“You can only build fast tractors. Now leave my office”.
These were the words of Enzo Ferrari when Ferruccio Lamborghini complained to him about the continuously burnt out clutches of his own Ferrari.
The industrialist, who specialised in tractor manufacturing in the late 1940s, took the insult to heart and set himself on a mission to build a car that surpasses Ferrari in experience, performance and quality.
While fans remain divided on Italy’s two most recognised supercar brands, it is no doubt Ferruccio created a worthy opponent. He would began a rivalry so fierce, it would last decades after both founders were long gone.
I find out just how fierce the competition is when I meet the Aventador S, the loudest and most expensive Lamborghini created by the firm. Build by chief engineer Maurizio Reggiani, it boasts 6.5 litre, V12 engine, capable of 740-hp at 8,400 Rpm.
The top speed? 350 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 2.9s. And the design matches what is under the hood, with Lamborghini’s sharp, aggressive lines not going unnoticed.
I let the raging bull loose, and drive the Aventador S across the UAE’s roads.
There is not a moment where it does not garner a crowd. I switch the Jetfighter style button on, and a thundering noise muffles everything else. For a $391,958 (AED1.4m) super car, I expect nothing less.
The mechanical parts are excellent. Brakes are as strong as the engine, while steering is direct and precise. The body feels smaller and lighter than it actually is, at 1,575 kg, and agility is remarkable.
The driving is emotional; visibility is poor and interiors are extreme, with no space for anything but a mobile phone. Bluetooth does not work either. But I decide to go ahead with the 600km trip to the northern emirates and back. Every time I press the gas pedal, a mountain of torque takes a hold of me.
The power is released without any hesitation. It is no wonder Lamborghini is inspired by a raging bull. The noise in the cabin increases and the excitement makes me smile.
There are no roads long enough to unleash the Aventador S, and my trip feels like a dream. Despite the wilderness, I feel safe and looked after.
When choosing a supercar, I pick based on the height of my goose bumps as I take the wheel. Today, mine were the highest they have ever been.
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