2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 - Spy Shots

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 - Spy Shots: Lamborghini's new flagship model and Murcielago replacement, the 2012 Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador, has been caught testing wearing only minimal camouflage by our spy photographers. Despite some fancy paint work, the wedge-like shape of this mid-engine Italian speed machine is easily discernible in the latest photos.

There are hints of Lamborghini's recent concept car, the Sesto Elemento shown in Paris, in the prototype's Pointier prow and more sharply defined rear end. However, Lamborghini styling hallmarks-examined as side windows that plunge downward, a forward-louvered engine cover, a massive windshield and a giant rear-exhaust remain on this next-generation supercar.

If the overall design appears sharper than the outgoing Murcielago's, so does the performance potential of the Aventador LP700-4. Lamborghini seems intent on revealing the car in pieces, and we've already gone into great detail about the new 60-degree V-12 engine and seven-speed transmission that will motivate the car. Producing 704 bhp at 8250 rpm and 509 lb.-ft. of torque at rpm 5500, the new V-12 should be an absolute gem. And while purists might long for a manual transmission, the Aventador's 7-speed gearbox is capable of electrohydraulically actuated changing gears in 50 milliseconds in layman's terms, that translates to really, really fast.