The Veneno Roadster is a car that looks like the love child of an Aventador and a Le Mans prototype racer. Some say it’s ugly, but we’re not among them. It’s more of a misunderstood beauty, like one of those tall Swedish girls that you don’t notice until they become famous. But regardless of what we say or think, the Veneno remains an extremely rare car, which makes every sighting important.
The ultra-exclusive car was recently spotted in Bolgona, Italy, where it was being displayed at a shopping mall. To what end, we really don’t know. Because the average shopper is unlikely to be able to pay €3.3 million ($4.5 / £2.8 million) plus taxes on something like this, especially the way the Italian economy is going. Still, Lamborghini is making 9 of them and most are probably going to Chinese or American buyers.
Announced in August 2013, the Veneno Roadster is described by its makers as "an open racing prototype with an extreme design and breathtaking performance". A powertrain borrowed from the Aventador means 750 hp are put at the disposal of the driver from a 6.5-liter V12 engine. Is it fast? Oh yes! 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds and capable of reaching a top speed of 355 km/h (220 mph).
All those crazy wedge shapes and creases were carefully sculpted of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and sit on top of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer monocoque. The result of all this weight saving is a curb weight of only 1,490 kg (3,278 lbs) which makes for a power-to-weight ratio of 1.99 kg/hp. Not bad for something displayed at the mall.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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