The Geneva Motor Show is shaping up to be a showcase
of high-performance drop tops as Lamborghini has introduced the Aventador SVJ
Roadster, hours after the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster made its debut. While the Mercedes uses a
familiar twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, the Aventador SVJ Roadster has a massive
6.5-liter V12 engine that develops 759 hp and 720
Nm of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed ISR transmission and an
all-wheel drive system.
This setup enables the SVJ to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.8 seconds. Given
enough room, the roadster will eventually hit a top speed in excess of 350 km/h. The performance specifications are virtually identical to the coupe,
but the roadster is a tad slower from 0-100 km/h. This is likely due
to the fact that the roadster weighs 50 kg more than the coupe.
Lamborghini didn’t talk much about the weight gain,
but confirmed the Aventador SVJ Roadster has a carbon fiber roof which consists
of two separate panels that each weigh 6 kg. The panels can be removed via quick-release
levers and then stored under the front hood. To ensure the cabin remains
comfortable with the roof removed, there’s a small rear window which can be
raised or lowered at the press of a button. The cabin also features a digital
instrument cluster, GPS navigation and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Like the coupe, the Aventador SVJ Roadster has an active
aerodynamics system which varies the “aero load to achieve high downforce or
low drag.” This is done by adjusting the position of the front splitter and
carbon fiber rear wing.
The system is highly advanced and can even be used
to improve cornering. As Lamborghini explained, the right or left side of the
wing can be adjusted to increase downforce and traction on a desired wheel. The active aero tech is just part
of the package as the Aventador SVJ Roadster also has rear wheel steering,
carbon ceramic brakes and a magneto rheological suspension with anti-roll bars
that are 50% stiffer than those used on the Aventador SV Roadster.
Production will be limited to 800 units and the
first deliveries are slated to begin this summer. Pricing starts at US$ 573,966 in
the United States, while European customers will need to shell out € 387,007 or
£ 323,323.