With its clunky single-clutch automated manual, non-hybrid V12 and unapologetically angry soundtrack the Lamborghini Aventador is a car gloriously out of step with the times.
But Lamborghini is sending the model off in the most modern way possible, by pairing the very last Aventador with its own NFT (non-fungible token), and selling the match-up at auction through RM Sotheby’s on April 19.
The project is a collaboration between Lamborghini, contemporary artists Krista Kim and Steve Aoki, plus brand storytelling agency, Invent Group. Kim provides the visual artwork for the NFT, which features what artier people than me know is her signature Mars House and color grading.
“When higher states of consciousness meet leading-edge technology & design, we see elevated beauty on another level,” explained Kim, before really weirding out. “In my Lamborghini NFT dream, I envision meditating in front of a sublime Mars sunset with Steve, as he transforms the engine sound into a meditative vibe. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this vision to life in the physical car & NFT.”
Related: Lamborghini Testing Upcoming Hybrid V12 Engine In An Aventador Mule
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Aoki’s job is to dream up a custom soundtrack for the NFT, while also consulting on the design of the car. “Every design element of this car is purposeful,” said Aoki. “It truly has its own story, and therefore I wanted my music track to reflect its soulful energy – the vibe, the spirit, and the power.”
Oh yeah, the car. Unlike most of the other NFT nonsense that’s come from carmakers recently, buying this one will at least get you a physical car you can drive. Not that anyone will. Which is a shame, because it’s an Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae, the 769 hp (780 PS) runout model Lamborghini dreamed up to send the decade-old Aventador off in style before it’s replaced by a new hybrid-assisted V12.
In addition to the car and the NFT, the winning bidder will also get access to various VIP activities, including a private tour of the Museo Lamborghini and and a virtual “Meet and Greet” with Steve Aoki and Krista Kim. Yeah, a Zoom chat.
“Lamborghini and the NFT community fit together very well, as we share many values. We are both young-spirited innovators, looking out for unexpected projects and technological solutions”, said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman, and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “This project is very special for us as it is a true first, a path nobody has ever taken; to collaborate with such outstanding creative minds makes it all the more special.”
What about those 15 sunken Aventadors that will be replaced?
Although Lamborghini has been forced to temporarily put the Aventador back into production to replace 15 customer cars lost when the Felicity Ace cargo ship sank in March, the NFT car will be built at the very end of that run, making it the final Aventador, and Lamborghini’s very last pure V12 supercar.
