Track-focused Aventador retakes Nürburgring record for Sant’Agata

Superveloce means ‘superfast’ in Italian and J stands for Jota, a suffix used for track-focused versions of its production cars. Thus, ‘SVJ’ stands for Superveloce Jota. For its design, Lamborghini claim to have been inspired by both race car functionality and jet fighter aesthetics. At the front, a wider front bumper with side fins includes intakes for the latest Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA 2.0) active aerodynamics system. Twin air outlets on the nose direct airflow, improving both the downforce and aero drag figures. Together with a new underbody aero design, rear diffuser and rear wing, the SVJ has 40% more downforce on both front and rear axles and 1% less drag when compared with the Aventador SV. ALA 2.0 actively varies the aero load to achieve either high downforce (when braking or cornering) or low drag (accelerating down the straight). ALA can also direct the downforce to either side of the car to load the inner wheels when cornering for improved grip and traction.

Other changes include new side rocker panels and an all-new engine cover in carbon fibre which is removed via quick-release clips, race car style. The naked exhausts are higher mounted, saving weight and allowing a cleaner air path for the rear diffuser. Superlight Nireo alloy wheels are unique to the SVJ. They’re shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres of a compound and construction specially developed for the SVJ by Pirelli’s technicians, although the record lap of the Nürburgring was achieved using the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres.

Inside, the specification will be down to the individual owner while the TFT instrumentation will show live status of the ALA 2.0 settings. Satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay® come as standard while the telemetry system is optional – worth choosing if you plan to have a go at that 6.44.97 Nürburgring time.

Urus SUV aside, Lamborghini remains committed to the synapse-fast responses of a naturally-aspirated high-performance engine, and the sound of an Aventador SVJ in full cry has to be on every enthusiasts’ bucket list. The SVJ weighs in at 1525kg (dry) and develops 770hp at a glorious 8,500 rpm, giving it a weight-to-power ratio of 1.98 kg/hp. From a standing start to 100 km/h (62mph) takes just 2.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h takes 8.6 seconds, while the top speed is 217mph. Equally important, the immensely powerful brakes will haul the Aventador SVJ down from 100 km/h to standstill in just 30 metres.

To exploit the additional downforce and power to the full Lamborghini had to completely recalibrate the active and passive dynamic systems of the Aventador SV, including the four-wheel drive system, rear-wheel steering and ESC. The suspension is also stiffer, but with a larger damping range, and the seven-speed paddleshift gearbox is slightly faster-reacting. Of such marginal gains are Nürburgring records made.