The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 launched in February 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show, with the first deliveries of the new icon of the supercar world in the late summer of that year. From the outset, it was clear that Lamborghini had created something completely unique, with an entirely new technology package to match.

The carbon fibre monocoque gave the LP 700-4 high safety and high levels of stiffness yet lightweight construction, allowing it to capitalise on every one of its 700 horsepower from a 515 kW 6.5-litre 12 cylinder engine. The V12 set a new benchmark for the time, offering 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque output of 690 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

All of this was in a vehicle that weighed in at 1,575 kg, astonishingly low for its class, and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.25 kg per horsepower. As you might imagine, this gives the Aventador blistering acceleration of less than three seconds to hit the benchmark 62 mph (100 kph) and a top speed of 217 mph (350 kph). Power was up by 8% compared with the previous Lamborghini model, yet CO2 emissions and fuel consumption were down by a fifth.

Aeronautic Art

The Aventador was built as a work of art, sculpted with lines and curves not only to please the eye, but crucially to carve through the air and maximise performance, speed and dynamics. All-wheel drive was a standard feature – hence the ‘4’ in the model name LP 700-4 – but active modification of the balance of forces between front and rear means the Aventador is constantly shifting the power to the wheels that need it most.

Lamborghini enthusiasts might detect the heritage of the Reventon and the Sesto Elemento demonstrator in the Aventador, but be under no illusions – this was the first Lamborghini to be built specifically using inspiration from the world’s fastest aircraft of the time. This optimises airflow, with completely integrated aerodynamic elements from the front spoiler to the rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler that can adjust from an angle of 4 degrees to an 11-degree pitch when extra downforce is needed.

Fire It Up

Lift the vertically opening doors and climb in. Take a moment to settle yourself into the sporty driver’s cockpit seat. Flip open the red switch cover and push the Start button to fire the Aventador into life. A seven-inch screen in the centre console provides infotainment options, while aviation-style toggle switches below it access the Lambo’s aircon and electric windows, and the front axle lifting system.

There are no fewer than five operating modes for the Aventador: Strada, Sport and Corsa manual modes, and Strada-auto and Sport-auto automatic modes. Each is optimised for a different driving style, from comfort and dynamism to Corsa racetrack settings, which include Launch Control to tease out every one of the V12’s 700 horsepower from the moment you leave the start line.

It’s not hard to see why the Lamborghini Aventador instantly became an iconic sports car, whether on the track or on the road – and an absolute must-drive model for Lamborghini enthusiasts everywhere.