Lamborghini Centenario Roadster makes public debut in Paris

The Lamborghini Centenario Roadster, a convertible version of its Lamborghini Aventador-based Centenario Coupé, has been shown in Paris one month after it was revealed at Monterey Car Week.

All 20 models of the limited edition Centenario Roadster have already sold out, at a starting price of £1.73m (€2m plus tax).

Both the Roadster and its Coupé sibling, which also sold out ahead of its Geneva motor show reveal in March, have been made to honour the 100th birthday of Ferruccio Lamborghini. The brand’s founder was born on 28th April 1916.

The Centenario Roadster, like the Coupé, uses Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated V12 6.5-litre engine with power ramped up to 759bhp – 19bhp more than the Aventador SV. Maximum revs have also increased from 8350rpm to 8600rpm. 

Weighing 1570kg – 50kg more than the Coupé iteration – the Roadster has a power-to-weight ratio of 483bhp/ton.

The Centenario Roadster completes the 0-62mph sprint in 2.9sec, 0.1sec slower than the Coupé, while a top speed of 217mph is claimed.

The car maker says that the Roadster displays a “new design direction for Lamborghini accentuated by clean surfaces and superb reflections as ‘form follows function’ “.

Built on a carbonfibre monocoque with carbonfibre body parts, the Roadster’s design includes an extending rear wing for increased downforce at speed. According to vehicle dynamic conditions and Driving Mode chosen, the wing extends to 150mm and rotates up to 15 degrees for optimal aerodynamic efficiency in high performance conditions, claims Lamborghini.

The model employs rear-wheel-steering for increasing agility and uses Pirelli PZero tyres, sitting on a set of bespoke rims – 20 inches in size at the front and 21 inches at the rear – specifically developed for rear-wheel steering. The wheels’ fan shape design hide ducts extracting hot air from the carbon ceramic brakes.

The model also gets a new infotainment system with 10.1-inch touchscreen which enables internet browsing and Apple CarPlay.

For track enthusiasts, the system includes a telemetry function so drivers can record and compare speeds, times, lateral and G force data, while two optional interior cameras can record the experience.

Lamborghini boss Stefano Domenicali said:“Lamborghini prides itself on the relentless pursuit of experimentation. We are proud to unleash Centenario’s further potential in the form of a classic roadster; the perfect harmony between innovation and timeless design. This unique engineering achievement is a befitting tribute to Lamborghini’s extraordinary past and a preview of its brilliant future.