Used 2018 Lamborghini Aventador

Arguably one of the most vivacious supercars in the world, the 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S brings the hammer down on subtlety, offering over-the-top styling to match its over-the-top performance credentials. As the Italian automaker’s flagship, the Aventador S embodies the DNA of other legendary Lambos, such as the stunning Miura and the car of every Reagan-era teenage boy’s dreams, the Countach. Powered by a mid-mounted 6.5-liter V12 engine, the Aventador S compares with other supercars from Porsche, Ferrari and McLaren, only with its standard 740 horsepower, it dominates most cars in this field. Thanks to its lightweight carbon-fiber body, the Aventador Coupe and Roadster can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds and achieve a top speed of 217 mph.

The 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S is not only one of the fastest cars in the world, it’s also one of the quickest, able to reach 60 mph in less than three seconds. That time is achieved when one lets the Aventador’s single-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission and launch control do all the work, although there is a paddle-shifting manual mode if you think you can do better. But be warned, the g-forces this car generates are intense, and every muscle in your body will know it. A lap around the track is akin to being in some sort of NASA launch simulator designed to test the limits of human endurance. Various driving modes define the rate of throttle response and ride comfort, with the Road setting being the most civilized, not that we expect anyone will be using the Aventador as a daily driver. Set the knob to Sport or track-ready Corsa mode, and you’ll unleash the Aventador’s full potential. Moving up to the limited-production SVJ trim delivers a truly track-worthy performance.

Getting into the ultra-low Lambo isn’t all that easy, but once inside you’ll be impressed with the high build quality, solid ergonomics and extreme comfort. The soft Italian leather and mostly intuitive controls almost seem out of place in a car that puts such an emphasis on blowing your mind. Bright and attractive LCD gauges, and up-to-date convenience features like automatic climate control and a repurposed Audi multimedia system complement the beautifully sculpted and supportive bucket seats and prominent center console. But the best part is the missile-launch-style red cover over the engine start button. It’s very Top Gun.

If a 1974 Lamborghini Countach wed an F-22 Raptor, their offspring would be the 2018 Aventador S. The sleek profile, foot-wide rear Pirelli PZero tires, upswept rear diffuser, arrow-sharp LED taillights and large-bore center exhaust are all unmistakably Lamborghini. But the F-22’s influence is everywhere, from the jagged edges around the air intakes to the sharply angled nose. The Roadster version is barely distinguishable from the hardtop with the roof in place, and those panels remove and stow in the nose within a minute, once you’ve mastered the art.

IT DOESN’T DRIVE ITSELF
When you plunk down $400,000 for a luxury car, you expect it to do everything including partially driving itself. That same figure shelled out for a Lamborghini, however, demands not a single intrusive electronic nanny get in the way of your fun. In the Aventador, you’re on your own.

LAMBORGHINI DOORS
First seen in the 1970s on the legendary Countach, Lamborghini’s swing-up scissor-style doors help define the brand, as well as add to the car’s design DNA. The design may look odd, but when a car seat sits as low as it does in the Aventador, these doors make it easier to climb in and out.

You’d expect a lot for your $400,000, and you’ll get it. There are power-adjustable leather seats, voice-activated phone and navigation, airbags aplenty and the multiple driving settings. There are also clever Aventador exclusives, like the button that lifts the front of the car about 1.5 inches (40 mm) to help the low, wedgy nose clear steep driveways without scraping that expensive bodywork. The Aventador’s infotainment system is more or less a Lambo-ized version of Audi’s MMI, for instance.

There aren’t many traditional options on the Lamborghini Aventador. A rearview camera, parking sensors, clear plastic cover for the engine, and a premium audio system are all available, although the best audio system comes from the car’s four tailpipes. Beyond that, Lamborghini gives its well-heeled buyers ample room to customize their cars. Lamborghini leaves very little on the cutting-room floor when it comes to the Aventador. The Ad Personum option lets you customize the color, interior and pretty much anything else on the car. How far Lamborghini is willing to go depends on how much you’re willing to spend.

A revised model line means that regardless of whether you chose the Aventador S Coupe or Aventador Roadster, it will be powered by a 740-horsepower, 6.5-liter V12 engine attached to a single-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. Opt for the SVJ, and both horsepower and torque rise even higher. While fuel economy isn’t a top priority, Lamborghini equips the Aventador’s engine with cylinder deactivation that cuts fuel to six of the 12 cylinders under light acceleration and modest throttle input. The engine also features a stop/start system that shuts down completely whenever the car comes to a complete stop, but only when in Strada mode. This magical combination of engine and transmission can propel the 3,500-pound Aventador to 60 mph in less than three seconds and achieve a 217-mph top speed.

6.5-liter V12 (S)
740 horsepower @ 8,250 rpm
507 lb-ft of torque @ 5,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 10/17 mpg (Coupe), 10/16 mpg (Roadster)

6.5-liter V12 (SVJ)
770 horsepower @ 8,250 rpm
531 lb-ft of torque @ 6,760 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 9/15 mpg