Monday 12th November 2012

Lamborghini Aventador goes topless

Hold that 12C Spider - Lamborghini's all-new Aventador LP700-4 Roadster might be the one to have

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Technology wise Lamborghini always seems deliberately one step behind the mainstream supercar elite, for example sticking by robo-manuals while everyone else goes dual-clutch. But being one step behind does bring its advantages. Like being able to flick the ear of Ferrari, McLaren et al when they're not looking and just be a bit cheeky and annoying like that.

New 'Azzuro Thetis' paint inspired by Miura

So when it came to taking the roof off the Aventador Lamborghini hasn't gone for a trick folding hardtops like Ferrari and McLaren. Nope. If you want to enjoy your Aventador experience in the open air you have to remove clips. Manhandle two panels into the front luggage compartment. How 20th century! But, at least, a little more straightforward sounding than the nightmarish 3D puzzle that was the Murcielago's soft top.

This simple approach does bring advantages too. Like the fact the forged composite roof panels weigh just 6kg.

In a gloriously pretentious press release Lamborghini describes the hexagonal windows attached to the roof's central 'spinal column' as looking like 'hyper tech armour plates' (no, nor us) while the their actual purpose (besides boring stuff like draining and ventilation) is to permit 'the beauty of the V12 engine unit to be admired.' Shameless. But brilliant!

'Forged composite' panels store in boot

Who's to begrudge Lamborghini indulging in a bit of theatre though, especially with this, its most flamboyant model. If shy and retiring, or indeed cool sophistication, are your things it's safe to say this probably isn't the car for you. Go and enjoy your McLaren 12C Spider.

The rest of us can just point and grin at quite how over the top Lamborghini can go with what's still, in its own way, a regular production model.

So are there any other changes? Well, it's obviously not quite as extreme as the Aventador J concept shown a little while back. Nor does it cost 2.1m euros though, the asking price 300,000 euros plus taxes.

Other numbers? Well, Lamborghini is claiming the same 217mph top speed and a three seconds dead 0-62mph time, a tenth slower than the coupe. New forged 'Dione' wheels are 10kg lighter than before too. Other than that the spec is the same, the 700hp 6.5-litre V12 driving through Lamborghini's 'Independent Shift Rod' seven-speed automated manual. Oh, and it's got cylinder deactivation too to keep your conscience a little bit cleaner.

Like such things even begin to matter!

 

[anonymous-user]

Sweet jesus

[TurboLizard]

[MIP1983]

Can you imagine the noise as you miander round an alp :drool

I think it looks stunning.

[Steamer]

...But can't help thinking if I had that locked in my garage it would transform into a robot at night and go and do battle with the Decepticons.

[kambites]

Certainly dramatic, but I've never really liked the styling of modern Lamborghinis. They used to start out looking "pure" and gain silly wings and vents over time; now they start out with the silly wings and vents which aren't really my thing.

Clearly others do like it, though.

[soad]

Want!

[MogulBoy]

[myhandle]

Looks like a winner. The roof is back to the targa arrangement like the Diablo Roadster, IE should take a minute or so to fit or remove, not 10 or so like the Murcielago.

[StottyZr]

First two responses are hilarious.

I'll have one in orange please

Fantastic looking/sounding things.

[BeirutTaxi]

kambites said:

Certainly dramatic, but I've never really liked the styling of modern Lamborghinis. They used to start out looking "pure" and gain silly wings and vents over time; now they start out with the silly wings and vents which aren't really my thing.

Clearly others do like it, though.

Funny that, I use to dislike the Elise as I thought it was a bit 'plain'.

But now I quite like it, small size and quite simple styling.

I'm glad they have taken the roof off the Aventador, but the Murcielago roadster was a better bit of aesthetics.

[JCB123]

Who didn't vote 10?

Wibble! In green please!

[Burnham]

Ohhhhhhh...POTW done and dusted by midday on Monday? Impressive PH.

[Crusoe]

wouldn't fancy driving on a pothole filled uk road with those wheels though.

[Boydie88]

Steamer said:

...But can't help thinking if I had that locked in my garage it would transform into a robot at night and go and do battle with alongside the Decepticons.

[Reardy Mister]

In black.

You could roll through Casino Square and be the DADDY.

[Davey S2]

Edited by Davey S2 on Monday 12th November 11:57

[VladD]

Glorious.

Dear non-specific deity. Can you fix it for me to win the lottery this week please.

Thanks.

[Hitch78]

NNNNNRRRRGGGHHHHHHUUUURRRRGGGGHHHHHHAAAAAAGGGGHHHH! And I am spent.

[hms]

What on earth are 'Forged composites'?
h

[toppstuff]

One of the finest exponents of the sportscar breed.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say, but it's hard not to admire the TT's Lamborghini's suave styling. With its curving, pedestrian-friendly nose, sweeping side-lines and pert rear the TT Lamborghini is an instantly-recognisable status symbol and looks good in almost any colour.





Do you think they'll offer a diesel?