Lamborghini’s 2013 Aventador is set to go on exhibit at the Paris Motor Show with a suite of revisions that will make the gas glutton lighter and more fuel efficient.
Starting September 29, spectators will have the opportunity to peek under the hood at the Aventador’s new 6.5 liter, V12 that is capable of cylinder deactivation – also known as variable displacement. By closing off the intake and exhaust valves to half of its cylinders, the new motor will burn less fuel driving at low speeds. When throttled, it takes only 180 milliseconds for the Lambo’s full power to come back online.
Other features aimed at increasing fuel efficiency include a start/stop feature which will power down the Aventador’s engine when it has been idling for an extended period of time. A capacitor has been employed in lieu of a battery, which takes 5 pounds off the weight of the car in addition to lasting longer than a traditional battery. A “coasting” function will allow the car to be shifted into neutral while driving, resulting in further fuel savings.
Some critics of the new design point out the inherent problem of uneven cooling often seen in cars with cylinder deactivation, and further point to the potential for damaging vibrations which may emanate from an engine which is completely shut down on one side.
The prospect of cylinder deactivation had been an impossible dream for car manufacturers until the mid 2000’s, when the power of new computing technology began to open up seemingly infinite engineering possibilities for the industry.
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