Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce embodies the rule of 50:50
Lamborghini showed off a new edition of its massively powerful and fast Aventador mid-engine super car during the 2015 Geneva auto show, one that increases power while decreasing weight.
Even makers of exotic automobiles are looking to increase efficiency these days, experimenting with hybrid drivetrains and other economical technologies. Lamborghini chose to reduce weight on its models, a time-honored means of increasing efficiency.
So it goes with the Lamborghini LP 750-4 Superveloce, unveiled during the 2015 Geneva auto show. Lamborghini managed to shed 50 kilograms (110 pounds) off this edition of the Aventador compared to the standard edition. Yet at the same time, Lamborghini increased power output from the engine. Most people would consider that a win-win.
Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini's director of research and development, called it the 'rule of 50:50', which seems to be an in-house Lamborghini rule stating that you should get rid of 50 kilograms of weight, but add 50 horsepower. Hence, the previous Aventador model is the LP 700-4, the first number being the horsepower designation, the 4 means all-wheel drive.
Increase power, decrease weight, and you have big performance gain.
The example unveiled at the Geneva auto show, didn't look significantly different than the standard Aventador, expect for a bigger rear wing and more carbon fiber in evidence around the body. But under the skin, the differences multiply. The LP 750-4 Superveloce is the first V-12 Lamborghini, following the smaller engined Huracan, to get an adaptive suspension. Lamborghini chose computer-controlled dampers using electromagnetic technology, similar to what Chevrolet uses in the Corvette. It works remarkably well in the Corvette, so should do an equally good job in the Aventador.
That suspension actually added weight, so the Lamborghini team had to work all the harder to reach the crucial 50 kilogram number, according to Reggiani. Carbon fiber elements were fitted throughout the car, including on aerodynamic elements. Even the leather seat covers were replaced with Alcantara, a lighter material.
All this engineering put the total weight of the Aventador Superveloce down to 3,362 pounds, not as low as many supercars, but good for something the size of the Aventador.
The 6.5-liter V-12 engine gets tuned to produce 750 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque. Lamborghini says that it will get from zero to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Aventador LP 700-4, and reach a top speed of over 217 mph, if you can find an airport runway to give it a go.
It may be a little much for your Sunday grocery shopping, but Lamborghini's engineering effort must be applauded for pushing the extremes in the name of ultimate efficiency.