All good things must come to an end, and after nearly 12 years, the Aventador has officially been retired. We can take comfort in knowing that Lamborghini’s next flagship will still have a dozen cylinders, as symbolized by the red V12 logo in the center of this prototype’s tachometer. Our eyes got up close and personal with the new range-topper from Sant’Agata Bolognese and were able to peek inside the supercar’s cabin for the first time.
It’s refreshing to see a red streak that starts at 8,500 rpm in this day and age when almost every automaker is focusing primarily on downsized turbocharged petrol engines. The test vehicle has covered 6,683 kilometers (4,153 miles) and appears to have a problem with the rear active spoiler judging by the warning message to the left of the digital instrument cluster.
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Eagle-eyed viewers will see the word “città”, meaning the prototype is in “city” driving mode. The naturally aspirated engine is still running, given that the tachometer shows 1,000 rpm and we can also see “hybrid” as the preferred drive type. To the right of the driver’s screen, there is a green icon with the silhouette of a supercar and the EV logo, indicating that the Aventador replacement will have an all-electric mode.
As for the center console, it appears to house two separate displays, with the bottom looking noticeably smaller and flanked by a few hotkeys that are likely the touch-sensitive variety. If we speculate, the smaller display is for climate settings. Thankfully, the screen that appears to be located above the dashboard doesn’t actually belong to the car as it comes from a laptop used by the engineering team to measure various parameters.
Stepping out of the vehicle, it appears to have the angry looking front fascia that all Lamborghinis should have. The tiny headlamps have a sharp design and are complemented by a separate light bar that sits lower on the bumper. The camouflage may be playing tricks on us because it can still be a one-piece headlight.
The side profile insists the wedge shape is alive and well while giant air intakes cool the mid-mounted V12. By the way, the engine compartment seems to have a split cover. The familiar hexagon motif is clearly visible in the shape of the massive dual exhaust tips. These are flanked by taillights camouflaged with stickers that mimic the design of the Aventador’s taillights.
The wait is almost over as Lamborghini has announced that it will unveil the supercar at the end of March 2023.
