What is the ALA 2.0 system in the Aventador SVJ?

How do the aerodynamics of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ work?

Aerodynamics are so important to a racecar, and let’s be honest, the Aventador SVJ is essentially a racecar that can be legally driven on the street. However, it does have one huge advantage over a racecar. Racecars have to adhere to certain rules, but with the Aventador SVJ’s aerodynamics, all the rules get thrown out the window. How do the aerodynamics of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ work? We are about to tell you.

What is active aero?

Quite simply, active aero means that the aerodynamic properties of something, a Lamborghini supercar in this case, are altered on the fly for a particular situation. It’s something that many racecars have played with, but few have gone as deep as the Aventador SVJ.

Is more downforce in a car always better?

How does the Aventador SVJ alter nose aerodynamics?

There are two flaps in the nose of the car. When going flat out, the ALA 2.0 system opens both flaps and directs air underneath the car to reduce drag and optimize speed.

When the brakes are applied, these flaps flip, closing off airflow underneath the car and directing it through two vents in the hood. This increases drag and downforce, thereby increasing control and braking force.

How does the Aventador SVJ wing work?

The rear wing is the super interesting part of this whole ALA 2.0 system. You’ll notice there is a center vent near the back of the engine bay. That is not for cooling any components. Instead, it directs air upward and into the wing itself. Air can then be released through the wing’s leading edge.

At high speed, this vent remains open and the air coming out of the leading edge is forced under the wing thereby increased underside pressure on the wing. This is the opposite of how you want a wing to work. It effectively stalls the wing making it produce very little downforce. A stalling rear wing is perfect for high speed.

Hit the brakes, and that vent closes allowing the wing to return to normal operation. However, this wing has one more trick up its sleeve. That vent is actually split into two vents, and in corners, the car can leave one half open and the other half closed which allows the wing to literally steer the car around the corner. See this aero vectoring in action in this video.

What is a monocoque?