There's no reason for Lamborghini to lie about the Aventador's performance capabilities, but without putting the flagship to the test can you really believe that the 4WD 691hp supercar can go from 0-62mph in less than three seconds, or 124mph in less than nine? What about standstill to 186mph in 24.5 seconds? In any event, is this enough performance to justify a $390,000 asking price? All these questions and more are revealed in Autocar's three-way test.

Lining up beside the Aventador, is a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with its 563hp V8 engine upfront and RWD, and the fastest 997-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS ever made, with 611hp, more torque than the Lambo, and a quarter-ton weight advantage.

The following drag race sees all three cars line up with launch control and thrust mode set; but will the Aventador really wipe the floor with these more than capable, albeit $125,000 cheaper, competitors, as it should?