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.
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 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. 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.
