The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe, launched in September 2011 and produced through January 2017, represents the first generation of the Aventador model line, succeeding the Murciélago. Positioned as the flagship model for Lamborghini, the LP 700-4 signified a dramatic leap forward in design and technology for the Italian automaker. It’s built upon a new carbon fiber monocoque chassis, a first for Lamborghini in mass production, and is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine. The “700-4” designation refers to the engine’s 700 metric horsepower output and the all-wheel-drive system. This initial iteration established the Aventador as a benchmark for extreme performance and exotic styling within the supercar segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lamborghini |
| Model | Aventador |
| Generation | Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 6.5 V12 (700 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | September, 2011 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 27.3 l/100 km (8.6 US mpg, 10.3 UK mpg, 3.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg, 25 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 17.2 l/100 km (13.7 US mpg, 16.4 UK mpg, 5.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 398 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 2.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 2.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 2.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 350 km/h (217.48 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.3 kg/Hp, 444.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.3 kg/Nm, 438.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 700 Hp @ 8250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 690 Nm @ 5500 rpm (508.92 lb.-ft. @ 5500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L539 |
| Engine displacement | 6498 cm3 (396.53 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 15 l (15.85 US qt | 13.2 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 25 l (26.42 US qt | 22 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1575 kg (3472.28 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 4780 mm (188.19 in.) |
| Width | 2030 mm (79.92 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2265 mm (89.17 in.) |
| Height | 1136 mm (44.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Rear track | 1700 mm (66.93 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/35 ZR19; 335/30 ZR20 |
| Wheel rims size | 9J x 19; 12J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Aventador LP 700-4 lies the L539, a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. This engine is a significant departure from its predecessor, featuring a 60-degree V-angle and a completely new engine block and cylinder heads. It utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and a high 11.8:1 compression ratio to extract maximum power. The engine produces 700 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 509 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted in a mid-engine configuration. The transmission is a 7-speed ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) automated manual gearbox, developed by Graziano Trasmissioni. This gearbox offers incredibly fast shifts, but lacks the smoothness of a traditional torque-converter automatic. The all-wheel-drive system employs a viscous coupling to distribute power between the front and rear axles, prioritizing rear-wheel drive for a more engaging driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The Aventador LP 700-4 delivers a visceral and uncompromising driving experience. The combination of the powerful V12 engine and the quick-shifting ISR gearbox results in breathtaking acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in around 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph. The ISR gearbox, while fast, can be jerky at low speeds, making city driving less refined. The steering is direct and responsive, providing excellent feedback. The all-wheel-drive system provides immense grip, inspiring confidence even at high speeds. However, the car’s wide track and relatively stiff suspension can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. Compared to potential future variants with more focused track performance, the LP 700-4 strikes a balance between outright speed and relative usability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe came standard with a comprehensive list of features, befitting its status as a flagship supercar. The interior is dominated by high-quality leather upholstery, with extensive carbon fiber trim. Standard equipment included a fully digital instrument cluster, a navigation system, and a premium audio system. Optional extras were plentiful, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles to a high degree. These included a variety of interior color combinations, different wheel designs, and advanced driver assistance systems. The overall interior design prioritized a driver-focused experience, with controls logically arranged and easily accessible.
Chassis & Braking
The Aventador’s chassis is a revolutionary carbon fiber monocoque, providing exceptional rigidity and lightness. This construction contributes significantly to the car’s impressive performance. The suspension utilizes independent double wishbones at all four corners, with magnetorheological dampers to adjust damping rates in real-time. Braking is provided by ventilated carbon-ceramic discs at all four corners, offering incredible stopping power and resistance to fade. The Aventador LP 700-4 does not feature rear drum brakes; all four wheels are equipped with discs. The steering system is a power-assisted rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 was widely praised by automotive critics for its stunning design, incredible performance, and advanced technology. However, its high price tag and somewhat uncompromising driving experience were also noted. Compared to other supercars of the time, such as the Ferrari FF and the McLaren MP4-12C, the Aventador stood out for its dramatic styling and naturally aspirated V12 engine. Fuel economy was predictably poor, with combined fuel consumption of around 13.7 US mpg. Reliability was generally good, although the complex ISR gearbox required careful maintenance.
Legacy
The Aventador LP 700-4 established a new benchmark for Lamborghini, setting the stage for a successful and long-running model line. The carbon fiber monocoque chassis and the naturally aspirated V12 engine became hallmarks of the Aventador series. Today, the LP 700-4 remains a highly sought-after supercar, commanding premium prices on the used car market. The powertrain, while demanding in terms of maintenance, has proven to be relatively durable when properly cared for. The Aventador LP 700-4 is widely regarded as a modern classic, representing a pinnacle of supercar engineering and design.
