Lamborghini Veneno Roadster (2013) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew

First Official Pictures

18 October 2013 11:00

If you missed out on the original limited edition run of three Lamborghini Venenos, you’re in luck. Lamborghini has announced a roofless Roadster version as part of the brand’s continued 50th anniversary celebrations – and plans to build up to nine examples, depending on demand.

However, at €3.3m (£2.8m) – plus local taxes – the Veneno Roadster is ten times more expensive than the Aventador Roadster on which it’s based. The premium versus a hard-top Veneno? A cool £300,000.

Buyers will be paying through the nose for that amazing bespoke body – and open-air access to the uprated V12. The 6.5-litre engine has been tweaked up from 691bhp to 740bhp, which is delivered to all four aerodynamically-honed wheels via the Aventador’s brutal single-clutch paddleshift gearbox. Five shifting modes are offered by  the ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) transmission, which Lamborghini believes is superior to a twin-clutch 'box, thanks to claimed 50% faster shifts, and less weight.

Lamborghini says the Veneno Roadster is just as fast as the coupe, accelerating from 0-62mph in 2.9sec (no faster than an Aventador, incidentally). The top speed is a blustery 221mph, identical to the fixed-head Veneno and four miles per hour faster than the ‘mass production’ Aventador. Updates have been applied to the stability control thanks to lessons learned from the original Veneno project.

Inside, the carbonfibre monocoque is left exposed, while composite carbon is used in the seats and main dashboard structure. Upholstery is Lambo’s own ‘CarbonSkin’ fabric, which the Sant’Agata-based firm says increases comfort by moulding to the driver’s body, but also weighs less than conventional cloth or leather coverings.

There’s no option of a roof whatsoever – the new carbonfibre roll-bar prevents a top being fitted. All-carbon body construction maintains much of the original’s structural stiffness, while the aggressive aerodynamic add-ons have been carried over from the coupe.

At 1490kg, the dry weight of the Veneno Roadster is 40kg more than the coupe, thanks to the necessary chassis reinforcements. However, that’s 75kg less than an Aventador coupe, and a huge 235kg lighter than an Aventador Roadster, which should give the Veneno Roadster the edge on handling. That is, if the cars ever leave their air-conditioned, high security garages they’re undoubtedly destined for.

The red paint isn’t just a poke in Ferrari’s eye – it’s an exclusive shade called Rosso Veneno. Lamborghini has announced that customers will be able to personalise their car to their own exacting tastes – quite right too, at almost £3m a pop.

By Ollie Kew