2018 Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Roadster
The Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Roadster, unveiled at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, represents Lamborghini’s tribute to the 100th birthday of the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. Based on the Lamborghini Aventador, this limited production supercar stands out for its technological innovations, aerodynamic refinements, and sheer exclusivity. Only 20 roadsters were made, making it a highly coveted piece of automotive art.
At the heart of the Centenario Roadster lies a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, a tuned version of the Aventador’s power plant. It delivers a massive 770 PS (759 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, offering 20 more horsepower than the Aventador SV. This power is channelled through Lamborghini’s 7-speed ISR automated manual gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system developed by Haldex, ensuring explosive acceleration and dynamic handling.
The car rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and it can hit 300 km/h in 23.5 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). Its power-to-weight ratio of 2.18 kg per horsepower and a braking distance of 30 metres from 100 km/h underscores its race-ready performance.
The Centenario Roadster showcases several aerodynamic advancements, designed to maximise downforce and stability. The car features a twin-deck front splitter, allowing air to pass efficiently along the sides. Additionally, the roadster boasts the largest rear diffusers ever incorporated into a Lamborghini, coupled with an electronically controlled twin-deck rear wing. These innovations generate 227 kg of downforce at 280 km/h, keeping the car glued to the tarmac at high speeds.
As the first Lamborghini equipped with rear-wheel steering, the Centenario Roadster delivers improved manoeuvrability in city driving and enhanced stability at high speeds. This makes the car not only a monster on the track but also surprisingly agile in everyday driving conditions.
Lamborghini also introduced a new 10.1-inch portrait infotainment system in the Centenario, which features telemetry functions to record driving data and top speeds. This system marks the beginning of a new era for Lamborghini interiors, combining luxury with performance.
Constructed from a carbon-fibre monocoque with aluminium subframes, the Centenario Roadster weighs 1,570 kg,just 5 kg heavier than its coupe counterpart. Despite the added weight from chassis reinforcements, performance remains identical to the coupe.
The car offers three driving modes: “Strada” for everyday driving, “Sport” for high-performance road use, and “Corsa” for optimal track performance. The suspension system uses a push-rod design, and the steering offers just two turns lock-to-lock, ensuring razor-sharp responses on the road or track.
Each Centenario Roadster features a fully customizable interior, with a choice of leather or Alcantara upholstery. The carbon fibre trim and shift paddles highlight the car’s race-bred character, and sound deadening materials are kept to a minimum to enhance the raw driving experience.
A total of only 40 Centenarios were produced,20 coupes and 20 roadsters,and all were sold by invitation to select Lamborghini clients. Priced well over €2 million, this supercar is a testament to Lamborghini’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, technology, and exclusivity.
The Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Roadster is a celebration of Lamborghini’s engineering prowess and its founder’s legacy. With its combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking performance, and rare exclusivity, it remains one of the most iconic and sought-after Lamborghinis ever built.