We've all had this happen. We take delivery of an exotic Italian supercar, something with a V-12 engine and 700 horsepower. We initially experience a healthy amount of pride in our decision.
But after driving it, we're left wanting more – more power, more braking performance, more composure at ridiculous speeds, more g-forces. More everything. If this describes you and you happen to own a "regular" Lamborghini Aventador, fear not: Relief is on its way – the 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce.
In devising its latest creation, Lamborghini had three objectives in mind: boosting the power-to-weight ratio, sculpting the aerodynamics and heightening the driving dynamics. Mission accomplished.
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While the "standard" Aventador has 700 horsepower, the Aventador Superveloce (SV for short) has 750. But of all the changes made to this limited-edition version of Lamborghini's most audacious supercar, this bump in horsepower is the least impressive.
The aerodynamics of the SV have been revised courtesy of a revamped front fascia, revised rear diffuser and fixed rear wing. The wing is manually adjustable to one of three settings; the angle can be changed to either produce more downforce or to reduce drag.
All told, these new bits and pieces have given the latest Aventador 150 per cent more aerodynamic efficiency and 170 per cent more overall downforce. The aerodynamic devices, heavily infused with lightweight carbon fibre to keep the car in fighting trim, also provide improved engine and brake cooling.
The weight-loss regimen was extended to other aspects of the car. The base Aventador already showcased a wildly advanced carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque; the SV pushes the carbon fibre agenda further. The space-age material is incorporated into the door panels, rocker panels and seats. The carpet, sound-deadening materials and infotainment system have been removed to slash tonnage even further. (The infotainment system can be re-installed as a no-cost option.)
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All told, the Aventador SV is 50 kilograms lighter than the base Aventador coupe. While the extra horsepower, reduced weight and increased aerodynamic effects might seem like small measures, their combined influence represents one giant leap in performance. The Aventador SV can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, a time that places the Lamborghini among the fastest production cars. Top speed is in excess of 350 km/h.
The icing on the performance credentials cake: The Aventador SV has turned a lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:59.73. This is the fourth-best production car lap of all time; it's also just two seconds slower than the best lap for Porsche's hyper-hybrid supercar, the 918 Spyder.
Yikes.
Lamborghini took a car that wasn't all that fun to drive at the limit and transformed it into an absolute track monster.
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The Aventador SV features new steering, Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS), and a revised suspension system that combines the F1-inspired pushrod design with magneto-rheological adaptive dampers. The goal: to reduce body roll and improve the car's ride. These measures, combined with the aerodynamic enhancements, give the latest Aventador a connected feeling that can't be found in the regular version.
The launch event took place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The mandate was simple: four sessions of four laps to attempt coming to grips with this not-so-subliminal supercar. It was a bit nerve-wracking, certainly exciting and definitely challenging.
The Aventador SV generated huge levels of grip and inspired incredible confidence. Through the three left-right combinations, the car proved remarkably willing to transition from one direction to the next. In the fast and sweeping turns, it showed that it could be steered with the throttle alone, something that was difficult to attempt with the Aventador.
It is also ridiculously fast in a straight line. But the regular Aventador has that going for it. What makes the Aventador SV special – and so rewarding – is how it handles the corners.
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The 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce is available in limited numbers (600 for the world) for a limited time. You may already be too late.
You'll like this car if ... You have a debilitating need for speed and your G5 is in the shop.
TECH SPECS
- Base price: $528,927
- Engine: 6.5-litre V-12
- Transmission/drive: Seven-speed automatic/all-wheel drive
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 24.7 city; 10.7 highway; 16.0 combined
- Alternatives: Bentley Continental GT3-R, Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, McLaren 650S, Porsche 911 Turbo S
RATINGS
- Looks: The Aventador is more spaceship than road car and, while this may be the precise reason why some people find it appealing, it’s not a classically beautiful car.
- Interior: Sacrifices have been made at the altar of performance here: In standard form, the Aventador SV has no infotainment system, manual seat controls and an unforgiving shell of a seat constructed of carbon fibre.
- Performance: The performance of the Aventador SV is staggering and the measures designed to make the car stick to the ground better have served to create a faster, more user-friendly and all-around better supercar.
- Technology: nose to tail and inside out, this Lamborghini is at the pinnacle of technological achievement. The thing is replete with lightweight carbon fibre, from the chassis on outward. The suspension system is derived directly from F1 racing. The engine is pushing the limits of naturally aspirated power generation.
- Cargo: Cargo? In a Lamborghini? Next question.
The Verdict
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9.0
Simply and unexpectedly, this Aventador is arguably one of the best supercars of all time.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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