The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is the most extreme iteration of the company’s range-topping supercar. The SVJ combines the complex aerodynamic systems first introduced on the Huracan Performante with the "Jota" badge, first used on the Miura and then revived for the Diablo. A Roadster version of the SVJ will follow in 2019.
Lambo has yet to confirm that a drop-top version of SVJ is underway, but has already sent a certification request to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for such a model. The SVJ Roadster is one of four cars certified by CARB for the 2019 model year. This also means that the drop-top is only a few months away and will likely to break cover in early 2019. Let’s find out what it may bring to the table from the review below.
Updated 03/12/2019: We’ve updated this review with fresh images of the 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster that we took during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Check them out in the gallery at the bottom of the page!
-
2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
-
Year:2019
-
Make:
-
Model:
-
Engine:V12
-
Horsepower @ RPM:759
-
Torque @ RPM:531
-
Displacement:6.5 L
-
0-60 time:2.9 sec.
-
Top Speed:217 mph
-
Price:
-
car segment:
-
Purpose:
-
body style:
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Exterior
- Aggressive Front Splitter
- New Vents
- Big Diffuser
- Active Aerodynamics
- Race-Inspired Wing
- Lightweight Wheels
- Removable top
Having already seen the Aventador SVJ in coupe form, it’s not difficult to imagine the Roadster.
Much like all drop-top versions of existing coupes, the SVJ Roadster will be identical below the waist.
This means that it will be just as aggressive as the coupe and benefit from the same aerodynamic updates and the Aerodynamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) system.
As seen on the coupe, the front fascia was redesigned almost entirely — only the hood and headlamps are still similar to the Aventador SV. Lambo redesigned the bumper from the ground up and added a massive amount of aero features. Upgrades include a multi-tier bumper with two distinct horizontal blades, big side fins, and a "floating splitter. The nose boasts two additional vents placed on each side of the "Lamborghini" emblem.
Onto the sides, the SVJ sports a new rocker panel shaped like the letter Y and bigger side vents that channel more air into the engine.
A more aggressive side skirt design and lightweight, Y-spoke aluminum wheels round off the profile.
Above the waist, it the Roadster should have a slightly different roof section. Due to the removable top, Lambo will make some adjustments to the rear section in order to keep aerodynamics close to those of the coupe. The engine hood will get some changes as well. Most likely, the SVR Roadster will get flying buttresses behind the seats and a small rectractable glass panel behind them.
Around back, the Roadster should retain the coupe’s massive wing. Made from carbon-fiber, it has a big central fin, new mounting posts, and integrated blades on each side. The Y-shaped openings on the carbon-fiber hood should remain the same. Lambo will probably carry over the entire rear fascia, so look for center-mounted exhaust pipes, the wider diffuser, and new vents on the sides.
More importantly, the SVJ Roadster will benefit from the ALA system that debuted on the Huracan Performante. ALA is a range of aerodynamic features, most of them active, that improve downforce and make the Aventador more agile on the race track.
Highlights include a redesigned underbody, which sports vortex generators that work in conjunction with the front and rear diffusers to improve downforce by 30 percent. They also reduce turbulence thanks to the airfoil and side winglets.
The system also actively varies aero load by opening and closing flaps in the front splitter and the engine hood.
When opened, the air pressure on the front spoiler decreases and air flow is directed through the vortex generators on the underside of the car. This reduces drag and optimizes conditions for maximum acceleration and higher top speed. When this happens, the flaps on the engine hood open in order to stall the wing for improved drag in high-speed conditions. When the system is turned off, the rear flaps are also closed, allowing the rear wing to act as a traditional fixed wing to enhance stability for high-speed cornering and braking.
Overall, the ALA system improves downforce on both axles by more than 40 percent compared to the Aventador SV. The car’s drag coefficient also drops, making it the most aerodynamic iteration of the supercar.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Interior
- Identical To SV
- Leather And Alcantara
- Carbon-Fiber Door Panels
- Contrast Stitching
- Navigation And Infotainment Are Optional - Optional Telemetry System
- Infinite headroom
The interior of the Roadster will be identical to the SVJ coupe, which in turn is very similar to the Aventador S.
The dashboard and the seats are wrapped in high-quality leather and Alcantara, while the instrument cluster features a carbon-fiber hood.
The lightweight material was used on the door panels as well, which also include pull loops instead of door handles in order to save weight. The contrasting stitching, pipping, and inserts are joined by "SVJ" logos on the seats.
You’ll be able to drive the SVJ Roadster in four modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, and Ego. The first three speak for themselves, while the latter allows you to further customize how the car drives and reacts.
Tech-wise, the SVJ doesn’t come with navigation and infotainment as standard, but they’re available as no-cost options. The package includes Apple CarPlay, voice-activated features, and the latest entertainment apps.
The telemetry system, which surprisingly enough isn't offered as standard, lets you record lap times, track performance, and trip data.
Like any convertible, the SVJ Roadster will provide infinite headroom, as well as a louder engine note when the top is removed.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Performance
- Upgraded 6.5-Liter V-12
- 759 Horsepower
- 531 Pound-Feet Of Torque
- 0 To 62 In 2.9 Seconds
- Top Speed At Less Than 217 Mph
- Nurburgring Record for roadsters?
Upgraded with new internals, a titanium intake valve, and modified intake cylinder head duct for higher flow, the 6.5-liter V-12 in the Aventador SVJ cranks out 770 PS and 720 Nm of torque, which converts to a whopping 759 horsepower and 531 pound-feet.
That’s an extra 19 horsepower over the Aventador SV and a 69-horsepower increase over the standard supercar.
The SVJ Roadster will benefit from the same output figures, meaning that it will join the coupe as the most powerful V-12-powered Lambo built to date.
In addition to the extra oomph, Lambo also put the Aventador through a serious diet, reducing the SVJ curb weight with 538 pounds. But while the coupe tips the scales at 3,362, the Roadster could be a few pounds heavier. Still, it should remain around 100 pounds lighter than the base Aventador, mostly because the ALA system puts back some of the weight shaved off using carbon-fiber.
Just like the SV, the SVJ is equipped with a permanent all-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering, both of which will find their way into the Roadster.
Performance-wise, the Roadster will be a tad slower than the coupe.
The latter needs 2.8 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start, so expect the convertible to get there in 2.9 clicks.
Top speed could also drop a bit from the coupe’s 217-mph rating.
The SVJ is already famous for setting a new lap record for production cars on the Nurburgring. The Italian supercar lapped the German track in 6:44.97 minutes, a benchmark that surpasses the record set by the Porsche 911 GT2 RS in 2017 by almost two and half minutes. The Roadster probably won’t be that fast. Lambo might not even attempt a record for convertibles, but if it does, it will become the fastest, even though it will probably lap the ’Ring a few seconds slower.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Chassis and Suspension
The engine isn’t the only drivetrain component that was upgraded for the SVJ.
The beefed-up Lambo also has a revised suspension system, a 50-percent stiffer anti-roll bar, and 15-percent higher damping force range.
Both the rear-wheel steering and the steering system have been upgraded to handle the extra power and the increased power-to-weight ratio.
The four-wheel-drive system was further optimized and now sends an extra three percent of torque to the rear axle. Lambo also upgraded the ESC and ABS systems and developed new Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for the supercar. The Roadster will also benefit from the optional, track-spec P Zero Trofeo R rubber.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Pricing
Pricing is obviously a mystery at this point, but with the coupe model offered from $517,770, the Roadster will probably fetch in excess of $530,000. Production will probably be limited to 900 examples. A special SVJ 63 model limited to only 63 units is also likely. This version celebrates the company’s founding year and includes "63" graphics on the body and visible carbon-fiber trim.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Competition
Porsche 911 GT2 RS
The GT2 RS is the Aventador SVJ’s most important rival, mostly because it held the Nurburgring record for production cars before the Italian supercar came into the scene. The coupe ran the Nordschleife in 6:47.25 minutes, two and a half seconds slower than the SVJ. While it doesn’t look as dramatic, the 911 GT2 RS boasts an impressive amount of aero features, including a big wing and a front bumper inspired from the company’s race-spec 911s. Power is provided by a twin-turbo, 3.8-liter flat-six rated at 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, almost as much as the Lambo. However, the 911 is a bit slower from 0 to 62 mph, needing 2.8 seconds to get there, while its top speed is slightly inferior at 211 mph. Unfortunately, you can’t get infinite headroom in the GT2 RS as Porsche doesn’t offer a convertible version. And if the past is any indication, it won’t build one anytime soon. On the other hand, Porsche is reportedly working on a drop-top version of the 911 GT3. The bad news is that this car isn’t as fast due to the naturally aspirated flat-six under the hood. The unit will probably deliver only 500 horsepower.
Read our full story on the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Conclusion
It’s definitely far from surprising that Lambo is planning to produce a convertible version of the Aventador SVJ. This way, the Italian firm will complete its lineup of hardcore vehicles, which will include both coupe and roadster versions of the Aventador SVJ and Huracan Performante. With the Aventador nearing the end of its life-cycle, it’s quite possible that the SVJ Roadster will be the last hardcore iteration of the supercar.
Further Reading
Read our full review on the 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.
Read our full review on the 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster.
Read our full review on the 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Super Veloce.
Read more Lamborghini news.
The Aventador SVJ Roadster makes its worldwide premiere at Geneva Motor Show, presented by Automobili Lamborghini in a press conference on its stand, alongside the new Huracán EVO Spyder that also makes its international debut. The open top version of the coupé, the Aventador SVJ Roadster upholds the exceptional performance, handling and aerodynamic superiority of the SVJ, with its unique roadster design granting an exclusive open air exhilaration to both driver and passenger.
“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 Chief Executive Officer 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. 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.”
The SVJ Roadster sports the ‘Super Veloce’ for superfast and ‘Jota’ suffixes, signifying the car’s performance and track prowess: its coupé stablemate took the Nürburgring-Nordschleife production car record lap-time and the roadster is no less a futuristic, driver’s car. Benchmark performance comes from the most powerful series production V12-engined car produced to date by Lamborghini, outputting 770 hp (566 kW) at maximum 8,500 rpm. The SVJ Roadster delivers 720 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.05 kg/hp. The SVJ accelerates from standing to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.8 seconds. A top speed of more than 350 km/h is complemented by a braking distance of 100 km/h to 0 in 31 meters.
The roadster roof, constructed from high pressure RTM carbon fiber, is removable via quick-release levers in the cabin, and securely stored under the front hood. Weighing less than 6 kg each part, the roadster adds only 50 kg to the SVJ coupé’s weight of 1,525 kg.
Just 800 units will be produced of the Aventador SVJ Roadster. The car shown in Geneva in the new matt color bronzo zenas (bronze) features a special Ad Personam livery in bianco phanes (white). The livery emphasizes the sharp lines of the front and rear bumpers and further enriches the specifically redesigned engine bonnet.
A roadster in coupé clothing
The SVJ Roadster sports the Aventador SVJ’s design purity, inspired by super-fast, super-athletic, aeronautical references such as space ships and jet fighters as well as race motorbikes. The Roadster’s lines, with roof on or off, clearly identify its aerodynamic design and superiority, delivered by the latest 2.0 version of ALA: Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva, Lamborghini’s patented active aerodynamics system.
The ALA system actively varies aero load to achieve high downforce or low drag, depending on dynamic conditions using electronically-actuated motors positioned in the front splitter and the rear wing. Using Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva 2.0 (LDVA 2.0), dedicated algorithms supported by an improved inertial sensor platform govern all the car’s electronic systems in real time, activating the ALA system flaps in less than 500 milliseconds to ensure the best aerodynamic set-up of the car in every driving condition. When ALA is off, the active flaps are closed and the rear wing, produced entirely in carbon fiber, acts as a traditional fixed wing, generating maximum downforce for high speed cornering and full brake conditions. When ALA switches to ‘on’ the flaps are opened, reducing air pressure on the front spoiler and directing air flow via an inner channel and through the specially-shaped vortex generators on the underside of the car. Flaps in the central pylon also open to stall the rear wing, all drastically reducing drag and optimizing conditions for maximum acceleration and top speed.
The aero vectoring system on the SVJ Roadster facilitates high speed cornering. The LDVA 2.0 instructs ALA to be switched on in either the right or left side of the wing depending on the direction of the turn. Increased downforce and traction on the inner wheel counteracts the load transfer in rolling conditions, optimizing the chassis’ momentum and requiring a reduced steering angle, improving the car’s overall dynamic stability.
Large side air intakes and front side fins increase airflow, aid cooling and reduce drag. Airflow over the roof is uninterrupted whether roof is on or off, and the overall result is an improvement by 40% of the total downforce compared to the Aventador SV Roadster version.
The V12 SVJ-enhanced powerplant, with titanium intake valve, new-shape intake runner and length, and modified intake cylinder head duct for higher flow coefficient, is visible through the lightweight carbon fiber rear engine bonnet, removable via quick release clips. The high-mounted lightweight naked exhaust produces the most emotive sound from the SVJ Roadster’s engine, adding to the experience of the roadster’s occupants.
The Aventador SVJ Roadster’s rear-wheel steering provides exceptional high-speed stability and cornering agility while reducing braking distances and providing the feedback demanded in high-performance environments on both road and track. Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) is calibrated to provide both steering precision and natural feedback and the seven-speed Independent Shifting Road (ISR) gearbox is optimized for the SVJ Roadster’s power and torque.
The Aventador SVJ Roadster’s four-wheel drive system and ESC, specifically calibrated, ensure the best handling and driver experience in all grip conditions, also extreme ones, and ABS has been specifically tuned for the improved grip provided by dedicated tires and ALA system.
The Magneto Rheological Suspension (LMS) is calibrated for maximum body and wheel control with a focus on performance on road and track, with anti-roll bar stiffness improved by 50% compared to the Aventador SV Roadster. Both systems cooperate in compensating pitch and roll movement, maximizing the downforce generated by the underfloor. Even with the roadster’s roof off, stiffness is not compromised.
The Aventador SVJ Roadster sports super-light ‘Nireo’ aluminum rims, fitted with specially designed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires or with optional street-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.
Exclusive open air experience
The Aventador SVJ Roadster provides an exclusive, fun-to drive experience, especially with the roof off, on road or track. The three driving modes STRADA, SPORT and CORSA are complemented by the EGO option, allowing the driver to fully customize his preferences for car set-up and they have been optimized to work together with ALA 2.0 active aerodynamics.
The SVJ Roadster’s occupants are assured a comfortable experience with the roof off, the driver can electronically open the rear window, which functions as a windshield when closed and when open, amplifies the unique sound of the naturally aspirated V12 engine.
The cockpit features Kombi graphics on the TFT digital dashboard display as well as showing live status of the ALA functions. The Navigation System and Infotainment System including AppleCarPlay as an option free of charge, allowing the cockpit’s occupants to manage voice activated communications and entertainment from personal Apple devices.
The specification of the Aventador SVJ is virtually limitless through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customization program, and the car on display in Geneva shows only one of almost 350 colors available. In the interior every single leather and Alcantara part can be specified upon customer demand. The program is offered through every authorized Lamborghini dealer and it is also possible for customers to access a very exclusive area in the Lamborghini factory to create a unique car.
Price of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster and market delivery
The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster in summer 2019 with suggested retail prices as follows:
Europe: EUR 387,007 (suggested retail price taxes excluded)
UK: GBP 323,323 (suggested retail price taxes excluded)
USA: USD 573,966 (suggested retail price – GGT excluded)
China: RMB 8,296,758 (suggested retail price taxes included)
Japan: YEN 57,143,135 (suggested retail price taxes excluded)
