As expected, Lamborghini today pulled the wraps off the open-top version of its Aventador LP700-4 supercar. The Aventador Roadster makes its U.S. debut in Miami, Florida, before its international premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of the month.
The first addition to the hugely successful Aventador, which has already sold some 1,300 units since its introduction in summer of 2011, thankfully foregoes the annoyingly fiddly fabric cover of its Murcielago Roadster predecessor in favor of a lightweight, two-piece hard top made out of carbon fiber.
Just like other open-top supercars, including Ferrari’s 458 Spider and McLaren’s MP4-12C Spyder, the Aventador Roadster is actually more of a targa than an all-out roadster.
Unlike those models, though, the Lambo’s roof is not electrically operated as it must be removed by hand. Lamborghini, however, claims that its design and low weight (less than 6 kg/13 pounds) make it easy to handle. When removed, it is stored in the front luggage compartment, while going topless or putting it back on is a matter of seconds.
Compared to the Coupe, the Roadster is distinguished by its redesigned rear pillar that supports the roof, features an automatic protection system for driver and passenger and allows ample ventilation for the mighty V12 engine.
The rear window can be raised or lowered at will and there is a wind deflector that reduces air turbulence and, like the roof, can be stored in the front luggage compartment when it’s not used.
The Roadster’s windows have chamfered edges in order to fit perfectly with the edges of the hard top. Moreover, its bodywork sports a two-tone paint, with the roof and the upper area up to the “fins” finished in gloss black.
The color palette has been increased by the addition of the new “Azzuro Thetis” light blue paint that, according to the company, harks back to the 1968 Miura Roadster. Finally, as far as the exterior is concerned, the Aventador Roadster is fitted with “Dione” forged alloy rims, which weigh 10 kg (22 pounds) less, and measure 20 and 21 inches in diameter front and rear respectively.
With the exception of the “Sabbia Nefertem” leather upholstery in the interior, the rest of the Roadster is identical to the Coupe.
Just to refresh your memory, this means a carbon fiber monocoque chassis with pushrod suspension and a mid-mounted, 700HP 6.5-liter normally aspirated V12 with a seven-speed semi-automatic, single-clutch transmission driving all four wheels. It also features the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions-reducing cylinder deactivation and auto stop/start systems that were introduced for the 2013MY cars.
According to Lamborghini, the Roadster accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.0 seconds, 0.1 slower than the Coupe, and tops out at 350 km/h (217 mph).
Lamborghini says the all-new Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster can be ordered in any country as of today at a starting price of €300,000 (US$381,500 at the current exchange rates) excluding taxes (U.S.-specific pricing will be announced within the next few weeks).
By Andrew Tsaousis
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