To honor the 100th anniversary of the birthday of its late founder, Lamborghini unveiled the limited run Centenario super car at the Geneva Motor Show. Only 40 of these limited edition cars, 20 coupes and 20 convertibles, will be built with a starting price of $1.9 million each.
“The Centenario is a car that perfectly combines tradition and innovation. It looks to the future while honoring the legend that is Ferruccio Lamborghini,” said Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “The Centenario is an opportunity for our designers and engineers to transcend some of the constraints of series car production to achieve an incomparable result: the Centenario has immediately proved itself as a desirable collectors’ car, while demonstrating new Lamborghini technologies and outstanding performance.”
V12 power
In the finest Lamborghini tradition, the heart of the Centenario is its normally aspirated V12 engine cranking out 770 horsepower and enables the car to accelerate to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 217 mph. Massive carbon-ceramic brakes can haul the vehicle down from 62 mph in less than 100 feet.
The vehicle’s design incorporates both classic Lamborghini cues, like large air scoops, irregular wheel arches and a sleek flowing profile. The body and chassis is rendered in carbon fiber, which contributes to its low 3,350-lb. curb weight. Moving aerodynamic devices, like the deployable rear wing, help develop the necessary downforce needed to keep the car firmly planted to the road at high speeds.
New 4-wheel steering
The latest innovation offered by Lamborghini is 4-wheel steering (called Lamborghini Dynamic Steering), which combined with the car’s magnetic shock system combines agility with superior roadholding. The LDS system turns the wheels in opposite phase of the front wheels in low speed situations to improve the turning circle and parking maneuverability, while at higher speeds turn in the same phase as the front, adding to the nimbleness of the handling. The Centenario rides on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels shod with Pirelli PZero performance tires.
The Lamborghini Centenario offers three modes Strada (Street), Sport and Corsa (Race). Each is specifically tailored to adapt steering input, 4-wheel steering response and gear changes from the Independent Shifting Rod transmission to match the specified driving experience.
Luxury meets functionality
While the exterior blends classic design cues with high tech functionality, the interior takes a similar approach on the latter score and fuses it with luxury touches. Allowing each to be custom finished to the client’s specification, the Centenario offers new lightweight carbon fiber sports seats, while the door panels feature inserts covered in Alcantara and carbon fiber. The infotainment system includes satellite navigation, connectivity including Apple CarPlay, a 10.1-inch touchscreen as well as the ability to provide real-time telemetry that records vehicle speed, cornering G-forces and lap times, an essential for track outings. On that score, the front trunk also has space to carry two helmets.
The limited production run of the 2016 Lamborghini Centenario is slated to begin this summer with deliveries beginning in the third quarter.
