Resembling a menacing, low-slung predator, the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 is extreme in its design and its performance.

Aventador's sharp, angular sheet metal, which draws on aeronautical inspiration, is chiseled for stability and cooling; thus, the chunky front splitter and rear diffuser, the electronically deployable rear spoiler, and the gaping intakes in the front bumper, aft the doors, and below the LED tail lamps. Of course, it features Lamborghini's trademark scissor doors

New 2012 features include an Audi-lent multimedia system with navigation, Bluetooth, iPod connection, and back-up camera. The center console-positioned start button — replete with red cover — makes you feel like you’re starting up the engines of a fighter plane.

The Aventador features a new 6.5-liter V12 engine with an AWD layout that produces 700 horsepower, 8,250 rpm and 509 lb. ft. at 5,500 rpm. It is the highest power-to-weight ratio of any car in its class. It is the first all-new Lamborghini-developed engine since the Countach. This engine provides acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, while blasting off to a top speed of 217 mph.

At its introduction, Lamborghini said it would produce about 750 Aventadors annually for global consumption over the next ten years. Despite its $393,695 price tag, the first 18 months' supply rapidly already sold out. The company plans to ramp up its plant to increase production capacity.

• Wheelbase, inches: 106.3
• Weight, lbs: 3,600
• Length, inches: 188.2
• Width, inches: 79.9
• Height, inches: 44.7
• Production: 600
• Base price: $393,695

• Type: 60-degree V-12, alum block/heads
• Displacement: 396.5 cu in/6498 cc
• Engine: new 6.5-liter V12
• Compression ratio: 11.8:1
• Horsepower @ rpm: 700 HP @ 8,250 rpm
• Suspension: Control Arms, pushrod-actuated coil springs
• Torque @ rpm: 509 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed auto-clutch manual
• Axle ratios: 2.87:1

• Top Speed, mph: 217 mph
• 0-60 mph, sec: 2.9 seconds
• 1/4 mile, sec @ mph: 10.6 seconds