When the one-off Aventador J was unveiled earlier this year, we knew it was only a matter of time before a new production topless Lamborghini arrived to grace the show floors and casino parking lots of the world. That car, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, is finally here.
With the top down, the Roadster looks just as sleek as its hardtop sibling, thanks to faired headrests and an engine cover with unusual diamond-shaped windows, evoking a bit of Lambo’s Sesto Elemento concept. Lamborghini refers to the part that runs down the center of the engine cover as the “spinal column,” which is a pretty cool name for a styling detail.
The top itself is made of two pieces of carbon fiber, which weigh 13.2 pounds each. They not only reduce the Aventador’s overall weight, but they also make it easier for owners to stow them in the car’s front luggage compartment. Hopefully, the process will be less complicated than it was on the old Murcielago Roadster, which had a top that was more like a pup tent than a roof.
Other than the new bodywork, the Aventador Roadster shares everything with the Aventador LP700-4 coupe. That means a 6.5-liter V12 chucking out 691 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque. That monstrous power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed, single-clutch automated manual transmission.
Lamborghini says the Aventador Roadster will do 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds, and reach a top speed of 217 mph. That’s nearly identical to the coupe, and it makes the Roadster one of the fastest convertibles in the world.
However, the Aventador Roadster isn’t all about blistering speed and aggressive styling. Lamborghini wanted to make a more refined supercar convertible, so it installed a wind deflector and power rear window. The result is “almost complete calm” at high speeds, according to Lamborghini. The deflector can also be stowed in the front luggage compartment for a more visceral experience.
Lamborghini also wanted to make the Aventador greener. Both the Roadster and hardtop have cylinder deactivation, which shuts off six cylinders under light loads. They also get an engine start-stop system, with super capacitors for extra-quick response.
Other touches that are unique to the Roadster include “Dione” forged aluminum wheels that are 22 pounds lighter than the Aventador coupe’s, and an exclusive color called Azzuro Thetis that shifts depending on the way light is hitting it. This hue was reportedly inspired by the 1968 Miura Roadster concept.
Lamborghini is taking orders for the Aventador LP700-4 Roadster now, with a starting price of $381,000. Order one now, and it might arrive in time for spring.
