SAN FRANCISCO: Like Aston Martin, Lamborghini strutted into Pebble Beach with a limited edition car – the Centenario Roadster that is the counterpart to the coupé version.
As with the coupe, the open-top variant is restricted to 20 units worldwide. It is the latest creation to mark the centenary of its founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini.
The roadster embodies a new design direction for Lamborghini accentuated by clean surfaces and reflections. Centenario’s silhouette features low overhangs in the front and rear creating a clean, sensuous, mono-body shape.
The one-off open-top car is built on a carbon fibre monocoque and the body parts are made of carbon fibre.
Designers developed a special silver exterior colour, called “Argento Centenario”, fashioned just for the Centenario Roadster, accentuating its curvaceous profile. To achieve this signature matte finish, designers applied a new process dissolving the metal while diluting and diminishing the appearance of the metal grain giving it a silky exterior finish.
The car’s enhanced aerodynamic design includes an extending rear wing providing more downforce at high speeds and is equipped with rear-wheel steering for increased agility and stability. A new fully connected infotainment and innovative touchscreen system includes internet browsing and Apple CarPlay for easy use.
Advanced aerodynamic studies were conducted also to achieve maximum comfort for the interior. Thefront windscreen is shaped to reduce turbulence for the cabin passengers, deflecting the air around and above their heads, keeping the level of ventilation within the cockpit to an optimal level for a sunlit environment. Frameless windows surround the interior, providing a light and airy effect while improving insulation.
Equipped with the most powerful engine produced by Lamborghini to date, the Centenario Roadster’s elegant exterior is matched with the the naturally aspirated V12 engine. Top speed is 350kph.
The Centenario Roadster is designed by the Centro Stile Lamborghini. Each component is said to improve performance in terms of drag, downforce and engine cooling.
The rear-wheel drive car uses 20”/21” front/rear rims in forged and milled aluminium, wrapped with Pirelli PZero tyres.
The engine delivers 770hp and allows the car to go from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds. Braking distance from 100-0kph takes place in 31m.
The Roadster comes with Lamborghini’s magneto rheological suspension and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) providing optimal responsiveness and driver feedback. For a lightweight solution and faster gear shifting, it features an Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox.
Clients can specify their Centenario Roadster to include any colour and finish.
The Centenario Roadster on display features interiors in light brown Alcantara Terra di California with Bianco Polar leather inlets, stitching and piping as well as cross-stitching on the seats, dashboard and rocker cover.
Functionality and connectivity include satellite navigation and a 10.1 inch touchscreen. The infotainment system allows for users to browse the Internet, connect to e-mail and social media and use other online applications such as web radio. Apple CarPlay is also included with full functionality for calls, navigation, music and iPhone integration. The infotainment system also includes a sophisticated telemetry function so drivers can record and compare speeds, times, lateral and G force data. Two optional interior cameras allow the drivers’ experiences to be recorded.
The 20 units will be delivered through 2017. The Coupe has a lower starting price of 1.75 million euros while it’s 2 million euros for the Roadster.
Keyword: Lamborghini dishes up a roadster