Since its U.S. debut in the 2012 model year, the Aventador->ke3624 has steadily seen the introduction of new and special models. For example, in 2013 came the introduction of the Aventador Roadster, and in 2014 came the release of the 50 Anniversario special edition. Now as we roll into the 2015 model year, Lamborghini has released yet another special Aventador: the Superveloce.

Like all Superveloce models prior to it, this special Aventador is nearly a race car, as Lambo focused on dropping its weight and retuning its V-12 powerplant to crank out a few extra horses. Additionally, the Aventador Superveloce receives revised aerodynamics to increase its downforce and efficiency significantly. The only glaring issue is its super-high price tag.

Is the 2015 Aventador Superveloce worth the extra scratch?

Updated 04/27/2015: The new Aventador SV made its Chinese debut at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, and this was the perfect opportunity for Lamborghini to drop a new promotional video. Enjoy!

Continue reading my full review to find out.

Exterior

The first task at hand with any SV model is to drop the weight, and the Aventador SV is a full 110 pounds lighter than the base model. This weight loss is thanks to carbon-fiber door panels, rear wing, and fixed air intakes. Additionally, the rocker panels and fenders are crafted in SMC superlight. These lightweight components, combined with other weight-reduction measures inside the cabin, help drop the Avetandor SV’s curb weight to just 3,362 pounds.

As if the Aventador isn’t wild-looking enough in its own right, the Superveloce (SV) takes that insanity and cranks it to 11. Lamborghini bumped the model’s aerodynamic efficiency by 150 percent and increased downforce by 170 percent over the base model. These increases are thanks to a pair of revised front wings up front, a revised carbon-fiber rear diffuser, and a massive rear spoiler.

The exterior modifications include a mesh rear grille that allows heat to easily flow from that hard-working V-12 powerplant, and a set of 20- and 21-inch lightweight matte-black wheels on the front and rear, respectively.

The Aventador SV makes a bad-ass car even better without going totally overboard with design. Additionally, to lose an extra 110 in the process of bumping the downforce requires a ton of engineering and creativity, so my hat goes off to the engineers and designers at Lambo for pulling this off.

Interior

On the inside, the Aventador SV gets a nice upgrade too. The first thing is that the carbon-fiber monocoque is more visible in this model than it is in the base Aventador, as you can see it on the center tunnel and the side sills. This may not necessarily help with reducing weight, but it does help match the cabin of the SV to its amazing performance. What does help drop some weight from the cabin are the carbon-fiber seat shells that are wrapped in Alcantara with Y-shaped leather inserts.

Additionally, Lambo rolled out a new material that it calls “Carbon Skin.” This material, which is used for the headliner and on various other parts of the cabin, is a form of carbon fiber that is soft to the touch, but also durable.

The driver is greeted by an exclusive instrument cluster in the SV. This unit is dominated by yellow, and features a blue shift indicator and a G-force meter.

The Aventador SV shown in Geneva features a stunning black-and-red interior theme, but there are five other color combos to choose from. Buyers who need more customization can commission the Ad Personam program to create a bespoke cabin.

Drivetrain

Under the hood of the Aventador SV is the same 6.5-liter V-12 engine that we all know and love, but in this lightweight beast it produces 740 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and 509 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. That's 39 horsepower higher than the base Aventador, while the torque remains unchanged.

The power routes through a seven-speed, ISR automated-manual transmission and heads out to all four wheels via Lambo’s permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The power bump combined with the weight loss helps drop the 0-to-62-mph sprint time to 2.8 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the base model – while its top speed remains consistent at more than 217 mph. As always, speed isn’t all that Lamborghini is known for, as all of its cars are also notorious for all that awesome sound that flows from the exhaust pipes. In the Aventador SV, this noise is enhanced by a revised exhaust system with reduced backpressure.

The Aventador SV has three driver settings. The “Strada” setting is best for on-road daily driving, “Sport” livens the transmission, engine, suspension, and steering up a little, while “Corsa” is a track-only setting that turns down all of the fun-killing nannies and gives you the most connected experience.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

The Aventador SV is priced from $400,995 in the U.S.

Competitors

Pagani Huayra

Since its introduction in 2011, the Pagani Huayra became one of the major competitors for the Lamborghini Aventador. Now that the SV is well underway, the Huayra needs to face competition from an even more powerful Bull. But that shouldn't be a problem for Pagani's masterpiece, which cranks out no less than 720 horsepower and 740 pound-feet of torque from its AMG-sourced, 6.0-liter V-12 engine. Paired to a race-spec, seven-speed sequential gearbox, the mill pushes the Huayra from naught to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 230 mph. Although the Aventador SV is likely to be faster to 60 mph, we doubt it will do more than 217 mph.

The Pagani Huayra is priced from around $1.4 million, which is more than double the amount the Aventador SV is expected to fetch.

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The F12berlinetta may have its engine mounted in the front, but it doesn't lack the performance and speed required to stand up to the Aventador SV. The 6.3-liter V-12 benefits from 740 horsepower and 508 pound-feet of torque and mates to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The quick shifts provided by the F1-sourced gearbox sends the F12 flying from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds and it on to 211 mph.

Those thinking the F12berlinetta is at a disadvantage when it comes to handling due to its front-engined configurations, should know Ferrari worked hard to overcome that downfall by fitting an enormous amount of technology underneath that body. The F1-Trac traction control, the yaw control and the advanced ABS and EBD systems will ensure the F12 remains planted under full throttle. Pricing for the Berlinetta blows past the $350,000 mark in the U.S.

Conclusion

The Aventador was awesome enough in its standard form, but to drop the weight and kick to output up a few pegs is simply incredible. The changes might not seem dramatic in terms of power and weight, but when you’re dealing with a highly tuned car like the Aventador, there is only so much Lamborghini can do and still make the car drivable. This is a delicate balance of race and street car, and I am willing to bet that it sells out in mere hours.

Update History

Updated 03/16/2015: Lamborghini announced that the all new Aventador SuperVeloce will be priced on the U.S. market at $493,069. The price includes $3,700 gas guzzler tax and $3,495 destination and delivery charges. Hey, it's a bargain at twice the price.

Updated 03/02/2015: Lamborghini unveiled the all-new Aventador SV at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

Updated 07/01/2014: New online reports suggest that the new Aventador SV should be unveiled sometime in 2015. In fact, TeamSalamone announced on its Facebook account that: "In months from now you will see the unveiling. And shortly after that I will get the first one."

Updated 12/19/2014: Marchettino was lucky enough to caught the future Aventador SV testing on public roads. Check the new picture after the jump.

Brochure

Rendering

Spy Shots

January 29, 2015 - Lamborghini Aventador SV caught free of camouflage

December 19, 2014 - Lamborghini Aventador SV testing on public roads