A VENT, A DOOR, & SO MUCH MORE: The Lambo Aventador SVJ

Raw, rare and radical - three words that come to mind when I think of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. We all thought that the previous Aventador Super Veloce was bonkers, however Lamborghini have truly upped themselves with the arrival of the SVJ. The name, of course, stands for ‘Super Veloce Jota’. Super Veloce translates to ‘Super-Fast’, and the SVJ certainly earns this nametag. The Jota element refers back to the historical background of the car, and has only ever been seen on special editions of the Muira and the Diablo, which were homologated for track racing. So, essentially, the SVJ stands for super-fast, and track focused – what more could you want?

Packed with a humungous, gas-guzzling 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, the Aventador SVJ features a mighty 759bhp – 20hp extra than the previous SV. It redlines at a fantastic 8,700rpm, and the flywheel has been lightened to improve throttle response. Even with the new rear-wheel steering and addition of active aerodynamics, it weighs 50kg lighter than its standard counterpart – leading to its 2.8 second sprint to 100kph. It features the new ALA 2 system (Aerodynamic Lamborghini Attiva 2), meaning that air is sent under and along the sides of the car, through two active flaps located in the front splitter. This overall produces a 40% increase in downforce over the SV.

In today’s supercar scene, where cars are dominated by twin-turbo V8 and new-fangled Hybrid systems, it’s hard to find a car as good sounding as the SVJ. It’s a mechanical orchestra, and is perfect both inside and out of the cabin. With countless tuning and exhaust options by the means of Gintani and Fi Exhaust, you can extend this even further, and essentially create a high-pitched exhaust note, which is both raspy and aggressive.

One of the very few downsides of the Aventador SVJ is the lack of a Dual Clutch Transmission. People who have experienced this car have commented that this results in a jerky ride system at slow, stop-start traffic. It’s certainly not a daily drive, but that’s obvious, isn’t it? Another saddening point is that it is limited to 800 examples, and production has now ceased. That adds to the value though, and everyone loves a rare automobile.

The design is on another level. While retaining the familiar proportions and key features as the previous Aventadors, the SVJ creates a more track-focused appearance. Being a Lamborghini, sharp lines are bound to be present, and of course the SVJ follows this trend. The car that we had the pleasure of reviewing was specced in Bianco Phanes: a gorgeous matte white colour that accentuates all features of the SVJ.

I love the Aventador SVJ. In my opinion, it is the pinnacle of automotive excellence. Throughout the magnificent powertrain, fantastic design and everything in between, the SVJ is as good as it gets.