Lamborghini reveals 544kW Aventador S

Lamborghini has facelifted its Aventador flagship for 2017.

Now renamed the Aventador S, the AWD supercar comes with a revised version of the predecessor's 6.5-litre V12 engine that churns out 30kW more than the before, taking total power to 544kW/690Nm - delivered at a stratospheric 8500rpm!

That's 150rpm higher than the old engine.

The extra power comes, says the Italian supercar maker, from simply revising the big naturally aspirated V12's variable valve timing and intake system. A new freer-breathing exhaust, that's also 20 per cent lighter, completes the engine upgrades.

Against the clock, Lamborghini claims the Aventador S hits 100km/h in just 2.9sec and tops out at 349km/h.

The old car's seven-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission carries over.

Lamborghini says not only is its new car faster in a straight line, it's better on circuit thanks to a completely rethought aero package.

On first glance you might miss the more aggressive front bumper but subtle changes around the front end over the already wild old car have increased down-force over the front axle by 130 per cent.

At the rear, a new wing is claimed to produce as much as 50 per cent more down-force in its most aggressive setting.

Fully lowered, Lamborghini claims the Aventador also produces 400 per cent less drag.

Under its wind-bending skin the chassis has been comprehensively updated for the new car. As part of the changes engineers have managed to squeeze in a new rear-steer system that's claimed to improve low-speed agility while increasing high speed stability.

The Aventador S keeps its race car-like pushrod suspension but now gains new magnetic dampers that are quicker to react and constantly, automatically adapting to the road you're driving.

A new stability control system that's claimed, mercifully, to be quicker to react has also been added and engineers have, in response, tweaked the all-wheel drive system to send 90 per cent of all available torque to the rear wheels to allow more oversteer than the old model.

A drift mode is not included.

Inside, the Aventador S gains a more modern infotainment system that finally includes Apple Carplay. As well as the Strada, Sport and racy Corsa mode Lamborghini has also introduced a new individual 'Ego' mode that allows the owner to customise the settings allowing them to blend aggressive engine and transmission map with a softer damper.

The Aventador S is expected to be on sale early next year in Europe.

It's not known when exactly we'll get our cars, but Lamborghini Australia says the Aventador S will be priced from $788,914 (plus on-road costs) - $27,414 more than the Aventador it replaces.