Lambo unveils Veneno Roadster 18 | 10 | 2013
THIS IS THE first sight of Lamborghini’s new Veneno Roadster. The car is the convertible version of the Veneno coupe first shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor show, and which was limited to just four examples in total.
Lamborghini though is planning to build nine Veneno Roadsters, each priced at a cool 3.3 million euros — at today's exchange rate, that's a cool £2.8 million!
Powered by the Aventador-derived 12-cylinder, 6.5-litre 750bhp engine, it'll hit 62mph from standstill in 2.9secs and carry on to a top speed of 221mph.
Just as well then that he car's fitted with permanent all-wheel drive, an extremely fast-shifting ISR transmission with five modes, plus a racing chassis with pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units.
According to Lamborghini, the entire design of the Veneno Roadster has been laid out for perfect airflow and downforce. The front end works as a large aerodynamic wing, while the visual division of the rear fenders from the car body is a reference to the world of racing cars and optimises the aerodynamic flow.
The smooth underbody transitions into a substantial diffuser framing the four sizeable exhaust pipes divided by a splitter. Large openings serve to ventilate the engine bay and direct airflow to the rear wing.
Related: Lamborghini shows 221mph Veneno Coupe
The design of the adjustable rear wing is the product of motorsport experience and extensive aerodynamic simulation to ensure optimum airflow in the interaction of the rear wing with the rear diffuser.
The design of the exclusive alloy wheels is also determined by aerodynamic functionality — a carbon-fibre ring around the wheel rim works like a turbine to deliver additional cooling air to the carbon-ceramic brake discs.
The intense paint colour ‘‘Rosso Veneno’’ was developed exclusively for the Veneno Roadster, although each customer will be able to individualise his own vehicle to suit his personal preferences.
A monocoque made from carbonfibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) forms the basis of the Roadster. All exterior parts are made from CFRP.
The Veneno Roadster meets all safety and registration requirements worldwide, and naturally also incorporates a full complement of safety systems from airbags through to the adapted ESP handling system.
Carbonfibre also dominates the interior of the Veneno Roadster. The carbonfibre monocoque is visible inside the car around the central tunnel and the sills. The two lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite.
The woven carbonfibre CarbonSkin is used to clad the entire cockpit, part of the seats and the headliner. Like a hi-tech fabric, the carbonfibre matting fits perfectly to any form and reduces the weight of the vehicle: it weighs just just 1490kg, or 3278lbs.
Related: Lamborghini's new Aventador Roadster
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Jim McGill