Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Is As Fast As It Is Clever

Published March 5, 2019
Views : 5517
3 min read

Lamborghini's active aerodynamics keep the roadster quick on its feet, while the V12 is still a beast.

Limited to 800 units.
Same engine and power as the Aventador SVJ coupe.
Just 50kg heavier, giving it a weight-to-power ratio of 2.05 kg/PS.
A tenth of a second slower to 100kmph, two tenths slower to 200kmph as compared to the coupe.
40 percent more downforce compared to the older Aventador SV Roadster.

Lamborghini seems to be in a mood to take the roof off its cars at Geneva. Alongside the Huracan EVO Spyder, the company has also made the debut of the Aventador SVJ Roadster. By using a high-pressure RTM carbon fibre two-part roof weighing just 6kg each, Lamborghini has managed to add just 50kg to the total weight of the Aventador SVJ. As a result, the Roadster weighs just 1,525 kg and hence boasts a power to weight ratio of 2.05 kg/PS. The roof can be removed with levers from inside the cabin and can be stored in the front boot.

The engine and performance figures have been retained from the coupe, which also makes the SVJ the most powerful series production V12-engined car produced to date by Lamborghini. The 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 produces 770PS of power and 720 Nm of torque. Paired to the 7-speed automatic gearbox, the roadster can reach 100 kmph in 2.9 seconds and 200 kmph in 8.8 seconds. The SVJ coupe can get to these speeds in 2.8 seconds and 8.6 seconds, respectively. And while we usually get a reduction in top speed for the open-top variants, Lamborghini quotes the same 'more than 350 kmph' for both the SVJs. Too much for you? Don't worry, the massive brakes will get you to a halt from 100 kmph in just 31 metres.

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While this is the fast bit, the Aventador SVJ Roadster is also very clever. It gets the latest generation of Lamborghini's ALA 2.0 active aerodynamics to keep you anchored to the tarmac, even while you enjoy the weather. It uses electronically actuated motors positioned in the front splitter and the rear wing which can activate each flap in less than 500 milliseconds to provide the car just the right amount of downforce in every condition.

Not just the active aero bits, but the side air intakes and front side fins increase airflow, which in turn help cool the massive V12 and reduce drag. This gives the SVJ Roadster 40 percent more downforce than the older Aventador SV Roadster. Also, with new anti-roll bars, the body stiffness too has been improved by 50 percent over the Aventador SV Roadster. And then there is the rear-wheel steering which provides better stability at higher speeds while helping you turn better on city streets.

But, while these systems will mostly help you on a track, the SVJ also gets a few feel-good factors. Like for example, the driver can electronically open the rear windshield to "amplify the unique sound of the naturally aspirated V12 engine" in the cabin, which now also features a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay.

Oh wait, did I forget to mention it look HOT from every angle?

If you are one of the 800 lucky people who can afford and have managed to book one, deliveries will start in summer 2019. Cost, a basic Rs 3.1 crore (EUR 387,007) before customisation. Given that it will be a CBU in India, expect it to cost about Rs 6.5 crore, ex-showroom.

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