You wouldn't be faulted for thinking that the Lamborghini Aventador didn't have much room for improvement. But Lamborghini thought otherwise, enough so that the Aventador now has an extra letter at the end of its name.
The Lamborghini Aventador S might not look much different than its forebear, but it is. There's a whole bunch of new aero both fore and aft, all in the name of increasing cooling and improving aerodynamic efficiency. The rear diffuser can be optioned in carbon fiber, because of course it can. All in, front downforce is improved by 130 percent.
Lamborghini gave the interior a freshening, as well. There's a new TFT-type dashboard screen, which is, of course, customizable to the owner's taste. Apple CarPlay comes standard, as well. As an option, Lamborghini will add a telemetry system that records lap times, trip data and track performance. The driving mode controller features a new, fourth setting, Ego, which allows the driver to select different modes for the steering, suspension and traction control simultaneously.
THE LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR S RAMPS UP... See full gallery
Lamborghini Aventador S
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There's more power on tap from the Aventador S' 6.5-liter V12, too. Power is bumped to 740 horsepower from an already ample 700. The redline rises to 8,500 RPM (from 8,350), as well. 60 mph arrives in 2.9 seconds and it'll scream all the way up to 217 mph. The engine also comes with stop-start and cylinder deactivation. There's a new exhaust system, which is 20 percent lighter, too.
Underneath the skin, new additions to the driveline attempt to eke out every last drop of performance. Lamborghini added four-wheel steering, which turns the wheels in the opposite direction at low speeds (for better maneuvering) and the same direction at high speeds (for better handling). The automaker also adjusted its magnetorheological suspension and stability control to suit the new steering system. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard on the Aventador S, to boot.
The Aventador S will go on sale in Spring 2017. The suggested retail price is an eyeball-protruding $421,350. You've got to pay to play.
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This thing looks the business.
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About The Author
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. He started his auto-industry career working as a photographer and social media coordinator for Fluid MotorUnion, a prominent aftermarket parts fabrication garage for late-model European vehicles. That led to a job writing freelance features for "Total 911: The Porsche Magazine." His most recent job prior to CNET was Senior Writer for Web2Carz.com, where he helped tweak and develop the buying-and-selling site's editorial department, which brings us to today. One day, he'll buy the 1988 911 SC of his dreams. One day.