Autocar

Fastest Lambo unveiled

759bhp Aventador SVJ

- JIMI BECKWITH

The Aventador SVJ, which has been revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’elegance, lays claim to being the fastest Lamborghin­i on sale today.

With 759bhp and 531lb ft on tap, the SVJ — which stands for Superveloc­e Jota — matches the power output of the super-limited Centenario and is 29bhp more powerful than the Aventador S. These reserves are delivered by a tuned version of the firm’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 and transmitte­d to the road through all four wheels.

Four-wheel steering is also fitted, as on the Aventador SV, but the SVJ builds upon that car’s agility with the second generation of Lamborghin­i’s active aerodynami­cs system (ALA 2.0). Improvemen­ts over the first system include redesigned air inlets. This system helped the SVJ to lap the Nürburgrin­g in 6min 44.97sec — a new record for a production car.

Lamborghin­i claims the SVJ’S downforce is 40% greater than that of the Aventador SV, its former performanc­e flagship. Larger side air intakes, a huge rear wing, tweaked underbody with vortex generators and a prominent rear diffuser and aerodynami­c bodywork at the front help to achieve the improved aero. The chassis is tweaked for additional stiffness. An anti-roll bar that’s 50% stiffer has been fitted and the suspension’s damping force range is increased by 15% over the SV’S. Other tweaks to the suspension are claimed to improve on-track stability.

A re-engineered exhaust system reduces back pressure and has been fettled to produce a “more emotive” sound, as well as being lighter than the standard set-up, with higher exit points.

The mechanical upgrades also run to a reprogramm­ed seven-speed automatic gearbox, while the four-wheel drive system now sends 3% more torque rearwards. The ESC and ABS systems are tweaked to accommodat­e the car’s enhanced grip levels.

A total of 900 SVJS will be built, with UK prices starting at around £356,000 when deliveries begin in early 2019. An further 63 units will be produced in ‘63 Edition’ guise, of which the Pebble Beach launch car is one, celebratin­g the brand’s inception in 1963. These cars feature bespoke colour and trim and will carry a higher price than regular SVJS.

 ??  ?? Lamborghin­i plans to make 900 Aventador SVJS and 63 specials
Lamborghin­i plans to make 900 Aventador SVJS and 63 specials
 ??  ?? Extensive aero was key to its ’Ring lap
Extensive aero was key to its ’Ring lap

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