It may not be too far-fetched to think that one of the company objectives at Automobili Lamborghini is to consistently produce cars that, if nothing else, look good as a poster on a young man’s bedroom wall. If that is so, then the company has done it again, just look at the latest from Sant Agata – the Lamborghini Centenario.
Only 20 coupé and 20 roadster versions of the all-carbon fibre-bodied Centenario will be produced and all 40 cars are already sold, at a start price of 1.75 million euros plus tax.
The Centenario measures 4.924 m long and 1.143 m high. Aerodynamic inlets made of several fins characterize both front and rear. Large air scoops in the front bonnet, while reminiscent of 1970s sports cars, are there for functionality: air is taken in through the car’s front contributing to downforce on the front axle.
According to the dynamic conditions and Driving Mode chosen (Strada, Sport, or Corsa), the extendable wing extends to 150mm and rotates up to 15 degrees
Using the V12 architecture, the car’s naturally aspirated engine produces 770 hp and powers from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, and from 0-300 km/h in 23.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h. Braking from 100 km/h to standstill is achieved in 30 meters. A monocoque and body in full carbon fibre provide a low weight of 1,520 kg and a weight to power ratio of just 1.97 kg/hp.
With permanent four-wheel drive, the Centenario adopts a new-for-Lamborghini rear-wheel steering system. At low speeds the rear tires turn in the opposite direction of the steering angle which leads to a virtual reduction of the wheelbase.
At high speeds the rear tires turn in the same direction of the steering angle which leads to a virtual increase of the wheelbase.
The car seen here might seem visually perfect, but Lamborghini is more than happy to finish it to the client’s specification. Sports seats in lightweight carbon fibre are included, with new stitching that features on the length of the dashboard, steering wheel, sun visors, rocker covers, and the new inner door panels made of carbon fibre and Alcantara.
For the tech-savvy, among the standard functions available are satellite navigation, while a 10.1-inch touchscreen allows the passenger to browse the internet, connect to email and social media and use online applications such as web radio. Apple CarPlay.
However, the performance pedigree shines through a sophisticated telemetry function which allows speeds, times, lateral and G forces to be recorded and even compared between different occasions and different drivers. And how about two optional interior cameras which allow the drivers’ experiences to be recorded? That’s cool, right?
