2017 Lamborghini Aventador S revealed

Lamborghini’s Aventador S supercar has broken cover, with more power, more technology and a tweaked exterior to take the V12-powered Italian performer to new heights.

Bucking the turbocharging trend, the Aventador S continues to utilise Lamborghini’s trademark naturally-aspirated 6.5 litre V12 engine. Power, however, gets a sizable 29kW bump to 544kW while valve timing changes see a fatter torque curve, though peak torque stays at 690Nm.

That’s not too far off the Lamborghini Aventador Super Veloce’s savage 552kW output. The Aventador S’s 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds is also near parity with the SV, while top speed is a claimed 350 km/h.

The new Aventador S will be priced at $788,914 before on-road costs, tempting when compared to the $882,650 Super Veloce, which barely out-performs the S.

Cosmetic alterations are limited, but most apparent at the front end splitter made to aid downforce. The nose has been designed to make the car appear even more aggressive through being longer, while also aiding cooling.

The rear end has been tweaked for similar improvements, via a black diffuser characterised by a number of vertical fins to reduce drag and increase downforce. Three single exhaust outlets exit through a hexagonal centrally located surround.

Notably, Lamborghini has also put a new emphasis on handling and stability with the Aventador S.

Chief among the chassis changes are a new-to-Lamborghini four-wheel steering system which changes the angle of the rear wheels depending on the driving situation.

The system is focused on drivability and performance, with the front two wheels automatically facing in slightly opposite directions to that of the steering angle at low speed to reduce the cars turning circle. A more agile feel is the result.

On the other hand, when at high speed all four wheels are turned the same direction to effectively increase the wheelbase and optimise stability and responsiveness.

New rear springs and clever adaptive magneto-rheological suspension also bolster body control, balance and stiffness.

Four different, fully customisable driving modes have been included, ranging from Strada for daily use, to the new Ego mode for track-day type activities.

This is all aimed at providing a superior drive, ride and performance, for enhanced control and ‘driving emotion’.

The S sits on a new set of specifically developed Pirelli P Zero tyres, with a compound designed to deliver maximum response.

Ventilated and perforated carbon ceramic brakes have been included as standard, with a quoted 100km/h-to-standstill distance of 31 metres.

Transmission-wise the Aventador S continues to come standard with all-wheel-drive, as well as a seven-speed automated manual.

Inside, the cockpit has been further modernised to provide additional functionality and refinement.

Interior customised is said to be virtually limitless, courtesy of Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customisation program.

As well as the four driving modes, the Aventador’s digital instrument display can be customised according to driver preference.

Apple CarPlay also now comes standard, while a Lamborghini telemetry system with the ability to record lap times and track performance as well as trip data will be an optional extra.

Australian deliveries for the new car will begin in the second quarter of 2017.