Automotive

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes debut ... on an aircraft carrier

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes debut ... on an aircraft carrier
The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes its public debut aboard the Nave Cavour
The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes its public debut aboard the Nave Cavour
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The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes its public debut aboard the Nave Cavour
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The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes its public debut aboard the Nave Cavour
Former captain of the national Italian soccer team and 2006 world champion Fabio Cannavaro in the Veneno Roadster
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Former captain of the national Italian soccer team and 2006 world champion Fabio Cannavaro in the Veneno Roadster
The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster on the flight deck of the Nave Cavour in Abu Dhabi
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The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster on the flight deck of the Nave Cavour in Abu Dhabi
The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster sported a "Rosso Veneno" color finish for its public debut
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The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster sported a "Rosso Veneno" color finish for its public debut
The rear of the Veneno Roadster has a diffuser framing the four exhaust pipes that are divided by a splitter
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The rear of the Veneno Roadster has a diffuser framing the four exhaust pipes that are divided by a splitter
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With its sharp, angular lines and arrow-shaped front end, the Lamborghini Veneno has always had a slightly military feel about it. So we probably shouldn't be too surprised that the Italian automaker chose the flight deck of the Italian naval aircraft carrier Nave Cavour for the public debut of the limited edition Roadster version this week in Abu Dhabi.

Announced in October, the Veneno Roadster is powered by a 6.5-liter, 12-cylinder engine mated to a fast-shifting seven-speed single-clutch ISR transmission with five modes. This powerplant, which is the same found in the Veneno Coupe and Aventador, gives the vehicle a maximum output of 552 kW (750 hp) and propels it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 355 km/h (220 mph).

With the vehicle's monocoque and all exterior parts made from carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), it tips the scales at 1,490 kg (3,278 lb), giving the Roadster a power-to-weight ratio of 1.99 kg/hp (4.38 lbs/hp). An aerodynamic setup configured to keep the permanent all-wheel drive vehicle hugging the road – or flight deck – includes rear fenders that are visually divided from the car body, and a diffuser framing the four exhaust pipes that are divided by a splitter.

The rear of the Veneno Roadster has a diffuser framing the four exhaust pipes that are divided by a splitter
The rear of the Veneno Roadster has a diffuser framing the four exhaust pipes that are divided by a splitter

The aerodynamic styling extends to the alloy wheels, which feature a carbon-fiber ring around the wheel rim that Lamborghini says acts like a turbine to help cool the carbon-ceramic brake discs. Pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units are also on board, while large openings on the sides ventilate the engine bay and direct airflow to the adjustable rear wing.

Described as an "open racing prototype," the Veneno Roadster is a fully road legal, open top supercar, meaning there's no roof with just a rollover bar between the driver and the open sky. Lambo says the vehicle complies with all safety and registration requirements worldwide, with airbags and an adapted ESP handling system among the car's safety features.

The vehicle strutting its stuff on the Italian aircraft carrier sported a specially-developed "Rosso Veneno" color finish, but the lucky few who manage to secure a Veneno Roadster for themselves will be able to select a color of their choosing.

Only nine of the Veneno Roadster's will be built next year, with each selling for €3.3 million (approx. US$4.5 million) – that's not including tax, mind you.

Source: Lamborghini

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4 comments
4 comments
kalqlate
Thanks, but I'll go for a Bugatti Veyron for half the price.
Mirmillion
What an abomination. Sorry guys but these studies in excess, designed to pique the interest of terminally-bored middle eastern oil inheritors (who call themselves royalty), thanks to massive risk and work done by US, German, French and Canadian companies starting in the early part of last century, have become offensive. In fact, once could say the same money that buys this sort of toy also funds terrorism.
Reason
Publicity?
Mission accomplished.
YouAre
Thanks for explaining what aircraft carriers are made for!