2022 Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae

It's with a bittersweet disposition and reluctant fingers that we have to type up this review of the 2022 Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae. We don't need to tell you that the car itself is breathtaking, both to the eye and also via your spine, ears, and fingertips as you unleash the full potential of its 769-horsepower naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter masterpiece of an engine. Sadly, the Aventador Ultimae is both the final iteration of the Aventador and the last implementation of the iconic V12 on its own before it is inevitably bolstered by a hybrid system. But as a final hurrah, the Ultimae is something special, capable of hitting 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and continuing on to a top speed of over 220 mph. The more comfortable and practical Ferrari 812 Superfast provides similar power and performance from its own V12 engine, and yet it's a vastly different experience. It's the way the Lamborghini involves you in the action at every opportunity that is this car's most defining trait. There are downsides that betray the car's age, though, such as the flawed single-clutch automatic gearbox and the confining cabin. But as Lamborghini's last ICE-only supercar and the final incarnation of the Aventador, its legendary status is cemented.

Revealed midway through 2021, only 350 examples of the Aventador Ultimae coupe will be produced. 250 roadsters, which we review separately, will also be made. As the most extreme Aventador yet, the Ultimae's 6.5-liter V12 has been tuned to deliver 769 hp. With a permanent four-wheel-drive system, it can reach 62 mph in only 2.8 seconds and 124 mph (200 km/h) in 8.7. The lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque helps to keep the weight down, and the Ultimae benefits from the four-wheel steering system that was introduced on the Aventador S.

As far as poster-worthy cars go, precious few qualify for the role more effectively than the dramatic Aventador. The first Aventador arrived over a decade ago but the extremely low height and sharp, sculpted edges that make the car look like it's slicing through the air even when standing still make for a design that has held up exceptionally well. As always, aerodynamics play an important role. The front splitter and open 'mouth' contribute to effective airflow as well as cooling for the engine and radiator. The angular headlights still look modern, and the side view is sheer drama with those scissor doors and large 20-/21-inch staggered wheels. Both the side mirrors and the rear spoiler are electrically adjustable, with the latter having three positions. At the rear, high-mounted dual exhaust tailpipes and red accents for the rear carbon fiber diffuser tie things together.

Wide, long, and impossibly low, the Aventador Ultimae's dimensions are those of a classic mid-engined supercar. It measures 191.7 inches in length, 82.6 inches in width (89.5 inches including the mirrors), and 44.7 inches in height. The wheelbase is 106.3 inches long.

At 3,417 pounds for the dry weight, the Ultimae is just over 55 lbs lighter than the Aventador S, thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber in its construction.

It's no longer possible to configure the Aventador Ultimae on the Lamborghini website, and the automaker hasn't published the full list of exterior colors, but there are many of them. 18 colors are standard and over 300 are available via the brand's Lamborghini Ad Personam program. There is also a new selection of tone-on-tone colors that emphasize the car's powerful lines. Some of the more subtle hues are Nero Aldebaran (black) and Bianco Isi (white), but an array of reds, purples, greens, yellows, and blues will allow you to create a model that perfectly complements your tastes.

The Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae's specs are deeply impressive for a car without electrification or forced induction. That said, there are two primary aspects to performance: how fast something actually is, and how fast it feels. The Aventador Ultimae's 0 to 62 (0 to 100 km/h) time of 2.8 seconds is brilliant, but Tesla and Lucid both make luxury sedans that are quicker. So, on paper, the Ultimae perhaps isn't as groundbreaking as the Aventador first was when it arrived over a decade ago. 0-124 mph takes 8.7 seconds and the Aventador Ultimae's top speed is over 220 mph. Again, that's brutal and brilliant, but no longer astonishing in 2022. But the Aventador Ultimae shows more than any other car that mere numbers tell only a fraction of the story. A Model S Plaid may be quicker, but it can't come close to the sheer sensory overload of the Ultimae's 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine at full cry. You forget all about its 769 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, simply because you're enveloped in a circus of noise, superlative responsiveness, and speed. Like a child that always wants one more ride on the roller coaster, you'll never tire of the Lambo's ability to thrill.

This is the final naturally-aspirated V12 from Lamborghini before electrification permanently joins the party. This, then, is a moment to savor. Along with engines like Dodge's supercharged Hemi V8, Bugatti's quad-turbo W16, and the Rolls-Royce V12, the Lamborghini V12 represents the apex of internal combustion. Displacing 6.5 liters, the Aventador Ultimae produces 769 hp at a heady 8,500 rpm and 531 lb-ft at 6,750 rpm.

Uncorrupted by forced induction, the V12 is phenomenally responsive. The soundtrack, too, is unshackled and one of the most mechanically raw experiences you can access in a new car in 2022. At 6,000 rpm, when a lesser power plant will be calling it quits, the Ultimae continues to surge forward relentlessly, seemingly on a collision course with the horizon.

So good is the engine that it exposes the 7-speed semi-automatic single-clutch transmission's shortcomings. At slower speeds, the gearbox - which features independent shifting rods - disrupts the flow of torque and makes for jerky progress. Used in anger, shifts are a lot smoother and more effective, but it can't match the breadth of ability of newer dual-clutch units. Still, a swift kick in the kidneys on every upshift is as theatrical as can be, and while some may view the transmission as outdated, others may simply revel in the extra pantomime it adds to the experience.

The Aventador hasn't ever been as light on its feet - or as light, period - as a McLaren, but it is sharper than its ample dimensions and heavy engine would have you believe. It all starts with the light yet rigid carbon fiber monocoque. The Ultimae not only provides sensational grip from its all-wheel-drive system but rear-axle steering improves agility, too. The car's dynamic "brain" is the Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva (LDVA) system that can make real-time adjustments based on several sensors.

It all translates to a thoroughly engrossing drive, especially when you have space to exploit the car's talents. Grip reserves are ample, and body roll has a lot in common with the back seat: it doesn't exist. The steering has a pleasing weight to it, and the AWD system enables all 769 horses to be put down without hurling you into the closest bush. There are four driving modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, and Ego. Corsa is for hardcore driving; the damping is stiffer, the steering quicker, and the throttle response at its sharpest. The ride in this mode won't allow you to relax, but on smooth surfaces, you'll be rewarded with a superlative driving experience. Ego mode allows for more specific tailoring of the car's dynamics.

In town, visibility and the tardy transmission will make trips in congested areas a bit of a chore, but that's the price to pay for the car's dynamic highs. Carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers in front do a magnificent job of bringing the Lambo to a stop in as short a distance as possible.

According to the EPA, the Aventador can only cough up gas mileage figures of 9/16/11 mpg city/highway/combined. Those are truly horrendous numbers that can drop further if the V12's superpowers are regularly called upon. Although the 22.5-gallon gas tank isn't exactly small, you'll still be limited to around 247 miles in a mix of city and highway driving. Considering that most sane humans fill up before the tank is completely empty, a more realistic figure is probably around 220 miles of range.

The Aventador Ultimae's interior is a mixed bag. Spaciousness has never been a standard feature on any Aventador, and neither is it here. The design looks a bit tired and the infotainment system leaves much to be desired, making it blatantly obvious that this is fundamentally an older car. Fortunately, there is also a lot to like. A sporty mix of Alcantara and carbon fiber are appropriately exotic, there is a V12 sound system equipped as standard and activated by your right foot, and there is no shortage of flamboyant colors to customize the appearance of the cabin.

Climbing into the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae two-door coupe is an attention-grabbing but not particularly graceful affair. The scissor doors swing open and you have to stoop down low to bury yourself in the low-slung seats. Taller occupants will feel constricted - the car is only 44.7 inches tall, after all - but those of average height will be more comfortable. There's also a fat center console loaded with buttons that looks sporty but further adds to the claustrophobic feel. As expected, the seats are supportive which one needs in a car that can slingshot itself out of corners at mind-altering speeds.

Like the exterior, the cabin can be finished in numerous colors. You can choose to have the Alcantara and leather seats finished in black with contrast stitching, or play around with silver, bronze, or white standard colors for the 'S' line highlights in the seat, door, and dashboard trims. Red and orange piping on the seats work well with black upholstery, adding a pop of color and drama to the cabin. A distinctive 'Y' motif in the seat inserts is another sporty touch, and a laser cut 'Y' repeat motif with contrast backing color for both the seats and dashboard is an option. The 'Ultimae' name is embroidered into the seat bolster, just in case you forgot that you're at the helm of the final iteration of the Aventador.

Lamborghini has also used carbon fiber trim, and there is a carbon fiber plate that displays the number of Ultimae units.

With 6.5 liters of V12 and many more liters of ancillary cooling fluids, radiators, and drivetrain, it's no surprise there is no rear trunk on the mid-engined Aventador Ultimae. However, it does have a frunk of 4.9 cubic feet. A gym bag and one or two shopping bags will fit, but that's about it.

In the cabin, storage solutions that we ordinarily take for granted are simply not found here at all. There are no door bins and no cupholders to speak of. In fact, the most useful storage area is the passenger seat, so hopefully, yours will be unoccupied most of the time. Hilariously, Lamborghini lists a glovebox as an optional extra.

Like storage areas, luxury and safety equipment is scarce inside the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae. Yes, you get basics like a backup camera, a start/stop button situated beneath a flip-up cover fighter-jet style, air conditioning, and keyless entry. Ahead of the driver, there's a sporty TFT digital gauge cluster that prominently displays speed, driving mode, and other information that the driver of a 769-hp supercar should be aware of. Other features include power-adjustable side mirrors (with a power-folding function) and tactile paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. You can also take the chill out of a cold morning with heated seats. Driver-assist features like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control aren't available at all, and you'll have to check your blind spots the old-fashioned way - not an easy task in the Aventador.

Many $25,000 cars provide a more pleasurable infotainment experience than the Aventador Ultimae. It features a small center screen sourced from Audi, but we're talking about what Audi was using years and years ago. There is no touchscreen, and the physical controller is as clumsy as it gets. The crisp resolution of modern screens makes this one look terribly dated. At least Apple CarPlay has been made available, and there's also Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. It's just that using any of these features is a pain. A Lamborghini Sensonum sound system is available, but the Italian marque has not said how many speakers are fitted. Either way, we doubt any number could overpower the twelve-cylinder symphony emanating from behind the cockpit.

It's traditionally been challenging to get hold of enough reliability data for supercars as sales volumes are comparatively low. While no recalls have affected the 2022 Aventador, the 2021 Aventador SVJ was recalled twice. One issue pertained to hood hinge screws that could come loose and detach the hood, which is hardly a scenario you want to be faced with at over 200 mph. It was also recalled for heat exchanger oil lines that could detach. Hopefully, these issues won't affect the similar Aventador Ultimae. The only known issue that has affected the Ultimae isn't a mechanical one, but rather that a batch of US-bound cars was sunk in an extraordinary cargo ship fire in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Lamborghini will build them all from scratch again, so there's no need to worry about water damage.

Lamborghini's basic and powertrain warranty runs for three years regardless of the miles covered in that period. However, scheduled maintenance isn't covered and that will hardly be cheap for such a complex car.

Lamborghini crash tests are about as common as unsafe Volvos, so you won't find an official Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae safety review. It turns out that the NHTSA and IIHS prefer not to destroy supercars in a matter of seconds to determine how safe it is. To that end, the Aventador Ultimae doesn't have an official crash rating.

It may not have a crash rating but the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae isn't entirely devoid of safety equipment. It comes with dual front and dual side airbags, and knee airbags are equipped in specific markets, although Lamborghini hasn't explicitly indicated which markets those are. The Lambo also has a backup camera, carbon-ceramic brakes, and an advanced electronic stability program. Advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning aren't available at all.

No, the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae isn't a good car - it's an astounding one. As a fitting farewell to the Aventador, the 6.5-liter V12 engine has been perfected. This rousing engine's blend of power, responsiveness, and sound is almost unmatched. The single-clutch transmission dates the package but it can't diminish the magic of the driving experience. For a large car, the Aventador Ultimae is surprisingly agile. There are other foibles, like the laughable practicality and the poor infotainment system, but then you look at this car's dramatic design and listen to its theatrical engine and all is forgiven in an instant. For the lucky few customers that have managed to acquire the Ultimae, they've acquired a car that will be appreciated decades from now as a watershed moment in Lamborghini's history.

Every Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae has already been sold so even if you had pockets as deep as the Grand Canyon, you can't have it - at least not new from the factory. The Aventador Ultimae's price starts at $498,258 in the USA, but we can safely assume that every buyer spent more than this once they were done customizing it. That price also excludes a destination cost of $3,695, officially making this a half-a-million-dollar car.

Lamborghini has not announced any major packages for the Aventador Ultimae. Upgrades are mostly cosmetic with a wide selection of color and material choices, both inside and out. A telemetry system is also available as an option, which is perfect for track use.

There is only one Aventador Ultimae to choose from. However, Lamborghini provides an array of customization options. You can choose from over 300 exterior colors alone, so no two of these cars need look the same. Only 350 coupes will be built, all already spoken for, so when it comes to choosing, you're better off simply taking what you can get if one comes up for sale.

The differences between the Aventador SVJ and the Aventador Ultimae are not massive. There is only so much more that Lamborghini could squeeze out of the V12 engine; in the Ultimae, the 6.5-liter produces just 10 hp more than in the SVJ. However, both cars have the same power-to-weight ratio. The 0-62 mph time is the same at 2.8 seconds, but the SVJ is actually a tenth of a second quicker to 124 mph at 8.6 seconds compared to 8.7 seconds for the Ultimae. There are minor styling differences between the two such as the Ultimae's specific front bumper. The biggest difference is psychological, though - the Ultimae is the last of its kind and that elevates it above previous iterations of the Aventador. With its limited production run, exclusivity is another reason to choose the Ultimae over the SVJ.

Within the Lamborghini hierarchy, the Huracan sits below the Aventador lineup. The latest incarnation of the Huracan is the Huracan Evo. It produces up to 631 hp from its 5.2-liter V10 engine, but there's also a RWD version with 602 hp. If drifting is your thing, what better way to do it than in a RWD Lamborghini? The less powerful Huracan isn't much slower and it comes with a more decisive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The tech inside the Huracan is also better than in the Aventador, and it's less than half the price. So, an easy victory for the Huracan then? Not quite. The Aventador's epic V12, more impactful design, and greater sense of occasion are difficult to quantify on paper, but in reality, it's the more special car. Both are dream machines that any gearhead would die to own, but our choice is the Aventador Ultimae.