► Convertible Lamborghini Aventador S
► Official debut at 2017 Frankfurt show
► 730bhp V12, rear-steer, c. £250,000
Lamborghini has cut the roof off its rather brilliant Aventador S, with predictably pulse-raising results.
The Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster makes its public debut at the 2017 Frankfurt show and goes on sale before the end of the year, before reaching the road early in 2018.
All the new cars from the 2017 Frankfurt motor show
What’s different compared with the coupe, other than the added fresh air?
Not all that much – same 730bhp naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, same active suspension, same four-wheel-steer system. The Aventador S Roadster weighs only 50kg more than the coupe.
Even the top speed is quoted at an identical 217mph. The higher kerb weight trims a tenth from the 0-62mph time, now standing at a not-exactly-tardy 3.0sec.
The rear styling, of course, is rather different, with a new carbonfibre engine cover available with transparent sections as option, to better show off the V12 lurking beneath.
An active rear spoiler adjusts its position according to speed and which drive mode is selected.
What’s the story with the roof? Soft-top, hard-top, motorised?
Like the regular Aventador Roadster, the roof is made of two removable solid panels, the better to retain some of the rigidity lost by cutting the roof off. In the S’s case, the panels are made from carbonfibre with a choice of matt, gloss, visible weave or various other finishes.
Each panel weighs less than 6kg, and is moulded with a convex shape to maximise headroom. Once removed, they stow away in the boot in the car’s nose.
The rear window can be lowered electrically whether the roof is up or down, the better to enjoy that V12.
Given that the Aventador is built around a composite monocoque chassis, it’s far stiffer than most convertible sports cars.
‘The Aventador S Roadster offers the thrill of open air driving without compromising on driving dynamics or the occupants’ comfort’, claims Lambo chairman Stefano Domenicali.
Rear-steer, active dampers
As per the Aventador S coupe, four-wheel-steering makes the supercar more agile at low speeds and more stable at higher velocities, and the magneto-rheological dampers have been retuned to work in conjunction with the rear steer.
There’s the same horribly named Ego driving mode available too, in addition to the regular Aventador’s Strada, Sport and Corsa modes, enabling the driver to tailor the steering, suspension and stability control settings to their own preferences.
A full Dulux colour chart of paint and trim options
The Blu Aegir paintwork of the car pictured is the chosen ‘launch colour’, but buyers can choose practically any colour they like – ‘virtually limitless’ colour and trim options are available through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam service.
Five interior colour schemes are available as standard, and a variety of materials as an option including, inevitably, plenty of carbonfibre.
Deep breath. Okay, how much will a Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster set me back?
In the UK, that’ll be £251,462 before tax. In continental Europe you’ll need EUR 313,666 and around $460,000 in the USA.
Best get saving: deliveries begin in February 2018.
When CAR’s Ben Barry drove the fixed-roof Aventador S coupe he described it as a big step forwards from the original car, and more closely aligned to the range-topping Aventador SV than the standard car.
Bodes well for the barely-any-heavier, very-nearly-as-stiff Roadster…
Read Ben’s review here