European Unveiling of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Last month, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ claimed a new Nürburgring lap record. This weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Blenheim Palace, the flagship supercar made its European debut.

The SVJ is the ultimate Aventador and, potentially, the last naturally-aspirated V12 Lamborghini. Its SuperVeloce Jota name harks back to the near-mythical lightweight Miura of 1970.

Cutting kilos is one way Lamborghini achieved that 6:44.97 Nordschleife lap (2.3 seconds quicker than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS). Prolific use of carbon fibre, aluminium wheels and a shortened exhaust system contribute to a dry weight of 1,525kg – 50kg less than a ‘standard’ Aventador S.

Naturally, there’s also more power. Lurking beneath a new, quick-release engine cover, the 6.5-litre, dry-sumped V12 develops 770hp at 8,500rpm. Peak torque is 531lb ft at 6,750rpm. Driving all four wheels through a seven-speed paddleshift ’box, it reaches 62mph in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 217mph, with a fuel economy of 14.4mpg.

Active ‘ALA 2.0’ aerodynamics are the third weapon in the SVJ’s arsenal. A new bi-plane front splitter, larger underbody diffusers and that Airbus-sized rear wing boost downforce by 40 percent on both axles versus the Aventador SV. The system also simulates torque vectoring by opening or closing flaps on either side of the car when cornering.

Other notable tech includes racing-style pushrod suspension with magnetorheological dampers that actively resist body-roll, keeping the car as flat as possible for maximum aero efficiency. Lamborghini’s controversial variable-ratio Dynamic Steering is fitted, too, along with rear-wheel steering for improved low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.

There’s no mistaking the SVJ for anything else. New nostril air intakes, bare carbon side skirts, shotgun-style tailpipes and, of course, that preposterous wing all ramp up the aesthetic aggression. Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali says the design “draws on every inspiration from a space ship to a jet fighter”.

Even at “more than £360,000” the SVJ looks a safe bet for future investment. But you’d better be quick: only 900 cars will be made, and most have already found buyers. There will also be a “special edition of a special edition” SVJ 63, with more carbon and ‘63’ graphics that celebrate Lamborghini’s year of birth. All were pre-sold.

Check out our other highlights from Salon Privé.