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Mean, green, aerodynamic machine:
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Designers and engineers at Lamborghini drew on inspirations including spaceships and jet fighters to create the latest version of the Italian luxe brand's V12 flagship supercar model, the Aventador SVJ. Designed for "aerodynamic supremacy," the mean and green machine features four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, significant downforce improvement, and holds the Nürburgring-Nordschleife production-car record for fastest lap time on that famous track.

The Aventador SVJ's (the SV stands for "superveloce," meaning "super fast") Nürburgring-Nordschleife 20.6-km lap record of 6:44.97 min. is proof of its benchmarking performance. With its optimized power plant making it the most powerful series production V12-engine car produced to date by Lamborghini, the SVJ features an increase in power to 770 hp (566 kW) at maximum 8,500 rpm. The SVJ outputs 720 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, while a dry weight of just 1,525 kg gives the SVJ a weight-to-power ratio of 1.98 kg/hp. The SVJ accelerates from standing to 100 km/h in 2.8 sec and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.6 sec. A top speed of more than 350 km/h is complemented by a braking distance of 100 km/h to 0 in 30 m.

Every feature of the Aventador SVJ resonates its aerodynamic prowess. This model is significantly enhanced in appearance compared to the Aventador S. The main goal in its concentrated form-follows-function design was a significant downforce improvement compared to the previous Aventador SV: +40 percent on both axles, with an improved drag coefficient of -1 percent.

From the front, the car is wider: a new front bumper with integrated side fins features a new air intake and highlights the inclusion of Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA), Lamborghini's patented active aerodynamics technologies.

The disconnected front splitter continues the impression of a floating component, while providing a channel for airflow. A tri-dimensional air outlet on the hood directs airflow, improves both drag and downforce, and is clearly a nod to the aerodynamic purpose of the SVJ's design. The upper body aerodynamic optimization has contributed 70 percent to the total downforce improvement in the SVJ over the SV.

The SVJ's rocker is also entirely new, adopting the "Y" theme found in Lamborghini cars while also resembling shapes found in jet fighters. The bigger side air intakes and the new front side fins reduce drag and improve overall cooling. An improved underbody aero design with vortex generators works in conjunction with front diffusers, and a new, extreme-design rear diffuser, together with divergent fins, contributes 30 percent to the total downforce improvement.

The rear wing has been designed for best aerodynamic efficiency, based on a new air foil, an optimized ALA 2.0 system, and side winglets to reduce turbulence while providing high downforce on the straight as well as in high-speed corners.

At the rear of the car, the position of the high-mounted exhaust resembles those found on extreme motorbikes. As well as saving weight due to its proximity to the engine, the exhaust system itself is also lighter. The Omega-shape rear bumper incorporates a massive new diffuser that contributes to downforce, while a new high-mounted rear wing is produced entirely in carbon fiber with its integrated ALA system.

The rear engine cover has been redesigned for the SVJ: It is made from lightweight carbon fiber and is removable via quick-release clips in a reference to motor racing. It also adopts the "Y" theme that reveals the updated V12 power plant below, while accenting the car's high-performance characteristics. Super-light Nireo aluminum rims are designed specifically for the SVJ. Optional Leirion aluminum rims with "Y" and hexagonal details are also available. The Italian flag detail on the side wing is a reminder of the Lamborghini's Italian super sports car heritage

Lamborghini's patented ALA system was first seen on the Huracán Performante and has been developed to an enhanced level for the Aventador SVJ. Now called ALA 2.0, it includes new optimized air inlets and aero channel designs. The system has been re-calibrated to take into account the enhanced vehicle's lateral accelerations.

The ALA system actively varies aero load to achieve high downforce or low drag, depending on dynamic conditions. Electronically actuated motors open or close active flaps in the front splitter and on the engine cover that steer the air-flow, front and rear.

Utilizing Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva 2.0 (LDVA 2.0) with improved inertial sensors that govern all the car's electronic systems in real time, the ALA system flaps are activated in less than 500 msec to ensure the best aerodynamic setup of the car in every driving condition. When ALA is off, the active flaps are closed, generating the desired high downforce for high-speed cornering and full brake conditions. When ALA switches on, the front 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. This drastically reduces drag and optimizes conditions for maximum acceleration and top speed.

When ALA is off, the rear flaps are also closed, allowing the rear wing to act as a traditional fixed wing. Stability is enhanced in high-speed cornering and full braking by creating maximum vertical downforce. When ALA is on, the flaps on the engine cover open in order to stall the wing for improved drag in high-speed conditions.

In addition, the rear wing's inner air channel is split right and left, allowing aero vectoring for high-speed cornering. Depending on the direction of the turn, the LDVA 2.0 instructs ALA to be switched on in either the right or left side of the wing, increasing downforce and traction on the inner wheel and counteracting the load transfer in rolling conditions. This, in turn, optimizes the chassis' momentum, requiring a reduced steering angle and improving the car's overall dynamic stability. The aero vectoring technology in the SVJ has been further developed to improve the aero-loading effects on the inner wheel by 30 percent compared to the original system.

The enhanced powertrain features a new titanium intake valve with a new-shape intake runner and length, with a modified intake cylinder head duct for higher flow coefficient. The new, lightweight exhaust system reduces backpressure and produces the most emotive sound, and the optimized seven-speed Independent Shifting Road (ISR) gearbox has been calibrated for the car's increased performance in terms of both power and torque.

The Aventador SVJ's vertical, lateral, and longitudinal dynamics have been re-engineered in LDVA 2.0, with algorithms fully integrated within ALA 2.0 to reflect the exceptional downforce generated and optimize performance: the result of significant R&D investment and collaboration with the CFD team.

The SVJ's suspension has been reworked, providing higher mechanical and aerodynamic grip. Anti-roll bar stiffness has been improved by 50 percent compared to the Aventador SV, compensating against roll and improving aero efficiency. Lamborghini's Magneto Rheological Suspension (LMS) has been recalibrated to improve body and wheel control with a focus on track performance.

The Aventador SVJ's rear-wheel steering (LRS) is further engineered to exploit the aero load in every environment, providing exceptional stability in high-speed conditions and improving agility in cornering to enhance average speed in all dynamic conditions. The steering has also been developed to provide the feedback demanded in high-performance track and racing environments. The rebalanced power steering reflects the specific aero load and tires, and the Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) is recalibrated to further improve steering precision and natural feedback.

The Lamborghini SVJ's four-wheel drive system has improved torque split to maximize traction and agility, with the higher stability of the SVJ allowing a further 3 percent of torque to be sent to the rear axle compared to the SV. The rear-wheel steering has been developed to further improve the car's stability while reducing braking distances, particularly in combined braking/turning conditions such as high-speed cornering. ESC has been enhanced for improved cornering and driver experience in extreme handling conditions, and ABS has been specifically tuned for the improved grip provided by the tires and ALA system.

New Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires have been custom developed, according to Lamborghini's brief for the SVJ -- the tires provide higher vertical stiffness to accommodate the SVJ's higher downforce, as well as provide a high grip level to enhance overall vehicle performance. Featuring a specific tread design, the tires are designed to optimize performance on both road and track. Optional street-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires can be mounted specifically for track use.

The car features three driving modes -- Strada, Sport, and Corsa -- as well as an EGO option, which allows the driver to further customize car set-up preferences.

Production is limited to 900 units, with first deliveries targeted for early 2019. Customers in the U.S. can expect to pay $517,770.00. In case green is not your thing, the Aventador SVJ does come in a range of other colors: white, yellow, red, gray, and dark electric blue. Learn more here.

An even more super-special supercar
A special edition, named SVJ 63, was recently unveiled on the concept lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It pays homage to Lamborghini's founding year of 1963. Produced in a unique configuration, it boasts a rich use of carbon fiber and will be made in a limited number of just 63 units.

Source: Automobili Lamborghini

Published August 2018

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