds of up to 338 km/h on the airport's runway, which is quicker than the takeoff speed of aircraft.

The 2015 Geneva Motor Show debut of the Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce was accompanied by a 50 hp power increase and a 50 kg weight reduction for an exceptional 2:1 weight-to-power ratio; new aerodynamics including a fixed carbon fibre wing; and an improved acceleration from 0-100 km/h to 2.8 seconds. Taking the production vehicle lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 2016 with a time of 6:59:75, driven by Pirelli test driver Marco Mapelli, production was restricted to 600 units; as with the 500 Aventador SV Roadsters released later that summer, they were all sold out within a few months.

With more than 5,000 Aventador cars delivered by March 2016, the next-generation Aventador S was revealed in December of that year, with its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. As with previous Lamborghini 'S' models, the 'S' suffix denotes upgrades. Lamborghini's new director of design, Mitja Borkert, supervised design revisions that included improved aerodynamics with up to 50% greater efficiency and 130% more front downforce. With 740 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, the Aventador S debuted Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva (LDVA), a centralised management system for all electronic components; MagneRide suspension; four-wheel steering; and a new, adjustable driving mode called EGO. The Aventador S Roadster was introduced during the fall 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Prior to its debut at Monterey Car Week in August 2018, the Aventador SVJ – with the Jota suffix signifying its track prowess – had already established a reputation. In July, Lamborghini test driver Marco Mapelli posted a lap time of 6:44.97 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the disguised vehicle, reclaiming the production car record for Lamborghini. It used Lamborghini's ALA active aerodynamics system coupled with the LDVA 2.0 system, providing up to 40% more downforce than the previous SV model and a -1% decrease in drag. Its lightweight design, which made heavy use of carbon fibre and titanium exhaust, resulted in a weight-to-power ratio of 1.98 kg per horsepower. A limited '63 edition' coupé commemorates the company's founding year with a roadster variant shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, followed by a 63 Roadster edition unveiled during the 2019 Monterey auto week; all were sold prior to sale.

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae was revealed in July 2021 as the last aspirated V12 made by Lamborghini. It combines the most iconic design and technical features from the Aventador S and SVJ to provide a definitive final masterpiece and pure V12 driving experience. With the design elegance of the 'S'; 780 horsepower, maximum Aventador acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, and the SVJ's 720 Nm of torque, the Aventador Ultimae drew inspiration from the greatest of its predecessors, notably the 350 coupés and 250 roadsters sold immediately after its first presentation.

Unique items and limited editions

Lamborghini has a long history of making one-of-a-kind and very limited edition super sports vehicles, especially the flagship V12 Aventador.

The one-off Lamborghini Jota debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, a year after the debut of the Aventador: the roofless and windowless lightweight barchetta variant, which featured the CarbonSkinTM fabric, pays tribute to the FIA Appendix J motorsport rules and the older Miura Jota.

In honour of the company's 50th anniversary in 2013, an unique Aventador Anniversario debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show and the roadster debuted during Monterey Car Week. The 100 coupés and 100 roadsters were manufactured with a 20 hp power increase, enhanced aerodynamics, model-specific Giallo Maggio brilliant yellow paint, and a 50th anniversary emblem formed from composite carbon fibre.

In its anniversary year, the Lamborghini Aventador airport 'follow-me' automobile was developed for Bologna's Guglielmo Marconi airport. During Lamborghini's celebration month in May 2013, the LP 700-4 in white with red and white checkered flag livery, safety lights on its top, and 'follow me' on its hood pleased passengers as the Aventador met flights and guided them to their stands.

In celebration of the 50-year partnership between Lamborghini and Pirelli, the coupe and roadster versions of the Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli edition were introduced in December 2014. Its two-tone colour pattern mirrored that of Pirelli's tyres, with a black roof, black accents, and a red line running through the roof.

The Aventador LP 700-4 Miura Homage was introduced at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom to commemorate 50 years since Lamborghini debuted the Miura V12 super sports car. The 50 units were marketed in a two-tone colour and trim that reflected original Miura palettes, including the unique colours Rosso Arancio Miura, Blu Tahiti, and Verde Scandal with silver or gold secondary colours.

During the challenge of the pandemic, the Aventador SVJ Xago was announced in July 2020: only ten units would be produced for clients using Lamborghini's new virtual Ad Personam studio, drawing inspiration from the 'hexagonita' shape found in Lamborghini design and in Saturn's north pole storm clouds.

The Veneno coupé and roadster are exclusive Lamborghini models based on the Aventador chassis. In 2013, the 50th anniversary year, the coupé was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show with 740 horsepower and an ultra-lightweight design based on the classic Lamborghini Y surrounding its expanded air intakes and redesigned exhaust. A homologated rendition of a racing prototype, three Grigio Veneno coupè were produced for clients, each with a different accent colour from the green, white, and red Italian flag, and a fourth was kept by the manufacturer. In December 2013, the Veneno was unveiled aboard a naval air carrier in Abu Dhabi, and nine roadsters were subsequently built for customers.

Lamborghini Centenario was launched at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in commemoration of Ferruccio Lamborghini's 100th birthday and as a celebration of design and technological progress. A recalibrated SV engine produces 770 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. With rear-wheel steering for mobility in urban environments and stability at high speeds, a large amount of downforce is generated by an electrically deployed rear wing. Twenty coupés and twenty roadster models shown at Monterey Car Week later that year were sold before to their appearance.

In conjunction with Lamborghini's Squadra Corsa motorsport division, the SC18 Alston, unveiled in November 2018, is a one-off track vehicle designed for a single client. It used aerodynamic components from Lamborghini racing cars, including an adjustable carbon fibre wing, air intakes and hood scoop, a central fin, Veneno-inspired wheels, a one-off exhaust system, and rear lights inspired by the Centenario, from the SVJ with 770 horsepower. Lamborghini Squadra Corsa and the Centro Stile collaborated to create the 830-horsepower, 40-unit SCV12 that will be introduced in 2020. It was the first GT vehicle homologated to FIA prototype safety criteria based on the Aventador's carbon fibre monocoque and designed for an elite club of 40 owners.

The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 was formally unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, with its name paying tribute to VW CEO and Lamborghini enthusiast Ferdinand Piech, who was born in 1937. Lamborghini's first hybrid super sports vehicle is based on the Aventador SVJ chassis and is powered by a redesigned V12 combustion engine with 780 horsepower and a 34 horsepower electric motor supplied by supercapacitors at the rear axle, for a total output of 808 horsepower. The Countach LPI 800-4, introduced at Monterey Car Week in 2021, is a design rule-breaker made in 112 copies to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the famous Countach; a precursor and design inspiration to the V12 Aventador and, like Aventadors, sold out.