Automotive

Lamborghini Aventador

The Definitive Guide to the Last Naturally Aspirated V12 Supercar (2011-2022)

Lamborghini Aventador: The Definitive Guide to the Last Naturally Aspirated V12 Supercar (2011-2022)

The Lamborghini Aventador represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated supercar engineering. Produced from 2011 to 2022, this V12-powered icon bridged the gap between Lamborghini’s analog heritage and its electrified future. With over 11,000 units sold across multiple variants, the Aventador became one of the most successful flagship supercars in automotive history.

Whether you’re researching for a potential purchase, investment analysis, or automotive enthusiasm, this comprehensive guide covers every aspect of the Aventador legacy—from technical specifications and model variants to market values and collectibility.

What is the Lamborghini Aventador?

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Aventador LP 700-4 succeeded the decade-old Murciélago as Lamborghini’s flagship “halo” car. Named after a legendary Spanish fighting bull that earned the “Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera” in 1993, the Aventador embodied the brand’s core values: aggressive design, uncompromising performance, and theatrical presence.

The Aventador was revolutionary for Lamborghini, introducing:

  • Carbon-fiber monocoque chassis (first in series production)
  • ISR (Independent Shift Rods) 7-speed automated manual transmission
  • Haldex Generation IV all-wheel-drive system
  • Pushrod suspension system derived from Formula 1
Production concluded in July 2022 after 11 years, making way for the hybrid Lamborghini Revuelto.

Complete Lamborghini Aventador Specifications

Powertrain Evolution

The Aventador’s 6.5-liter L539 V12 engine represented the final evolution of Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated twelve-cylinder architecture:
Specification LP 700-4 LP 750-4 SV LP 740-4 S LP 770-4 SVJ LP 780-4 Ultimae
Years 2011-2016 2015-2017 2017-2021 2018-2021 2021-2022
Displacement 6,498 cc 6,498 cc 6,498 cc 6,498 cc 6,498 cc
Power 691 hp @ 8,250 rpm 740 hp @ 8,400 rpm 730 hp @ 8,400 rpm 759 hp @ 8,500 rpm 769 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque 508 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm 509 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm 509 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm 531 lb-ft @ 6,750 rpm 531 lb-ft @ 6,750 rpm
0-60 mph 2.9 seconds 2.8 seconds 2.9 seconds 2.7 seconds 2.8 seconds
Top Speed 217 mph 217 mph 217 mph 217+ mph 221 mph
Dry Weight 3,472 lbs 3,362 lbs 3,472 lbs 3,362 lbs 3,417 lbs
Power-to-Weight 4.96 lbs/hp 4.37 lbs/hp 4.75 lbs/hp 4.37 lbs/hp 4.44 lbs/hp

Chassis & Drivetrain

  • Chassis: Carbon fiber monocoque with aluminum front and rear frames
  • Suspension: Pushrod system with adaptive magneto-rheological dampers (standard on later models)
  • Transmission: 7-speed ISR automated manual with 50ms shift times
  • Drivetrain: Haldex all-wheel drive with electronic limited-slip differential
  • Brakes: Carbon-ceramic discs (400mm front, 380mm rear)
  • Steering: Hydraulic power steering (4-wheel steering introduced on S and SVJ models)

Every Lamborghini Aventador Model Explained

1. Aventador LP 700-4 (2011-2016)

The foundation of the lineage. The original Aventador produced 691 horsepower and established the design language that would define Lamborghini for a decade. Key features included scissor doors, a transparent engine cover, and fighter-jet-inspired interior styling. Approximately 5,000 units were produced before the 2017 refresh.

Price when new: $393,695

2. Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster (2013-2016)

Introduced in 2013, the Roadster featured a two-piece carbon-fiber removable roof weighing just 13 pounds. The roof panels could be stored in the front trunk, and performance remained identical to the coupe thanks to reinforced carbon-fiber structures maintaining rigidity.
Price when new: $441,600

3. Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce (2015-2017)

The first “SV” variant marked a return to Lamborghini’s extreme lightweight philosophy. SuperVeloce (Italian for “super fast”) shed 110 pounds through extensive carbon fiber use while increasing power to 740 hp.

Key SV upgrades:

  • Fixed carbon-fiber rear wing with manual adjustment
  • 50% stiffer suspension
  • Optimized aerodynamics (170% more downforce than base model)
  • Stripped interior with carbon-fiber bucket seats
Production: 600 coupes, 500 roadsters (all sold out immediately) Price when new: $493,069 (coupe), $530,075 (roadster)

4. Aventador S LP 740-4 (2017-2021)

The Aventador S represented a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh, addressing the base model’s handling limitations while maintaining usability. Power increased to 730 hp, but the revolutionary addition was Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS)—a four-wheel steering system that improved low-speed agility and high-speed stability.

You May Also Like

S-model innovations:

  • Revised front splitter and rear diffuser
  • 130% more front downforce than LP 700-4
  • New TFT digital dashboard
  • Apple CarPlay integration
  • EGO driving mode (customizable Strada, Sport, Corsa settings)
Price when new: $421,350

5. Aventador SVJ LP 770-4 (2018-2021)

The SVJ (Super Veloce Jota) stands as the most extreme track-focused Aventador ever produced. Combining SV lightness with revolutionary active aerodynamics, the SVJ claimed the Nürburgring Nordschleife production car lap record with a time of 6:44.97 in 2018.

Revolutionary ALA (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva) system:

  • Electronically controlled flaps in front splitter and rear wing
  • D-Aero mode: Flaps closed for minimum drag (straight-line speed)
  • D-Downforce mode: Flaps open for maximum cornering grip
  • D-Forging mode: Asymmetric downforce for high-speed cornering
SVJ Specifications:
  • Power: 770 hp (most powerful series production Lamborghini at launch)
  • Weight: 3,362 lbs (dry)
  • Downforce: 40% more than SV, 50% more than S
  • Production: 900 coupes, 800 roadsters
Price when new: $517,770 (coupe), $573,966 (roadster)

6. Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae (2021-2022)

The Ultimae (Latin for “final”) served as the definitive swan song for the naturally aspirated V12 Lamborghini. It synthesized the best attributes of the entire Aventador lineage: SVJ power, S refinement, and collectibility.

Ultimae distinctions:

  • 769 hp (most powerful production Lamborghini V12 ever)
  • 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds, top speed 221 mph
  • Unique design elements: special badging, exclusive color palette, “Ultimae” interior stitching
  • Refined chassis combining SVJ performance with S comfort

Ultimate rarity: Only 350 coupes and 250 roadsters were produced globally, making it the rarest regular-production Aventador variant.

Price when new: $498,258 (coupe), $546,847 (roadster)

Special Editions & Ultra-Rare Variants

Aventador J (2012)

A roofless, windshield-less one-off track car unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The “J” honored the 1970 Miura Jota. No roof, no windows, no compromises—just pure aerodynamic sculpture. Price: $2.8 million (sold immediately).

Miura Homage (2016)

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original Miura, Lamborghini produced 50 units (split between coupes and roadsters) featuring exclusive color schemes replicating iconic Miura liveries.

SVJ 63 (2018)

Commemorating Lamborghini’s 1963 founding year, just 63 units were produced globally. Each featured:
  • Exclusive “63” livery options
  • Matte carbon fiber roof
  • Unique interior badging
  • Matte titanium exhaust

Ultimae with NFT (2022)

The final Aventador ever produced—a light blue Ultimae Roadster—was auctioned with a unique NFT digital artwork for $1.6 million, marking Lamborghini’s entry into the blockchain space.

Lamborghini Aventador vs. Competitors

Metric Aventador SVJ Ferrari 812 Superfast McLaren 720S Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Engine 6.5L V12 NA 6.5L V12 NA 4.0L V8 TT 3.8L F6 TT
Power 770 hp 789 hp 710 hp 700 hp
Weight 3,362 lbs 3,594 lbs 3,128 lbs 3,241 lbs
0-60 mph 2.7s 2.8s 2.8s 2.7s
Top Speed 217+ mph 211 mph 212 mph 211 mph
Ring Time 6:44.97 7:27.82 7:08.34 6:43.30
Production 1,700 total ~3,000 ~4,000 1,000
The Aventador SVJ’s Nürburgring time remained the Lamborghini production car record until the hybrid Revuelto.

Investment Analysis: Is the Aventador a Good Buy?

The Aventador represents a unique investment thesis as the final non-hybrid V12 Lamborghini flagship. Several factors support long-term value appreciation:

Scarcity & Finality

  • Ultimae production: 600 units total (350 coupes, 250 roadsters)
  • SVJ production: 1,700 units total (900 coupes, 800 roadsters)
  • No more naturally aspirated V12 Lamborghinis will ever be produced

Current Market Values (2024-2025)

Model Original MSRP Current Market Range Appreciation
LP 700-4 (2011-2016) $393,695 $350,000 – $450,000 Stable/Depreciated
LP 700-4 Roadster $441,600 $400,000 – $500,000 Stable
SV Coupe $493,069 $600,000 – $800,000 +20-40%
SV Roadster $530,075 $650,000 – $900,000 +25-45%
S Coupe $421,350 $380,000 – $480,000 Stable
S Roadster $460,427 $420,000 – $520,000 Stable
SVJ Coupe $517,770 $700,000 – $1,200,000 +40-80%
SVJ Roadster $573,966 $800,000 – $1,400,000 +45-75%
Ultimae Coupe $498,258 $900,000 – $1,500,000 +80-150%
Ultimae Roadster $546,847 $1,000,000 – $1,800,000 +85-160%

Investment Recommendations

Best Value: Early SV models offer significant appreciation with reasonable entry prices Best Collectibility: Ultimae variants (ultimate final edition status) Best Track Pedigree: SVJ with Nürburgring record heritage Avoid: High-mileage LP 700-4 models without service records

Common Issues & Maintenance Considerations

ISR Transmission

The single-clutch automated manual can exhibit jerky low-speed behavior. Clutch replacement costs $15,000-$20,000 and typically needed every 15,000-20,000 miles with aggressive driving.

Carbon-Ceramic Brakes

While durable for track use, replacement costs exceed $30,000 for complete front and rear sets. Recommended for track-focused models only.

Electrical Systems

Early models (2011-2013) experienced occasional sensor failures and infotainment glitches. Later S and SVJ models improved reliability significantly.

Annual Maintenance Budget

  • Routine service: $5,000 – $8,000
  • Track use: $15,000 – $30,000 (tires, brakes, fluids)
  • Major service (every 4 years): $15,000 – $25,000

The Successor: Lamborghini Revuelto

Production of the Aventador concluded in July 2022 with a light blue Ultimae Roadster—a tribute to the 1968 Miura P400 that first established Lamborghini’s V12 legacy.

The Lamborghini Revuelto now serves as the Aventador’s replacement, representing a paradigm shift:
Revuelto Specifications:
  • 6.5L V12 + 3 electric motors (hybrid)
  • 1,001 hp combined output
  • 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds
  • Starting price: $608,358
While the Revuelto offers superior performance and technology, enthusiasts argue it lacks the raw, theatrical character of the naturally aspirated Aventador. This distinction enhances the Aventador’s collectibility as the end of an era.

Legacy & Cultural Impact

The Aventador transcended automotive circles to become a cultural icon:
  • Featured in films including The Dark Knight Rises, Transformers: Age of Extinction, and Doctor Strange
  • Countless appearances in music videos and video games (Forza, Gran Turismo, Asphalt)
  • Defined the “Instagram supercar” era with its aggressive, photogenic design
  • Maintained Lamborghini’s status as the ultimate poster car for a generation
More importantly, the Aventador proved that naturally aspirated engines could survive—temporarily—in an era of downsizing and turbocharging. It represented the final stand of analog supercar values before electrification became mandatory.

Conclusion: Why the Aventador Matters

The Lamborghini Aventador isn’t merely a supercar—it’s a historical artifact marking the transition between automotive epochs. As the last naturally aspirated V12 flagship from Sant’Agata Bolognese, it carries significance beyond its impressive performance statistics.
For collectors, the Aventador offers:
  • Proven investment appreciation (SVJ and Ultimae models)
  • Limited production numbers ensuring exclusivity
  • Cultural significance as the definitive supercar of the 2010s
  • Driving experience that hybrid successors cannot replicate
For enthusiasts, it offers:
  • The last authentic Lamborghini V12 sound
  • Engaging, challenging driving dynamics absent in modern turbocharged rivals
  • Timeless design that will remain striking for decades
The Aventador era has ended, but its legacy as the ultimate expression of traditional Lamborghini values ensures its place in automotive history. Whether as an investment, collectible, or driving machine, the Aventador represents an unrepeatable moment in supercar evolution.

Lamborghini Aventador FAQs

New Aventadors are no longer available—production ended in July 2022. Current market prices for used and collectible models vary dramatically by variant:
Model Price Range (2025) Condition
LP 700-4 (2011-2016) $350,000 – $450,000 Driver-quality used
Aventador S (2017-2021) $380,000 – $520,000 Low-mileage examples
SV / SVJ $600,000 – $1,400,000 Investment-grade
Ultimae $900,000 – $1,800,000 Collector cars
The Aventador Ultimae commands the highest premiums due to its status as the final naturally aspirated V12 Lamborghini. Original MSRPs ranged from $393,695 (2011 LP 700-4) to $573,966 (SVJ Roadster), but limited-production variants have appreciated 40-160% above original pricing.

The Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae LP 780-4 holds the top speed record for the lineup at 221 mph (355 km/h). Other variants achieve slightly different maximum velocities:
Variant Top Speed 0-60 mph
LP 700-4 217 mph 2.9 seconds
LP 750-4 SV 217 mph 2.8 seconds
LP 740-4 S 217 mph 2.9 seconds
LP 770-4 SVJ 217+ mph 2.7 seconds
LP 780-4 Ultimae 221 mph 2.8 seconds
All Aventadors feature a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine and Haldex all-wheel drive. The SVJ’s 2.7-second 0-60 mph sprint makes it the quickest Aventador variant, despite the Ultimae’s higher top speed.

Lamborghini ended Aventador production in July 2022 after 11 years and 11,000+ units sold to comply with Euro 6 emissions regulations and transition toward electrification. The final Aventador—a light blue Ultimae Roadster—rolled off the Sant’Agata Bolognese production line on July 26, 2022.

Key reasons for discontinuation:
  • Emissions compliance: The 6.5L V12 could not meet tightening European standards without hybridization
  • Technological obsolescence: The single-clutch ISR transmission lagged behind dual-clutch rivals
  • Strategic electrification: Lamborghini committed to hybridizing its entire lineup by 2024
The Lamborghini Revuelto replaced the Aventador in 2023, featuring a 1,001 hp hybrid V12 powertrain with three electric motors—marking the end of the purely combustion-powered V12 era.

SVJ stands for “Super Veloce Jota”—Italian for “Super Fast Jota.” The designation combines Lamborghini’s legendary “SV” (SuperVeloce) lightweight performance badge with “Jota,” a suffix reserved for track-focused special editions honoring the 1970 Miura Jota.

SVJ Key Facts:
  • Production: 900 coupes + 800 roadsters (1,700 total)
  • Power: 770 hp from 6.5L V12 (most powerful Aventador at launch)
  • Nürburgring record: 6:44.97 lap time (2018 production car record)
  • Innovation: First Lamborghini with ALA (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva) active aerodynamics
The SVJ represents the most extreme track-focused variant of the Aventador lineage, featuring 40% more downforce than the SV and 50% more than the S model.

Yes—select Aventador variants have proven strong investments, particularly limited-production models. The Aventador’s status as the last naturally aspirated V12 Lamborghini flagship creates inherent scarcity value as the automotive industry electrifies.
Investment Performance by Variant:
Model Original Price 2025 Market Value ROI
LP 700-4 $393,695 $350K–$450K -10% to +15%
SV Roadster $530,075 $650K–$900K +25% to +70%
SVJ Coupe $517,770 $700K–$1.2M +40% to +130%
Ultimae Roadster $546,847 $1M–$1.8M +85% to +230%
Investment recommendations:
  • Best appreciation: Ultimae variants (600 total units, final edition status)
  • Best value: Early SV models with moderate mileage
  • Avoid: High-mileage base models without service documentation
The Aventador benefits from irreplaceable status—no manufacturer will produce naturally aspirated V12 supercars in significant numbers again due to emissions regulations, ensuring long-term collectibility.

Quick Reference: Aventador at a Glance

Attribute Specification
Production Years 2011 – 2022
Total Units Sold 11,000+
Engine 6.5L L539 V12 (naturally aspirated)
Power Range 691 hp – 769 hp
Transmission 7-speed ISR automated manual
Successor Lamborghini Revuelto (hybrid V12)
Most Valuable Variant Ultimae LP 780-4 (350 coupes, 250 roadsters)

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button