With the sky for headroom: Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster debuts at Frankfurt

FRANKFURT, Germany – Automobili Lamborghini chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali presented here the newest member of its supercar family at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA). The Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster is said to “combine technologies and driving dynamics of the Aventador S with an emotive open-air driving experience.”

In a release, Domenicali said the vehicle “sets new benchmarks in technology and performance on both road and track, with the roadster version new a new dimension in driving enjoyment.”

The Aventador S Roadster has the distinction of being the world’s only mid-rear engine V12 super sports roadster. Its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter engine develops 690Nm at 5,500rpm and 740hp — translating into robust performance. Lamborghini reports standstill-to-100kph time of 3.0 seconds, zero to 200kph in 9.0 seconds, and 25 seconds to reach 300kph. Top speed is pegged at 350kph. The V12 is mated to a lightweight, seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission for “robotized gearshifts” in as short as 50 milliseconds.

More than just a shorn Aventador coupé, the Roadster’s “rear sports distinctively different lines… giving its own aerodynamic character. An engine bridge runs from the back window to the rear in a mix of body color and matte black-painted carbon fiber engine bonnet blades: a transparent option is also available to show off the V12 engine within,” reported Lamborghini.

Removable hardtop roof panels weighing less than six kilos are molded convexly for maximum cabin space for the occupants, and are finished in matte black carbon fiber. Customers may opt for other specifications including high gloss black, shiny visible carbon fiber, and more possibilities.

An easy fastening system allows for convenient and quick removal for storage in the Lamborghini’s front trunk. Meantime, an electrically operated rear window also allows occupants to hear the visceral roar of the engine more clearly. This window remains closed when the vehicle is in roofless operation mode to minimize noise and airflow.

Boasting four-wheel drive, a new active suspension, and four-wheel steering, the Roadster also banners an Ego driving mode first seen on the Aventador S coupé. The Italian carmaker revealed that the aforementioned steering scheme bestows “enhanced lateral control,” while offering “agility at low speed and more stability at high speed.” Combined with Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS), the system results in more responsive feedback and sharper turn-in.

An updated pushrod suspension delivers better vertical control, as do new rear springs and Lamborghini Magnetorheological Suspension (LMS) with revised kinematics (features or properties of motion in an object) suited to the new four-wheel steering. “A new real-time variable damping system optimizes wheel and body control and balance and ground stiffness is maximized,” adds the carmaker.

For improved longitudinal control toward faster and more precise traction control and vehicle dynamics, a new ESC system optimizes grip in all conditions.

The Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster boasts an active rear wing for ideal aerodynamic balance, depending on speed and the selected drive mode. Improvements in design have greatly enhanced front downforce (plus 130 percent over the previous Aventador), and “with the wing in optimum position, the Roadster achieves more than 50 percent overall efficiency at high downforce and in low drag more than 400 percent.”

Four driving modes are available: Strada (street), Sport, and Corsa (race) and the previously mentioned new Ego (individual or custom) mode, “each influencing every aspect of the car’s behavior through management of traction, steering, and suspension.” Carbon ceramic brakes come standard on the Roadster, as with the coupé. Dione 20/21-inch rims bear Pirelli P Zero tires specially developed for the Aventador S. Inside, a TFT digital dashboard is user customizable, and features Apple CarPlay.

“Lamborghini is in incredible shape, looking ahead with the challenge that we want to take after the great success, for example, of the one-off Centenario (a limited-edition Aventador released in 2016 to commemorate Ferruccio Lamborghini’s 100th birthday). The one-off approach will keep being in the portfolio,” said Domenicali at the launch, adding, “We are getting ready to launch the new super SUV on Dec. 4 in Sant’Agata. We are making something that until today seems to be impossible.” Of course, the executive was referring to the much-anticipated Urus — rumored to be powered by a twin-turbo V8 developing 650hp.

Markets will start to take delivery of the Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster starting in February 2018. And yes, it seems that sky’s the limit for this car — and Lamborghini in general.