End of an era: Lamborghini unveils final naturally aspirated V12 supercar
‘Tis clearly the season of last hurrahs and era enders in the motoring world. Just a day after Lotus showed off its final internal combustion sports car, Lamborghini has joined in to showcase its final naturally aspirated, non-hybrid supercar; the Aventador LP780-4 Ultimae.
The model doubles as a send-off for the Aventador after a 10-year streak as Lamborghini’s blue-chip supercar silhouette. Just 600 will be built; 350 coupes and 250 roadsters.
The exterior of the Ultimae is maybe a little more subdued than some might’ve expected, given that it’s meant to be an ultimate send-off for one of Lamborghini’s most significant nameplates. It’s styled like the Aventador S, meaning a relatively subtle body kit.
The front bumper is new, with an integrated active splitter and intake flaps. The rear wing has three positions; ‘maximum performance’, ‘maximum handling’, and closed. And there’s 18 standard colours for owners to choose from.
Magnetic pushrod suspension, rear-wheel steering, and carbon-ceramic brakes all help the Ultimae harness its power. Lamborghini has had 10 years to refine the way this platform handles, meaning that the Ultimae has every chance of being the sweetest steer of the lot.
Things are less subtle under the rear hatch, where the Ultimae gets more power than the much wilder looking Aventador SVJ. Its 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 produces 574kW of power (29kW more than the S and 7kW more than the SVJ), while also being able to rev all the way to an aching 8700rpm.
A seven-speed single-clutch automated manual sends power to all four wheels, allowing shifts to take place in as little as 50 milliseconds, in turn enabling a claimed 0-100km/h time of 2.8 seconds. Top speed is rated at 355km/h.
The Roadster’s performance figures are a touch different. It has the same top speed, but is one tenth slower to 100km/h. This is by virtue of its extra 50kg of heft (the coupe is 1550kg, the roadster 1600kg.
The V12 screamer makes its public debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which kicks off tomorrow.
