Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Aventador SVJ Roadster is an open-top variant of the hyper-performance coupé which shattered the Nürburgring track record for production cars at 6:44.97. Production of the SVJ Aventador Roadster is limited to just 800 units worldwide.
In Lamborghini parlance, SVJ stands for ‘Super Veloce Jota’ or ‘Super Fast Jota.’ Given Lamborghini’s preference for Spanish in its nomenclature, ‘Jota’ is the name of the letter ‘J’ (pronounced khota) in Spanish. The letter ‘J’ is a reference to FIA’s ‘Appendix J’ where it lists the specifications that a vehicle must meet to qualify for the given FIA event. Therefore, whenever Lamborghini affixes the ‘SVJ’ tag to a model, rest assured, it is the hyper-performance version of the car.
The new Aventador SVJs are the latest in a very short and very exclusive list of Lamborghinis to come out of the Sant’Agata factory. The genesis of the SVJ badge occurred in 1970, appropriately, with a Miura developed by Bob Wallace, Lamborghini’s legendary test driver and engineer. The other notable SVJ debuted in 1995 as 28 Diablos that featured body and performance modifications.
“The Aventador SVJ Roadster inherits all the power, performance and ground-breaking aerodynamic technologies of the coupé, but with its own iconic presence and prowess,” says Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stefano Domenicali.
“It is as fundamentally exciting to drive as the Aventador SVJ but with an added exclusivity: the option of the open air.”
Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini
“With the same extraordinary performance roof on or off, the Aventador SVJ Roadster incorporates the dynamism of the coupé with the unique spirit of a Lamborghini roadster,” says Stefano Domenicali.
The roadster’s most distinguishing feature, its roof, comprises two independent pieces that are constructed from high-pressure RTM carbon fibre and weigh less than 6 kg each. They are removed via quick-release levers in the cabin, and are securely stored inside the front hood with the help of placeholders. The roadster adds only 50 kg to the coupé’s weight of 1,525 kilograms. With the roof off, the rear window, which functions as a windshield, can be electronically opened to amplify the unique sound of the V12.
Aventador SVJ Roadster Aventador SVJ Roadster Aventador SVJ Roadster Aventador SVJ Roadster
The naturally-aspirated engine happens to be the most powerful series-production V12 to date from Lamborghini. It has an output of 770 hp or 566 kW at maximum 8,500 rpm. The V12 in the SVJ Roadster delivers 720 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.05 kg per hp. It can accelerate from standing to 100 kmph in 2.9 seconds, to 200 kmph in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 350 kmph. Conversely, it can brake from 100 kmph to 0 in a distance of just 31 meters.
The roadster also features the latest 2.0 version of the ALA: Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva, Lamborghini’s patented active aerodynamics system. The system’s electronic sensors and dedicated brain are capable of moving the front splitter and the rear wing flaps in less than 500 milliseconds to produce high downforce or low drag, which in the real world, translates to high-speed cornering.
The Roadster’s rear-wheel steering and four-wheel drive system complement the ALA. The rear-wheel steering provides exceptional high-speed stability and cornering agility while reducing braking distances and providing the feedback demanded in high-performance environments. The four-wheel drive system, meanwhile, ensures the best handling and driver experience in all grip conditions.
The debutant in Geneva featured Lamborghini’s new matt bronze colour called bronzo zenas along with a special Ad Personam in white livery, or ‘bianco phanes’ to be more specific. The livery’s purpose is to emphasise the sharp lines of the front and rear bumpers as well as the redesigned engine bonnet. However, like all Lamborghini’s, the Aventador SVJ Roadster offers a seemingly endless list of customisable options.
