Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae LP780-4 revealed

After a decade-long production run, Lamborghini is giving its fire-breathing Aventador flagship a fitting send-off via the last-of-the-line Ultimae LP780-4 edition.

The Raging Bull will build 600 examples of the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae LP780-4 (350 coupes and 250 Roadsters), before manufacturing at the Sant’Agata Bolognese plant switches to an all-new Aventador successor that will be the brand’s first mainstream supercar to feature a hybrid powertrain.

This means the Ultimae will be Lamborghini’s last pure V12 model, as well as being the fastest and most powerful car to wear the Aventador badge.

For the swansong model, Lambo’s powertrain engineers have eked out a stupefying 780hp (574kW) from the hulking 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, which yields a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 2.8 seconds, 0-200km/h in 8.7sec and top speed of 355km/h for the Ultimae coupe.

Although peak torque of 720Nm doesn’t come on tap until a lofty 6750rpm, Lamborghini says it has optimised the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and VIS (Variable Intake System) to deliver more grunt across the rev range for better low-down response and easier driveability.

Ex-factory pricing starts at 400,000 euros ($A631K) plus taxes, with production starting in October and concluding in the summer of 2022.

The newcomer will make its public debut at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, but carsales scored a sneak preview of the car two weeks ago at Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese HQ.

In addition to its uprated engine, the Aventador Ultimae gets a host of tweaks in line with its limited-edition status. It features the same lightweight titanium exhaust as the hard-core Aventador SVJ and this, along with other weight-saving measures, enables it to tip the scales at a sprightly 1550kg (minus fluids) – 25kg lighter than the existing Aventador S.

According to Lamborghini, the suspension calibration is less extreme than the track-focused Aventador SVJ, as the Ultimae was conceived as a more well-rounded package that could conceivably be used as a daily driver. It also foregoes the SVJ’s racing seats in lieu of more cossetting bucket seats.

Drive is relayed to all four wheels via the venerable Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) seven-speed sequential gearbox, which, although vastly improved over the Aventador’s lifecycle, is hardly the smoothest-shifting transmission out there.

The successor model due late next year should address this shortcoming via a state-of-the-art dual-clutch gearbox.

As per the Aventador S, the Ultimae features a rear-biased all-wheel-drive setup, in addition to four-wheel-steer for enhanced manoeuvrability at low speeds and added stability at higher velocities.

The Ultimae is also said to feature a tweaked electronic stability control system that’s calibrated for faster and more precise response. As with the Aventador S, there are Strada, Sport and Corsa drive modes, plus an ‘Ego’ mode that enables the driver to individually choose settings for the drivetrain, suspension and steering.

The active aero system’s rear wing moves into three positions – closed, ‘maximum performance’ and ‘maximum handling’ – depending on speed and the drive mode selected, optimising the car’s overall balance and working with vortex generators in the front and rear of the chassis’ underside to maximise air flow and assist with brake cooling.

There’s also a bespoke front bumper/spoiler assembly that generates added downforce over the front axle. The front splitter and open ‘mouth’ of the LP 780-4 directs additional airflow to optimise aerodynamic efficiency and enhance engine and radiator cooling.

Although the exterior makeover is low-key vis-à-vis the SVJ, this is claimed to be by design as Lamborghini’s stylists aimed to preserve the purity of the Aventador’s dramatic profile.

It takes 40 man-hours to paint each Ultimae, which is offered as standard with a choice of 18 colours, although the palette also includes more than 300 hues that are available through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalisation program.

The cabin is trimmed in black leather and Alcantara, with stitching and trim in a complementary grey to the exterior. That said, there’s an almost infinite number of individualisation options via Ad Personam, so customers can ensure there’s no other car that’s identical to theirs.

Silver ‘Dianthus’ 20- and 21-inch forged alloys come as standard, although there’s also the possibility of opting for ‘Dianthus’, ‘Leiron’ or ‘Nireo’ rims in bronze, black and or titanium finishes, fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.