For the further development of the Lamborghini design language, designers pulled their inspiration from another sphere dominated by speed and dynamics – from modern aeronautics, from the world’s fastest and most agile aircraft. This gave rise to a design of maximum functionality and spectacular sharpness, an extremely precise and highly technical design language with a new kind of vitality. Powerfully defined lines and taut surfaces create a fascinating interplay of light and shade, endowing the car with tremendous visual movement. The limited edition Reventon – a work of automotive art – and the Sesto Elemento ‘technology demonstrator’ were forerunners of this philosophy: the Aventador is the first Lamborghini series production car embodying this vision. The Aventador, of course, also follows the mid-engine concept, with the vehicle weight concentrated around the vertical axis to reduce inertia and optimize dynamics. With the legendary Countach, Lamborghini was a pioneer of mid-engine construction, its revolutionary concept bringing racing technology to the road. The design of the Aventador adds visual emphasis to the mid-engine layout, with a look that concentrates its power on the rear axle. For such an extremely powerful automobile, the most crucial task of the body shell design is aerodynamic efficiency: the optimum airflow for absolute stability at all speeds and, at the same time, optimum cooling for the engine. On the Aventador, all aerodynamic elements are integrated into the body shell form, from the front spoiler to the rear diffuser. A key role is played by the flat, optimized underbody. The rear spoiler is deployable and controlled electronically. At rest, it lies flush with the rear of the vehicle; in operation, it has two positions – the approach angle of 4 degrees is optimized for high speed and assists directional stability at the very top end of the spectrum. The tilt of 11 degrees, on the other hand, delivers considerably greater downforce at mid-range speeds, helping to optimize handling and stability. The car uses dynamic parameters to calculate for itself the most appropriate tilt angle.

Rearview of a Cold War-era spy plane; these exhaust ports would reach temperatures approaching 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit according to the tour guide. Chantilly, VA / March 22, 2008