The awesome Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, the successor to the iconic Diablo Jota and Miura SVJ, joined the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in Roadster trim. The fastest Lamborghini around the Nurburgring is now available without a roof with similar performance, infinite headroom, and a louder engine soundtrack.
Aggressive Looks, Race-inspire Aero
The center-mounted exhaust pipes and the wider diffuser make the SVJ Roadster look like an authentic racecar
Like any drop-top version of existing Lambos, the SVJ Roadster looks just like its coupe counterpart below (and even a bit above) the waist. A notable departure from the regular Aventador Roadster, the SVJ looks decidedly more aggressive in the front and rear and features a carbon-fiber engine hood. The center-mounted exhaust pipes and the wider diffuser make the SVJ Roadster look like an authentic race car from behind.
The Aventador SVJ Roadster also employs a range of aero devices hidden under the aggressive body. The redesigned underbody sports vortex generators that work in conjunction with the front splitter and rear diffuser to improve downforce, while also reducing turbulence thanks to the airfoil and side winglets.
The ALA system, first introduced on the Huracan Performante, actively varies aero load to achieve high downforce or low drag, depending on the driving style and road conditions. The electronically-actuated motors open or close the active flaps in the front splitter in less than 500 milliseconds to reduce air pressure for less drag or to enhance stability for high-speed cornering and braking.
Overall, ALA improves downforce on both axles by more than 40 percent compared to the Aventador Roadster and reduces the supercar’s drag coefficient.
Carbon-Fiber Roof
Making a roadster isn’t exactly easy when you already have a lightweight coupe. The drop-top configuration usually requires extra reinforcing and that adds extra weight. When the goal is to have a roadster with performance figures similar to the coupe, extra weight must be reduced as much as possible. Lamborghini managed to do just that by designing a removable top from high-pressure RTM carbon-fiber.
The two removable elements weigh less than 14 pounds each, while additional equipment and reinforcing adds up to a weight increase of only 110 pounds over the SVJ coupe.
As a result, the SVJ Roadster tips the scales at only 3,472 pounds. The roof is removable via quick-release levers in the cabin and it can be stored under the front hood.
Power and Performance
The SVJ Roadster features the same 6.5-liter V-12 from the coupe model. The mill cranks out 759 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, a 69-horsepower increase over the standard Aventador Roadster and a 19-horsepower increase over the Aventador SV. That’s also an extra 59 horsepower over the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the car from which the SVJ coupe stole the Nurburgring record.
Sprinting from 0 to 62 mph takes only 2.9 seconds in the SVJ Roadster, only a tenth-second slower than the coupe.
Hitting 124 mph takes 8.8 seconds, two tenths slower than the coupe. Top speed remains the same though at 217 mph, which is pretty impressive for a roadster.
Compared to the track-ready Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the Aventador SVR Roadster is a tenth-second slower to 62 mph, but wins the top speed battle by at least six mph.
Limited Production
Production of the Aventador SVJ Roadster is limited to only 800 units and it will probably sell out in a matter of weeks. U.S. pricing for the Italian drop-top starts from $573,966, a $56,196 premium over the coupe model. Although the latter was also offered in a limited-edition SVJ 63 version (limited to only 63 examples), Lambo has yet to announce a similar variant for the Roadster.
2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster specifications
| Type | V12, 60°, MPI |
| Displacement | 6,498 cc (396.5 cu. ln) |
| Bore and stroke | Ø 95 mm x 76.4 mm (3.74 in. x 3 in.) |
| Valve per cylinder | 4 |
| Valve gear | Variable valve timing electronically controlled |
| Compression ratio | 11.8 ± 0.2 |
| Maximum power | 770 hp (566 kW) at 8,500 rpm |
| Specific Power output | 118.5 hp/l (87.1 kW/l) |
| Maximum torque | 720 Nm at 6,750 rpm |
| Engine speed, maximum | 8,700 rpm |
| Power to weight ratio | 2.05 kg/hp |
| Emission class | EURO 6 - LEV 3 |
| Emission control system | Catalytic converters with lambda sensors |
| Cooling system | Water and oil cross flow cooling system with variable air inlets |
| Engine management system | Lamborghini Iniezione Elettronica (LIE) with Ion current analysis |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Top speed | 350 km/h (217 mph) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h [0-62 mph] | 2.9 sec. |
| Acceleration 0-200 km/h [0-124 mph] | 8.8 sec. |
| Braking 100-0 km/h [62-0 mph] | 31 m |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.30 in.) |
| Overall length | 4,943 mm (194.61 in.) |
| Overall width (excluding/including mirrors) | 2,098 mm (82.60 in.)/ 2,273 mm (89.49 in.) |
| Overall height | 1,136 mm (44.72 in.) |
| Track (front – rear) | 1,720 mm (67.71 in) – 1,680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Ground clearance (standard – lifting) | 115 ± 2 mm (front with lifting 155 mm) |
| Dry weight | 1,575 kg (3,472 lb) |
| Total weight permitted | 2,100 kg (4.630 lb) |
| Weight distribution (front – rear) | 43% - 57% |
Further Reading
Read our full review on the 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster.
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.
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)
