The Lamborghini Aventador for 2022 represents the end of an era that began with the hypercar's launch over a decade ago.
The 2012 Aventador was the perfect expression of the strong, fast, and aggressive bull it represented. And while the car's longitudinally rear-mounted 6.5-liter 60-degree V12 engine generated some impressive power, it was the combination with revolutionary aerodynamics that gave the car its exceptional performance and distinguished style.
The 2022 Aventador is available as a coupe or roadster in both the SVJ models and the Ultimae LP 780-4. Introduced last July, the LP 780-4 carries on the Lamborghini tradition of awesome power and unmistakable style, placing it in the hypercar class with other traditional high-performance ICE machines such as the McLaren 765LT Spider and Ferrari F8 Tributo.
However, Lamborghini president Stephen Winkelmann has confirmed that this year's Aventador is the company's last naturally aspirated V-12 car, as it makes plans to add some form of hybrid powertrain to every Lamborghini by 2023.
2022 Lamborghini Aventador
- The last Lamborghini naturally-aspirated V12
- Dual hydraulic circuit brake system
- 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds
- Make: Array
- Model: Aventador
- Segment: Array
- Engine/Motor: 6.5-liter V12
- Horsepower: 769 hp
- Torque: 531 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Limited-edition Ultimae model with increased horsepower
- Stunning aerodynamic design
- High maintenance costs
- Not ideal for daily driving
Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae's Powertrain Features A V12
Like all the models that preceded it, Lamborghini's latest Aventador gets its power from a mid-engine 6.5-liter V-12. However, the current engine is the most powerful standard-production naturally aspirated V12 in Lamborghini's history. It uses titanium intake valves to help develop a whopping 769 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque, 39 hp more than the Aventador S and 10 hp more than the SVJ.
Aventador Dynamic Mode And All-Wheel-Drive
Lamborghini couples the V12 to a seven-speed automatic gearbox featuring independent shifting rods that enable lightning-quick gear shifts. The robotized transmission is even smaller than a standard manual gearbox keeping the weight to a minimum.
The mid-engine V12 sends power to all four wheels, controlled by the Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) system and the Lamborghini Rear-Wheel Steering system (LRS).
Drivers have the option of choosing between STRADA, SPORT, and CORSA modes to control the engine, gearbox, suspension, steering, traction, and stability. For those who want a personal driving experience, Lamborghini provides the EGO mode to customize each setting.
The LDS adjusts to the selected driving mode and the speed, changing between direct steering and a more indirect mode, while the LRS system uses two electromechanical actuators to manage the rear steering axle.
The AWD system dynamically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles, depending on the road conditions and the selected driving mode. The result is an unparalleled performance that enhances responsiveness at low speed and optimizes stability and control at high speed.
The Ultimae LP 780-4 Exhilarating Speed And Exceptional Handling
A liberal use of carbon fiber to keep the weight down (weighing only 3,417 pounds) and the powerful 6.5-liter V-12 engine give the LP 780-4 exception acceleration. The Aventador achieves 62 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, passing 124 mph in 8.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220 mph.
The Ultimae LP 780-4 compares favorably with other hypercars in its class, such as the McLaren 765LT Spider that achieves a 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph, and the Ferrari F8 Tributo at 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds with a maximum velocity of 211 mph.
Lamborghini's four-wheel steering system provides nimble handling at any speed. At high speeds, "in-phase steering" turns the rear wheels slightly in the same direction as the front wheels, improving stability during cornering. At low velocity, the rear wheels usually turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, enhancing maneuverability and making the car easier to park in small spaces.
In addition to four-wheel steering, the Aventador Ultimae LP 780-4's pushrod suspension system and magnetorheological front and rear shock absorbers significantly contribute to the hypercar's superior handling. Both systems work together to compensate for roll and detrimental vehicle body movement to deliver an extraordinary response in every dynamic condition.
Luxurious Interior With A Limited View
Entrance to the Ultimae LP 780-4 is via a set of scissor doors that have been the trademark of the iconic Aventador V12-powered hypercar since its inception.
Once inside, the driver and a single passenger encounter luxurious leather Alcantara upholstery and comfortable bucket seats. The cabin has limited space for luggage or even small items, but Lamborghini offers the buyer a plethora of high-quality materials and personalized options to customize the interior.
The Aventador's standard infotainment system includes a super high definition and antiglare 8-inch screen in the center console that works with voice commands and features the Apple CarPlay capability. Lamborghini offers buyers an upgraded audio system that includes tweeters on the dashboard and door-mounted subwoofers. A performance data recorder saves lap times and other track data for the racing enthusiast. However, the infotainment system uses older graphics and has an awkward integration.
While the Aventador's sleek exterior provides excellent aerodynamic characteristics, it restricts driver visibility behind the vehicle, and the roofline can even block the line of sight for tall drivers. Although the seats are comfortable for short trips, the limited space could be arduous on a long journey.
The Last Of A Lamborghini Breed Is Still More Than Half A Million Dollars
Lamborghini will produce only 350 LP 780-4 Ultimae coupes and 250 LP 780-4 roadsters in 2022. While Lamborghini has not announced an official price, most experts expect the costs to be similar to previous S and SVJ models. The Ultimae coupe should be just over $500,000 while the roadster will be closer to $550,000.
The Aventador is more expensive than its two closest competitors, the 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider at $382,500 and the 2022 Ferrari F8 Tributo Spider starting at $280,000. However, the last of a breed Lamborghini could be well worth the investment as the only remaining naturally aspirated V12 hypercar, best purchased before the new Aventador replacement arrives in 2023.