Tuesday 6th March 2012

Geneva 2012: Lamborghini Aventador J

We like our Lambos mad and the roofless, screenless Aventador J is exactly that

---

With a new Ferrari debuting too Lamborghini is claiming its share of the Geneva spotlight the only way it knows how with this spectacular Aventador J, the Aventador for those who think the standard car just a tad too shy and retiring. Unveiled before the show at the VW group preview evening, this one-off special is one of many such cars in the pipeline Lambo says.

Interior features patented carbon upholstery

So this isn't the Aventador Spider. Not yet anyway. The J - allusions to Miura Jota and the FIA 'appendix J' guidelines for homologation classes apparently the inspiration, ditto some nonsense about pushing the rules to the limit - is a more extreme flight of fancy that gets rid of the windscreen as well as the roof. A very expensive way to mess up your hair and get bugs in your teeth in other words, Lamborghini saying drivers are 'required' to have the 'right equipment' for fully enjoying the Aventador J's talents. As if it's going to be used for anything more barnet taxing than low speed/noisy posing around Monaco/the supercar hunting ground of your choosing.

The Aventador's carbon monocoque has been revised to make up for the loss of vital bodywork with new roll hoops behind the seats and luxuries like air con and sat nav ripped out. Lamborghini's not saying whether this strips any kilos off the standard Aventador's 1,575kg dry weight but the implication is there that the J's performance is even more extreme.

The only car to make the F12 look dull

As it stands it gets the same 700hp, 6.5-litre V12 as the standard Aventador, the J's visual impact increased further with F1-style front and rear aero features and carbon-centred wheels. This carbon overload continues inside with a patented new 'carbonskin' flexible carbon fibre 'fabric' upholstery on the fixed, carbon framed seats. Lamborghini even claims the material could be used for what it describes as 'high end clothing' in the future.

Meanwhile a periscope-style rear view mirror harks back to a trademark feature of early Countach models. Even Lambo can't resist a bit of nostalgia it seems.

Daft? Yes. Spectacular? Of course. And the J will go on sale. This one and this one only, for there will be only one and, unusually, Lamborghini won't be keeping it for itself. Indeed it's already been sold. Price? 2.1 million Euros. Plus taxes.

New carbon cross piece covers engine

 

[bernhund]

One fly in the centre of your forehead when your flat out and your gonna look like JFK!

[CatScan]

Think all I can say is: want want want want want. Sorry for the immature comment, but wow. This is from the parent company that can unveil the Bentley SUV on the same day; they couldn't be any more different in position on my wish list.

[Vilhelm]

bernhund said:

One fly in the centre of your forehead when your flat out and your gonna look like JFK!

It'll probably never be flat out.

[arkenphel]

Hmmm, Lamborghini does a lotus (the stripped out Elise one)....

I can't help feeling this has been designed as a piece of sculpture than as a poseur's carriage. You'd look pretty daft with missed up hair and bugs in your teeth as you grin like an idiot rolling past the plebs in Monaco.

Looks nice, though, and will be fab in tunnels.

[MiniMan64]

Dribble.

[E30Addict]

That is utterly bonkers! Well done Lamborghini!

[chilistrucker]

could be on my own, but don't like.

[FunBusMk2]

Wonder who the buyer is? And will it ever see light of day outside of an air-conditioned garage?

[Chris Stott]

I fear I may be in the minority here, but that is just terrible.

[tommy vercetti]

What makes this worth more than 2 million pounds apart from exclusivity? It has the same engine as the normal Avendator, and the normal Aventador looks better too,imo. Makes the F12 look dull, oh please.

[RudolphsOwner]

Personally I think it's stunning! I really like the rear spoiler and can't wait to see what more Lamborghini have to offer, tbh I felt alot more let down by the F12berlinetta...

[TomN94]

FunBus, it is probably the Sultan of Brunei, he gets all the first Lambo's, and then keeps them hidden away in one of his 5 aircraft hangars.

[Roberty]

TomN94 said:

FunBus, it is probably the Sultan of Brunei, he gets all the first Lambo's, and then keeps them hidden away in one of his 5 aircraft hangars.

I don't think that's actually the case anymore.

[suffolk009]

I have a particular soft spot for cars without windscreens. I like that, very much.

[slashley]

Spunktastic!

[Roberty]

Shame about the MAX-POWER exhaust!

[y2blade]

[vincegail]

chilistrucker said:

could be on my own, but don't like.

You're not alone. I detest it!

If you live in London, you'd probably can see a lot of this car during the summer :-(

[Rumblestripe]

Bonkers and very very lovely. As said above probably more sculpture than automobile but I mean come on... I'm semi just looking at pictures of it.

Love the colour too, though it would still look sensational in grey primer!

[r1ch]

That looks pretty incredible imo. Not my style, good job really as i can't afford it, but I love the "over the topness" of it.