Lambo reclaims Ring lap record with Aventador SVJ
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 27th Jul 2018
LAMBORHINI has reclaimed the production-car lap record at the Nordschleife Nurburgring with its yet-to-be-revealed Aventador SVJ Coupe, which bested Porsche’s 911 GT2 RS by 2.33 seconds.
Completing the 20.6km German circuit in 6:44:97 during an exclusive session, the Aventador SVJ was 7.04s quicker than its Huracan Performante sibling, which held the the ‘king of the Ring’ title until the GT2 RS topped it in September last year.
The record-breaking Aventador SVJ was manned by Lamborghini factory driver Marco Mapelli, who was also responsible for the Huracan Performante’s then-unmatched effort.
While the Aventador SVJ is fitted with specially developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres as standard, the camouflaged example was fitted with optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber.
Aside from this change, the Nordschleife Nurburgring challenger was loaded up with cameras inside and out, as well as full telemetry, while time and GPS certification was managed using VBOX-Racelogic instrumentation.
In order to achieve the production-car lap record, the Italian supercar-maker has upped the ante over the Aventador SV upon which the Aventador SVJ is based, with its 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine confirmed to increase peak power from 552kW.
While Lamborghini is yet to release the Aventador SVJ’s official outputs, it has revealed that the flagship model has a weight-to-power ratio of 1.95kg/hp, which is also thanks to the addition of lightweight materials. It is rumoured to produce between 566kW and 597kW.
Significantly, the Aventador SVJ adopts the ALA active aerodynamics system from the Huracan Performante, albeit in second-generation form, which features “aero vectoring for the best handling and downforce”, according to the marque.
Furthermore, the Aventador S’ all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering and electronic stability control systems have been re-engineered for the Aventador SVJ, which has a stiffer chassis than the Aventador SV.
Like the Huracan Performante, the Aventador SVJ’s exhaust tailpipes are located between its tail-lights, likely due to its reworked rear diffuser. A large rear wing spoiler and front splitter complete the functional but aggressive exterior look.
According to Automobili Lamborghini chairman and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali, the Aventador SVJ resets the benchmark for a road-going performance car.
“The Aventador SVJ takes the Jota suffix, following the Lamborghini tradition for denoting a car’s track-focused talent,” he said.
“This new car is the convergence of Lamborghini technologies to produce a super sportscar that transcends current performance benchmarks.
“Its tenure as the Nurburgring lap-time record holder … endorses Lamborghini’s competence in applying superlative design engineering and ground-breaking technologies.
“The SVJ is a super sportscar at the zenith of performance, while also ensuring unrivalled driving pleasure.”
The Aventador SVJ will make its international debut in August at the Monterey Car Week in California. It is expected to enter Australian showrooms either late this year or early next. For reference, the Aventador SV Coupe was priced from $891,000 before on-road costs in May 2016.
