Earlier today, Zerotohundred was at Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur in Glenmarie for the preview of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster. The Aventador is Lamborghini’s most exciting series ever built; first debuting in 2011 and over 1,300 units delivered to customer to-date, with the Roadster variant is said to set new standards in the world of open-top luxury supercars. The Aventador Roadster was only revealed to the world just a little over a week ago, and its preview here in Southeast Asia is clear indication of how important this region is to Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Visually, there are several cues that immediately differentiate the Coupe and Roadster. The first thing that most would notice is the redesigned engine hood: it now features a ‘spinal column’ with a pair of hexagonal windows that allows sufficient cooling for the engine, drains rain-water, as well as tease passer-bys with a view of the glorious V12 powerplant. Its rear pillar has also been redesigned to accommodate and support the removable roof, protect occupants, and give ample ventilation to the engine. The roof is a two-piece job, constructed from carbon fiber so they’re strong, lightweight, and easy to handle and stows away in the car’s front storage compartment. Removing the roof is a fairly easy process (unlike the Murcielago Roadster) and took no more than 3 minutes as demonstrated to us.
The body receives a two-tone finish; windshield pillar, two roof sections and rear window ‘fins’ painted in gloss black that help to highlight the car’s sleek lines. Also as standard are door windows with chamfered edges that ensure a perfect fit into the hard-top seal, as well as underlining the sharp side profile of the Aventador Roadster. Footwear on the Aventador Roadster are 20-inch front, 21-inch rear Dione design wheels that look fantastic and weigh 2.5kg lighter a piece when compared to the standard set of wheels. On the inside, much of the dashboard is upholstered in Sabbia Nefertem leather, which further highlights the hand-made craftsmanship from Sant’Agata Bolognese. Cherry on the top has to be the powered rear window which allows the driver to control the aural experience of the V12 into the cabin.
Power is derived from the same 6.5-litre V12 unit as used in the Aventador. The engine makes 700PS/690Nm and is mated to a 7-speed ISR gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. Lamborghini claims the Aventador Roadster will sprint from Zerotohundred in 3.0 seconds, towards a top speed of 350km/h. And yes – you can attempt top speed runs with or without the roof. There’s also a cylinder deactivation system and an instant Start/Stop system – a first in the supercar segment.
As you might imagine, the Aventador Roadster is poised to be a very popular supercar worldwide with orders taking up to about 18 months before delivery. Prices start from RM3mil and whilst there have been no orders placed yet in Malaysia, we’re told there are already prospective buyers who are keen to trade in their Coupes for this topless beauty. We don’t blame them.
