Lamborghini Aventador Lands in Japan! | Lamborghini
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4｜
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini Aventador Lands in Japan! (1)
With its unparalleled styling and extreme performance of 700ps, the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 represents a pinnacle of supercar engineering. A press conference was held for the media, with the entire Tokyo National Stadium Kasumigaoka rented out for the occasion.
Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Masayuki Arakawa
Lamborghini Executives Gather for the Japan Premiere
The new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 features a 7-liter V12 engine mounted mid-ship, driving all four wheels. Announced in March 2011, it generated significant buzz. Since then, it has been unveiled worldwide, finally arriving in Japan at the end of November.
This monster, with its 6.5-liter engine, distributes torque to all four wheels, achieving a top speed of 350 km/h.
"In English, there's the expression 'Last But Not Least,' meaning something very important is coming last. This is one of those times. This is the first time since the Geneva Motor Show that Lamborghini executives have gathered for a car's unveiling," said Raffaello Pollo, Director of Public Relations and External Affairs at Lamborghini headquarters.
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4｜
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini Aventador Lands in Japan! (2)
Always Be Challenging
"Lamborghini always strives to be a trendsetter. We continue to create models that reign at the pinnacle of the supercar segment, both in terms of performance, innovative technology, and design."
Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, who accompanied the Aventador to Japan, stated this. Recalling the brand's origins, when founder Ferruccio Lamborghini developed cars based on his dissatisfaction with Ferraris he owned, Winkelmann emphasized that 'always being challenging' is the brand's core value.
The Aventador achieves significantly improved agility through extensive use of expensive CFRP (carbon fiber) for weight reduction, combined with an optimized Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Lamborghini humorously boasts its acceleration, stating it takes only 2.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, 'almost as long as turning on the TV with a remote.'
They also proudly mention its explosive power, capable of covering 1 km from a standstill in 'just 19 seconds, about the same time it takes to make an espresso.'
Simultaneously, its braking power is immense, embodying the concept of a racing machine that excels through repeated acceleration and deceleration. This is likely the true essence of the Aventador.
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4｜
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini Aventador Lands in Japan! (3)
Addressing Environmental Concerns
Meanwhile, environmental performance is also a critical challenge for the new generation of super sports cars. Maurizio Reggiani, Technical Director, stated, 'The newly developed engine improves power by 8% and torque by 4.5% compared to its predecessor, the Murciélago, while reducing CO2 emissions by 20%.'
When asked if engine downsizing was considered for environmental reasons, President and CEO Winkelmann replied, 'To balance fuel efficiency and performance improvement, we will focus on using lighter materials going forward.' While Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group, and VW is moving towards combining small engines with forced induction (turbochargers or superchargers), brands targeting the premium market, like Audi, do not pursue such aggressive engine downsizing. I recalled the words of a German automotive executive who said, 'Coexistence is ideal for the market.'
The global economy is currently facing a significant downturn. How can the 44 million yen Aventador coexist with this reality? When asked about this, President and CEO Winkelmann stated the following:
'The market always has its ups and downs. Lamborghini achieved its highest sales in 2007, but sales plummeted by 40% in 2008. Although we are seeing a recovery, the upward curve is gradual, and we have had to postpone our projections for returning to previous numbers from 2012-2013 to 2014. However, there are bright spots. Asian markets, including China, remain strong, and we are seeing sales recovery in Germany, the UK, Switzerland, and Italy. In any case, we are now closely monitoring sales trends on a weekly and monthly basis.'
Even for those who cannot own it, the Aventador's styling is enough to stir the soul. One can only hope for strong market acceleration.
Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4
Body Dimensions: Length 4,780mm x Width 2,030mm x Height 1,136mm
Engine: 6.5-liter V12 DOHC
Max Output: 515kW (700ps) / 8,250rpm
Max Torque: 690Nm (70.4kgm) / 5,500rpm
Vehicle Weight: 1,790kg
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
European NEDC Combined Cycle Fuel Consumption: 17.2ℓ/100km
CO2 Emissions: 398g/km
Seating Capacity: 2
Vehicle Price: ¥41,002,500