The Fast and Emphatic 2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Is the Classic V-12 Supercar

With dramatic style, a shrieking V-12 and limited cargo space, the 2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is the quintessential supercar of a fading era. Lamborghinis have always been known for stirring emotions with their loud yet harmonious, naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder engines and extreme designs. However, the industry is evolving and transitioning to less animated powertrain technologies. Lamborghini’s chief technical officer has already confirmed that the company will use a hybrid powerplant in the next generation Aventador, which is expected to launch next year.

While the supercar manufacturer also indicated that it remains committed to preserving its tradition by continuing to use a naturally-aspirated V-12 in its hybrid setup, the increasing performance advantages of all-electric cars along with stricter emission and fuel efficiency regulations will make it challenging to uphold that strategy for the long term. Whatever shape the next breed of bulls will take it will certainly mark the dawn of a new supercar era for the Italian brand.

The latest SVJ, which stands for Superveloce Jota, uses the same 6.5-liter V-12 as the previous model year. There are no turbochargers, superchargers or electric motors–just a raw 12-cylinder engine that can sing up to an atmosphere-piercing 8,700 rpm redline. The powerplant generates 759 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 531 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. A 7-speed automated manual transmission sends power to all four wheels. The spirited engine provides enough thrust to launch this Aventador to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. The 100 mph mark comes up in 5.8 seconds. Within 10.4 seconds, the SVJ has eclipsed the quarter-mile mark, and it can continue on to a top speed of 217 mph.

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The SVJ uses an active suspension system that can be adjusted through the Strada, Sport, Corsa and Ego driving mode. The four different driving modes also alter the behavior of the engine, transmission, steering and stability control settings. The Ego mode allows the driver to manually adjust each individual setting, while the other modes provide a pre-configured driving characteristic. For optimum airflow, the Italian bull gets Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva 2.0 (ALA 2.0)–Lamborghini’s patented aerodynamic system. The ALA 2.0 is a dynamic feature that can increase downforce and decrease drag by adjusting flaps on the front and rear of the car.

Other standard performance features include carbon-ceramic brakes, four-wheel steering and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. An optional set of Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires are available. The SVJ’s incredible power, light weight and tenacious grip have proved to be a winning formula not only for acceleration and top speed, but for lighting-quick lap times as well. At the Nürburgring, the supercar lapped the circuit in a record 6:44.97 minutes. That is the quickest time for any street legal production vehicle. The completely stock ring king wore the optional Trofeo R tires.

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On the inside, there is a generous amount of carbon fiber on the doors, seats, center tunnel and console that adds to the SVJ’s racecar character. There is also plenty of Alcantara, leather and cross-stitching. Apple CarPlay is included, but the aging cabin’s infotainment display is outdated. The multi-colored racing seats with aggressive bolsters provide all the support you need at the track. Only 900 examples of the SVJ will be built in coupe form, while the rarer roadster configuration will be limited to just 800. As the last unadulterated V-12 Lamborghini drives off into the sunset, we hope that the next generation of Italian bulls provides the same captivating character found in these legendary supercars.

2021 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

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