Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ sets Nürburgring lap record ahead of public reveal

Stephen Edelstein
By
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ full onboard record lap at Nürburgring
Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife  is the modern benchmark for performance cars, and Lamborghini just broke the lap record at the 12.8-mile track. The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ — a new high-performance version of the Aventador supercar — lapped the ‘Ring in 6:44.97, making it the quickest production car to ever turn a lap there.
Recommended Videos

Records fall quickly at the Nürburgring. The previous record of 6:47.3 was set by a Porsche 911 GT2 RS in September 2017. The test driver Lamborghini used for this most recent record run, Marco Mapelli, set what was then a production-car record of 6:57 in a Huracán Performante in 2016. In roughly two years, the record has tumbled by 10 seconds — a huge leap in the automotive performance world.

Related

The Aventador SVJ wore camouflage because Lamborghini hasn’t actually revealed this new model to the public yet. That will happen next month during Monterey Car Week. The record run was made using Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, which will be an option when the SVJ goes into production. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires will be fitted as standard. Lamborghini also fitted the record-attempt car with cameras and telemetry equipment. The record was certified by independent firm Remak, using GPS and data from a VBOX-Racelogic data recorder.

Lamborghini hasn’t revealed much regarding the Aventador SVJ’s specifications, but did say the car will have a power-to-weight ratio of 1 horsepower per 4.36 pounds. That will be achieved in part through lower weight, although the Aventador’s 6.5-liter V12 may get an increase in power as well. Lamborghini also retuned the Aventador’s all-wheel drive system, rear-wheel steering, and stability control for SVJ duty.

The SVJ will also feature the Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) active aerodynamics system first seen on the Huracán Performante. ALA uses movable flaps and channels to adjust airflow, with the aim of create grip-enhancing downforce in corners without sacrificing straightline-speed. Fixed spoilers and other aerodynamic aids can generate lots of downforce, but they also create drag that can limit a car’s top speed. ALA is designed to offer the best of both worlds.

While the SVJ now holds the record for production cars at the Nürburgring, it doesn’t have the overall record. Just a couple of weeks ago, Porsche showed up with a modified version of its 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid race car. In the hands of racing driver Timo Bernhard, the speedy hybrid lapped the circuit in 5:19.55. It beat the previous record, which had stood for 35 years, by 51.58 seconds.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?
Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Read more
The 6 best remote car starters in 2024
Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Read more
The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024
The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.

Read more