Comparing the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, SV, S, SVJ and LP 780-4 Ultimae

The Aventador represents one of the defining chapters in Lamborghini’s V12 history, and one of the most recognised supercars of its generation. Introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, it remained in production for just over a decade before the final Ultimae deliveries in 2022. It replaced the Murciélago as Lamborghini’s V12 flagship and held that position for the entirety of its production run. Lamborghini produced five main variants across the model’s life. The differences between them can be subtle at first glance, but meaningful once you look closely. This article breaks down what separates each generation.

Model overview

Aventador LP 700-4
The original Aventador, officially designated LP 700-4, introduced in 2011 and produced through 2016. It established the carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, and the ISR seven-speed single-clutch gearbox that would carry through the entire family. A Roadster variant followed in 2013.

Aventador SV
Introduced in 2015, the SV (SuperVeloce) prioritised weight reduction and track-focused performance. Lamborghini trimmed approximately 50 kg from the SV Roadster compared to the LP 700-4 Roadster, stripped the interior of soundproofing and navigation, and tuned the engine further. The SV Roadster was limited to 500 units, all of which sold immediately.

Aventador S
Presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the S updated the Aventador across steering, suspension, aerodynamics, and the powertrain rather than focusing on a single area like the SV had. It brought four-wheel steering, revised aerodynamics, individual drive modes, and a power increase, replacing the original LP 700-4 in the standard lineup.

Aventador SVJ
The highest-performing variant of the Aventador lineup, unveiled in 2018. The SVJ introduced the ALA 2.0 active aerodynamics system and produced 770 CV from the same 6.5-litre V12. The SVJ Roadster was limited to 800 units.

Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae
The final Aventador, produced in limited numbers as the closing chapter for Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated V12 in this configuration. The Ultimae Roadster was limited to 250 units and carried the most powerful version of the engine fitted to a production Aventador.

Exterior highlights of the Lamborghini Aventador

Aventador LP 700-4
The original body established the visual language that all subsequent variants would build on. Sharp, low-slung proportions with strong aeronautical references in the surfacing. A two-tone treatment separating the windscreen surround and rear sections in gloss black created the impression of a fully open silhouette on the Roadster.

Aventador SV
Every element on the SV was evaluated for its contribution to weight. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer was used extensively across the air intakes, rear wing, and bumpers. The SV Roadster weighed approximately 50 kg less than the standard Roadster as a result of these material choices.

Aventador S
The S received a redesigned front end with revised air intakes and a new diffuser that increased front downforce by 130 percent over the original. The visual changes were measured rather than dramatic, focused primarily on functional aerodynamic gains rather than a full redesign.

Aventador SVJ
The SVJ is the most visually aggressive Aventador, shaped around its ALA 2.0 system. The front splitter and engine cover integrate active aerodynamic channels, while larger air intakes and a prominent rear wing reinforce its track-focused character. The bodywork is visibly driven by airflow management, with more exposed aerodynamic elements than any other variant.

Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae
The Ultimae takes a more restrained approach than the SVJ, combining aerodynamic cues from both the S and SVJ without the exposed hardware of the latter. It does not carry the ALA system, so the engine cover and front splitter are cleaner in form. Front downforce is managed through a revised bumper and splitter, giving the car a more cohesive overall shape.

Interior features of the Lamborghini Aventador

Aventador LP 700-4
The LP 700-4’s cabin set the template every later Aventador would follow. An aviation-influenced cockpit with a fully digital TFT driver display and the red flip-cover engine start switch as the central visual element. Materials included leather and Alcantara throughout, with a driver-focused layout placing all controls within reach of the steering wheel.

Aventador SV
Lamborghini stripped the SV interior back to essentials. Soundproofing was removed as standard, and the navigation system could be deleted for additional weight savings. The exposed carbon fibre monocoque became visible through the doors, seat structures, and door panels. Leather and Alcantara upholstery were retained, but the overall environment was noticeably rawer than the standard car.

Aventador S
The S carried over the LP 700-4’s cockpit largely unchanged. The TFT digital dashboard was redesigned with new graphics, and a customisable LED lighting system was introduced. Ad Personam personalisation options were expanded, and Carbon Skin was introduced as a new trim material.

Aventador SVJ
The SVJ interior reintroduced refinement without fully reversing the SV’s approach. Carbon fibre remained prominent in the monocoque, doors, seats, and centre console. Cross-stitched leather and Alcantara, along with the individual SVJ Roadster identification plaque, gave the cabin a distinct character.

Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae
The Ultimae interior combined the carbon fibre presence of the SVJ with the laser-cut Alcantara trim unique to this variant. The numbered carbon fibre plaque marking each car’s position within the 250-unit run was a defining detail, reinforcing the commemorative nature of the model.

Performance specifications of the Lamborghini Aventador

Engineering and driving systems

Aventador LP 700-4
The first model came with three driving modes: Strada, Sport, and Corsa. All-wheel drive via Haldex Generation IV with a mechanical rear limited-slip differential. The ISR gearbox used four independent shifting rods, each with a carbon-fibre synchroniser, allowing one gear to disengage while the next engages, enabling shifts in as little as 50 milliseconds and producing the aggressive shift character the Aventador became known for.

Aventador SV
The SV introduced active magnetorheological suspension and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering, both configured from the outset for track use. Suspension calibration was more aggressive than anything fitted to the standard car, prioritising response and mechanical feedback over ride compliance.

Aventador S
The S applied Dynamic Steering and magnetorheological pushrod suspension with a different priority to the SV, tuned for road versatility rather than track response. Rear-wheel steering, operated by two electromechanical actuators, was introduced for the first time in the Aventador family on the S. A fourth drive mode, Ego, allowed independent configuration of individual vehicle systems.

Aventador SVJ
The defining engineering addition on the SVJ was the ALA 2.0 system. Electronically controlled flaps in the front splitter and rear engine cover actively redirected airflow to increase downforce in corners or reduce drag on straights. The system was recalibrated for the Roadster configuration to account for the structural and dynamic differences introduced by the open body. Four-wheel steering and the full active suspension system were retained and refined.

Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae
The Ultimae retained four-wheel steering and magnetorheological pushrod suspension but did not include the ALA 2.0 system. Aerodynamic performance relied on revised front airflow, a front splitter, and an electronically controlled rear wing. Titanium intake valves and updated calibration pushed the V12 to 780 CV, with new-generation Pirelli P Zero tyres fitted as standard.

Selecting the right Aventador

Aventador LP 700-4
The original car in its purest form, produced until 2016. The most raw of the five variants, with the highest steering feel of any Aventador before electronic systems became more involved. It carries the appeal of the first generation, before later updates added more assistance and refinement.

Aventador SV
Built for drivers who want less between them and the car. The stripped interior, weight reduction, and aggressive tune make it the most demanding of the five to drive well. The 500-unit Roadster production limit gives it the scarcest supply of the non-Ultimae models.

Aventador S
A more complete car than the LP 700-4 in most measurable ways. The addition of rear-wheel steering and Ego mode made it considerably more versatile without compromising the character of the V12. Suitable for regular road use and occasional track days.

Aventador SVJ
The most technically advanced Aventador and the one with the most aerodynamic development behind it. The ALA 2.0 system makes a measurable difference at high speeds and on circuit. Limited to 800 Roadster units.

Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae
The final Aventador and the last naturally aspirated V12 Lamborghini in this configuration. At 250 Roadster units, it is the most limited of the five. Its position as the closing chapter of the Aventador and the naturally aspirated era gives it a specific weight that the other variants do not carry.

In total, Lamborghini produced 11,465 Aventadors across the full model life, a figure that surpassed all previous Lamborghini V12 models combined. The five main variants each represent a different priority, whether that is rawness, refinement, track capability, aerodynamic development, or historical significance.

For more information on the Lamborghini Aventador models, or to arrange a private consultation, contact our team at Levore Collection.