The Crittenden Automotive Library

Ridiculously Sublime

Topics: Lamborghini Veneno

Ridiculously Sublime

Geoff Maxted
DriveWrite
December 3, 2013

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster made its public debut on board an Italian aircraft carrier on 1st December 2013. At an exclusive ‘Italian evening’ attended by authorities, clients, VIPs and media, the limited edition super sports car, of which only nine will be produced, was formally unveiled on the flight deck of the 240 metre ship while docked in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed port.

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is an open racing prototype with an extreme design and breathtaking performance - according to the blurb. And it is one of the world’s most exclusive automobiles – no more than nine units will be built during the course of 2014 and sold at a price of 3.3 million Euros (excluding tax, if that‘s a concern).

The Veneno Roadster is truly extreme and guarantees an intense driving experience – because open means truly open. There is no roof, just a strong rollover bar for optimum safety. The design is focused on optimum aerodynamics and stability through fast corners – with handling akin to that of a racing prototype. Yet it is fully road legal.

With a maximum output of 750hp, the Veneno Roadster accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 2.9 seconds and top speed stands at 221mph. The Roadster is driven by a twelve-cylinder engine with a displacement of 6.5L and is equipped with the extremely fast-shifting ISR transmission with five modes, permanent all-wheel drive and a racing chassis with pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units.

The Lamborghini Veneno brings the aerodynamic efficiency of a racing prototype to the road. Every detail of its form pursues a clear function – exceptional dynamics, optimum downforce with minimal drag and perfect cooling of the high-performance engine. With extreme proportions, as well as the powerfully arrow-shaped front end and the interplay between razor-sharp lines and precise surfaces, it could only be a Lambo.

The entire design of the Lamborghini has been laid out for perfect airflow and downforce. The front end works as a large aerodynamic wing. The visual division of the rear fenders from the car body is a reference to the world of racing cars and optimizes the aerodynamic flow. The smooth underbody transitions into a substantial diffuser framing the four sizable exhaust pipes divided by a splitter. Large openings serve to ventilate the engine bay and direct airflow to the rear wing. The design of the adjustable rear wing is the product of motorsport experience and extensive aerodynamic simulation to ensure optimum airflow in the interaction of the rear wing with the rear diffuser.

The design of the exclusive alloy wheels is also determined by aerodynamic functionality – a carbon fibre ring around the wheel rim works like a turbine to deliver additional cooling air to the carbon-ceramic brake discs. The intense paint colour “Rosso Veneno” was developed exclusively for the car, although each single customer will be able to individualize his own vehicle to suit his personal preferences.

Carbon fibre dominates also the interior. The monocoque is visible inside the car around the central tunnel and the sills. The two lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite. The woven carbon-fibre CarbonSkin is used to clad the entire cockpit, part of the seats and the headliner. Like a hi-tech fabric, this extremely fine-looking matting fits perfectly to any form and reduces the weight of the vehicle.

Completely daft of course; over the top, totally unpractical and a kick in the teeth to the green lobby, but without automotive technology like this cars would just be transport.