The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is the most extreme iteration of the company's range-topping supercar. The SVJ combines the complex aerodynamic systems first introduced on the Huracan Performante with the "Jota" badge, first used on the Miura and then revived for the Diablo. A Roadster version of the SVJ will follow in 2019.

Lambo has yet to confirm that a drop-top version of SVJ is underway, but has already sent a certification request to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for such a model. The SVJ Roadster is one of four cars certified by CARB for the 2019 model year. This also means that the drop-top is only a few months away and will likely to break cover in early 2019. Let's find out what it may bring to the table from the review below.

Updated 03/12/2019: We’ve updated this review with fresh images of the 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster that we took during the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Check them out in the gallery at the bottom of the page!

2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 759
  • Torque: 531
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Exterior

- Aggressive Front Splitter - New Vents - Big Diffuser - Active Aerodynamics - Race-Inspired Wing - Lightweight Wheels - Removable top

Having already seen the Aventador SVJ in coupe form, it's not difficult to imagine the Roadster. This means that it will be just as aggressive as the coupe and benefit from the same aerodynamic updates and the Aerodynamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) system.

As seen on the coupe, the front fascia was redesigned almost entirely -- only the hood and headlamps are still similar to the Aventador SV. Lambo redesigned the bumper from the ground up and added a massive amount of aero features. Upgrades include a multi-tier bumper with two distinct horizontal blades, big side fins, and a "floating splitter. The nose boasts two additional vents placed on each side of the "Lamborghini" emblem.

Onto the sides, the SVJ sports a new rocker panel shaped like the letter Y and bigger side vents that channel more air into the engine. Above the waist, it the Roadster should have a slightly different roof section. Due to the removable top, Lambo will make some adjustments to the rear section in order to keep aerodynamics close to those of the coupe. The engine hood will get some changes as well. Most likely, the SVR Roadster will get flying buttresses behind the seats and a small rectractable glass panel behind them.

Around back, the Roadster should retain the coupe's massive wing. Made from carbon-fiber, it has a big central fin, new mounting posts, and integrated blades on each side. The Y-shaped openings on the carbon-fiber hood should remain the same. Lambo will probably carry over the entire rear fascia, so look for center-mounted exhaust pipes, the wider diffuser, and new vents on the sides.

More importantly, the SVJ Roadster will benefit from the ALA system that debuted on the Huracan Performante. ALA is a range of aerodynamic features, most of them active, that improve downforce and make the Aventador more agile on the race track.

Highlights include a redesigned underbody, which sports vortex generators that work in conjunction with the front and rear diffusers to improve downforce by 30 percent. They also reduce turbulence thanks to the airfoil and side winglets.

When opened, the air pressure on the front spoiler decreases and air flow is directed through the vortex generators on the underside of the car. This reduces drag and optimizes conditions for maximum acceleration and higher top speed. When this happens, the flaps on the engine hood open in order to stall the wing for improved drag in high-speed conditions. When the system is turned off, the rear flaps are also closed, allowing the rear wing to act as a traditional fixed wing to enhance stability for high-speed cornering and braking.

Overall, the ALA system improves downforce on both axles by more than 40 percent compared to the Aventador SV. The car’s drag coefficient also drops, making it the most aerodynamic iteration of the supercar.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Interior

- Identical To SV - Leather And Alcantara - Carbon-Fiber Door Panels - Contrast Stitching - Navigation And Infotainment Are Optional - Optional Telemetry System - Infinite headroom

The interior of the Roadster will be identical to the SVJ coupe, which in turn is very similar to the Aventador S. The lightweight material was used on the door panels as well, which also include pull loops instead of door handles in order to save weight. The contrasting stitching, pipping, and inserts are joined by "SVJ" logos on the seats.

You'll be able to drive the SVJ Roadster in four modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, and Ego. The first three speak for themselves, while the latter allows you to further customize how the car drives and reacts.

Tech-wise, the SVJ doesn't come with navigation and infotainment as standard, but they're available as no-cost options. The package includes Apple CarPlay, voice-activated features, and the latest entertainment apps.

Like any convertible, the SVJ Roadster will provide infinite headroom, as well as a louder engine note when the top is removed.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Performance

- Upgraded 6.5-Liter V-12 - 759 Horsepower - 531 Pound-Feet Of Torque - 0 To 62 In 2.9 Seconds - Top Speed At Less Than 217 Mph - Nurburgring Record for roadsters?

Upgraded with new internals, a titanium intake valve, and modified intake cylinder head duct for higher flow, the 6.5-liter V-12 in the Aventador SVJ cranks out 770 PS and 720 Nm of torque, which converts to a whopping 759 horsepower and 531 pound-feet.

The SVJ Roadster will benefit from the same output figures, meaning that it will join the coupe as the most powerful V-12-powered Lambo built to date.

In addition to the extra oomph, Lambo also put the Aventador through a serious diet, reducing the SVJ curb weight with 538 pounds. But while the coupe tips the scales at 3,362, the Roadster could be a few pounds heavier. Still, it should remain around 100 pounds lighter than the base Aventador, mostly because the ALA system puts back some of the weight shaved off using carbon-fiber.

Just like the SV, the SVJ is equipped with a permanent all-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel steering, both of which will find their way into the Roadster.

Performance-wise, the Roadster will be a tad slower than the coupe. Top speed could also drop a bit from the coupe's 217-mph rating.

The SVJ is already famous for setting a new lap record for production cars on the Nurburgring. The Italian supercar lapped the German track in 6:44.97 minutes, a benchmark that surpasses the record set by the Porsche 911 GT2 RS in 2017 by almost two and half minutes. The Roadster probably won't be that fast. Lambo might not even attempt a record for convertibles, but if it does, it will become the fastest, even though it will probably lap the 'Ring a few seconds slower.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Chassis and Suspension

The engine isn't the only drivetrain component that was upgraded for the SVJ. Both the rear-wheel steering and the steering system have been upgraded to handle the extra power and the increased power-to-weight ratio.

The four-wheel-drive system was further optimized and now sends an extra three percent of torque to the rear axle. Lambo also upgraded the ESC and ABS systems and developed new Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires for the supercar. The Roadster will also benefit from the optional, track-spec P Zero Trofeo R rubber.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Pricing

Pricing is obviously a mystery at this point, but with the coupe model offered from $517,770, the Roadster will probably fetch in excess of $530,000. Production will probably be limited to 900 examples. A special SVJ 63 model limited to only 63 units is also likely. This version celebrates the company's founding year and includes "63" graphics on the body and visible carbon-fiber trim.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Competition

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

The GT2 RS is the Aventador SVJ's most important rival, mostly because it held the Nurburgring record for production cars before the Italian supercar came into the scene. The coupe ran the Nordschleife in 6:47.25 minutes, two and a half seconds slower than the SVJ. While it doesn't look as dramatic, the 911 GT2 RS boasts an impressive amount of aero features, including a big wing and a front bumper inspired from the company's race-spec 911s. Power is provided by a twin-turbo, 3.8-liter flat-six rated at 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, almost as much as the Lambo. However, the 911 is a bit slower from 0 to 62 mph, needing 2.8 seconds to get there, while its top speed is slightly inferior at 211 mph. Unfortunately, you can't get infinite headroom in the GT2 RS as Porsche doesn't offer a convertible version. And if the past is any indication, it won't build one anytime soon. On the other hand, Porsche is reportedly working on a drop-top version of the 911 GT3. The bad news is that this car isn't as fast due to the naturally aspirated flat-six under the hood. The unit will probably deliver only 500 horsepower.

Read our full story on the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Conclusion

It's definitely far from surprising that Lambo is planning to produce a convertible version of the Aventador SVJ. This way, the Italian firm will complete its lineup of hardcore vehicles, which will include both coupe and roadster versions of the Aventador SVJ and Huracan Performante. With the Aventador nearing the end of its life-cycle, it's quite possible that the SVJ Roadster will be the last hardcore iteration of the supercar.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Read our full review on the 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster.

Read our full review on the 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Super Veloce.

Read more Lamborghini news.