The Lamborghini Aventador: A Revolution for Automotive Design

Only a few times in automotive history have stylists made such an impression that it changed the industry. To the conservative motorist, Lamborghini’s Aventador may seem to be an exercise in excess, or at least an impractical form of transit. To us enthusiasts, it represents the state of the art in naturally aspirated supercars.

2004-lamborghini-murcielago-roadster-080615 — The 2004 Murcielago Roadster

Lamborghini’s website has a fantastic historical archive, definitely a must-read for any Italian aficionado; so, allow us to distill for you how this car came to be. Starting with the most obvious attribute, the polarizing styling was first seen on the 2007 Reventon. The press and public response demanded production, but only 21 examples were built.

Knowing full well that this would be the basis for the Murcielago’s successor, engineering was given a clean sheet to develop a chassis and drivetrain worthy of the shocking silhouette. From the ground up, weight was a primary concern. Because V12 engines and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems weigh more than most race cars, they chose to use a carbon fiber cockpit molded as one piece to join the front and rear suspensions together. Another weight saving measure was the change from traditional coil springs and shocks to a pushrod design. This moves weight inboard and allows for wider wheels and tires than a traditional layout.

2009-lamborghini-reventon-roadster-080615 — The 2009 Reventon Roadster

The Murcielago was also the Swan Song for Lamborghini’s original V12 engine. It had seen continual improvements and refinements since 1963, but advances in technology and efficiency were combined for an all-new powerplant. The result was 700 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque from an engine weighing only 518 lbs. Named for a famous bull, the Aventador arrived in early 2011 ready to fight. They never seem to be satisfied, so a roadster joined the lineup in 2013. Twenty additional horses were found hiding in the intake and computer calibrations, and they were unlocked for the 50th Anniversary Edition.

The latest news is the return of one of the most storied names in Lamborghini’s history: Superveloce. In the past it has meant a farewell to civilities in a quest for super velocity, but the 2015 Aventador SV makes 740 hp by raising the redline to an incredible 8,500 rpm. Sixty-two mph arrives in 2.8 seconds on your way to a top speed of 217 mph. We don’t know how or when the Aventador will be eclipsed, so in the meantime you should experience one for yourself. Take a look at what our dealers have to offer, and see if you can tame the bull from Sant’Agata.