Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce

Superveloce has a special meaning for students of Lamborghini history.

The ‘SV’ suffix has graced high performance versions of the Miura, Diablo and Murcielago in the past, so we know what to expect with the Aventador SV; even more power and performance from the Lamborghini flagship model.

As well as taking their inspiration from the previous SV models, the engineers and designers of Sant’Agata also cite the Countach Evoluzione, which pioneered the use of composite materials at Lamborghini. So the Aventador SV doesn’t simply feature a more powerful V12 engine, it also incorporates revised aerodynamics, magneto-rheological damping and reduced weight to create an even more dynamic driving experience.

From the front, you can spot the redesigned front skirt and wings, while the larger front intakes help cool the 750hp V12 engine and brakes. At the rear, a large race-style wing and huge rear diffuser create high levels of downforce; the former can be manually adjusted. The additional power of the 750hp V12 demands more cooling, so the Aventador SV also features a mesh rear panel and an extra radiator that draws air from the fixed side intakes. Black Dione forged 20”/21” rims are another standout feature.

The interior has been completely revised with a focus on reducing weight. The new sports bucket seats and the door panels are made of carbon and the infotainment system is deleted in the interest of weight saving, though it can be specified as a no-cost option. The result is a weight reduction of 50kg that contributes to the impressive 2.03 kg/hp power to weight ratio. Not only is the Aventador SV the most powerful production series Lamborghini, it’s also exceptionally agile and precise.

Before admiring that 6.5-litre V12, it’s worth taking a closer look at the Aventador SV chassis. The race-derived pushrod suspension system features adaptive magneto-rheological dampers which react within milliseconds to road conditions and driving style. Wheel damping is individually adjusted during cornering, virtually eliminating body roll and making the steering and handling more responsive. Lamborghini Dynamic Steering variably adapts to the road speed and dynamic mode selected, so there’s no trade-off between low-speed manoeuvring and high-speed precision.

Lamborghini’s Maranello rivals may be driving down the turbo route, but the glorious 6.5 litre V12 in the Aventador SV remains naturally aspirated. Power is up to 750hp at 8,400 rpm, with optimised variable valve timing and variable intake to fatten the torque curve at high rpm.

A new lightweight exhaust system lowers back pressure and liberates the sensational cry of the mighty V12 at high rpm. As with the ‘standard’ Aventador, the SV transmits its power to all four wheels via a Lamborghini ISR transmission. A self-locking differential at the rear axle and an electronic differential lock at the front are controlled by the ESP, with different settings controlled from within the cockpit via the Drive Select System. ‘Superveloce’ translates as ‘superfast’; in the case of the Aventador SV, that’s practically an understatement.