Adding one more celebratory flourish to the 100th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, the automaker took the wraps off the 2017 Lamborghini Centenario Roadster during the annual Monterey Car Week. Like the stunning Centenario Coupe revealed earlier this spring in Geneva, this al fresco alternative will be few in number – 20 to be exact. Deliveries start next year and all have already been spoken for with each commanding somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.2 million.
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Spun from the same carbon fiber-intensive/mid-engine package as its Coupe sibling, the Centenario Roadster features virtually all of the same drivetrain and running gear elements. Here, too, the bodywork – penned by Centro Stile Lamborghini and finished in unique ‘‘Argento Centenario’’ – has been designed to optimize overall aerodynamics. This includes a variety of integrated scoops and inlets to ensure proper component cooling as well as the fitment of an aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser along with an articulated deck spoiler that adds downforce at high velocities. Further accentuating its bold persona, the Centenario Roadster rolls on Pirelli P Zero performance rubber wrapped around lightweight 20-inch front/21-inch rear forged, milled aluminum rims.
V12 power
Motivation comes from Lambo’s 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 that cranks out 759 horses sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. While the Roadster is some 110 pounds heavier than the Coupe, it still can streak from 0-62 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds – which is only 0.1 tick more – and hit a top speed of 217 mph. In addition to its magneto rheological suspension and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering, the Centenario Roadster also features the automaker’s trick tri-mode rear-wheel steering to further accentuate the car’s responsiveness. Huge carbon-ceramic brakes can halt the car from 62-0 mph in just 102 feet.
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No surprises inside of this latest Lamborghini dream machine, which is rendered in light brown Alcantara Terra di California with Bianco Polar leather insets on the show car but can be custom trimmed to a buyer’s preferences through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalization program. As in Centenario Coupe, the Roadster boasts a new infotainment package with a 10.1-inch high-def touchscreen that allows easy command of its satellite navigation and on-board telemetry. The car also offers internet access and a host of web apps, including full smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay.
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