2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster revealed

LAMBORGHINI has peeled the lid off the Aventador S to create an open-air Roadster version of its 544kW/690Nm V12 supercar, which will make a public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next week.

Propelled by the same 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 as the Aventador S coupe, the Roadster will be the most powerful drop-top available in Oz when it arrives next year.

Overall weight for the Roadster climbs by a mere 50kg over the fixed roof S. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration remains at 3.0sec, with an equal top speed of 350km/h and the same 8500rpm limiter.

Unique styling changes for the Roadster, other than the targa-style roof opening, are most obvious at the rear, particularly when viewed from above. An ‘engine bridge’ runs over the rear hatch, from the window behind the seats to the back of the engine cover.

The two removable hardtop roof panels, which weigh less than six kilos each, are manually operated and finished in matt black carbonfibre as standard – with several other optional finishes available. A fastening system allows them to be removed ‘quickly’ and stored in the front trunk.

Like the Huracan Spyder, a glass panel behind the two seats can be retracted electrically to allow more of the riotous V12 soundtrack into the cabin. Conversely, with the roof open, raising the glass pane reduces wind buffeting.

Lambo boss, Stefano Domenicali, says the Aventador S Roadster “offers the thrill of open air driving without compromising on driving dynamics or the occupants’ comfort.”

Other advancements that debuted in the acclaimed Aventador S coupe are carried over to the open-top Roadster, including four-wheel steering, adaptive suspension, an active rear wing, recalibrated engine, gearbox, and ESC tunes, and a customisable drive mode called Ego.

Using international pricing as a guide, the Aventador S Roadster is likely to wear a local ticket of approximately A$830,000 when it lands Down Under.

Overseas customer deliveries will start from February 2018, with an Aussie arrival expected shortly after that.