Teenage boys the world over have another drool-worthy Lamborghini to plaster on their bedroom walls with the unveiling of the Aventador LP700-4 Roadster. Powered by the same 700 horsepower 6.5-liter aspirated V12 as its coupe sibling, the convertible Roadster boasts the same 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed and goes from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds flat, which is only 0.1 seconds slower than the coupe.
The Aventador Roadster’s removable carbon-fiber roof is a two-piece affair. Each piece weighs under 6 kg (13.2 lb), which is a plus considering the switch to or from open-top driving is a manual process. The roof, which can be stored in the vehicle's front luggage compartment when not in use, is supported by a redesigned rear pillar that also accommodates an automatic passenger protection system.
To cool (and show off) the engine and allow water to drain off, the Roadster’s engine hood also departs from the coupe’s, featuring a central “spinal column” with two pairs of hexagonal windows connected at the sides. The car also sports new Dione 20”/21” rims crafted from light forged aluminum that are 10 kg (22 lb) lighter than the standard rims.
Other differences include a powered rear windshield that varies the flow of air and engine noise inside the vehicle when the top is off, along with a wind deflector that fits onto the front windshield frame and can also be stowed in the luggage compartment during open top drives.
To give the impression of a completely open vehicle, Lamborghini has given the Roadster a two-tone finish with the windshield pillar, two roof sections and rear window area up to the fins painted in gloss black. In addition to the usual color options, the remainder of the vehicle can also be painted in a light metallic blue, called Azzuro Thetis, that changes with the angle of the light.
The centrally-located V12 is mated to an ISR 7-speed gearbox and includes a cylinder deactivation system that turns the engine into a V6 at slower speeds – slower speeds being under 135 km/h (84 mph). In what Lamborghini claims is a first for a vehicle in the super sports car segment, the Roadster’s Stop & Start system uses high-performance capacitors known as “supercaps” to instantly restart the engine.
Those with deep pockets will be able to order the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster for €300,000 (US$380,500) plus tax.
Source: Lamborghini