If you prefer your Italian supercar motoring experience al fresco, but find the Ferrari 458 Italia just a bit too… common, take heed: Lamborghini has just announced a roadster variant of its most impressive raging bull, the Aventador. Like it’s coupe sibling, the Aventador LP700-4 Roadster sports a 6.5-liter V-12, rated at 700 horsepower and driving all four wheels for traction. The combination is good enough to produce a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 3.0 seconds, as well as a top speed of 217 mph.
The Aventador Roadster sports a two-tone paint scheme, with a main body color and a gloss black A-pillar, roof and C-pillar for contrast. Unlike the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, the Aventador’s two-piece roof panel can be stored on the car, broadening the range of top-down driving. For the full effect, the rear window can be dropped as well, allowing passengers to enjoy wind in their hair and the song of the meaty V-12 behind them. There’s a front-mounted, detachable wind deflector, too, so occupants can dial in just the right amount of cockpit turbulence.
Like the hard-top version, the Aventador Roadster is a kinder, gentler supercar, too. Cylinder deactivation ensures that as little fuel as possible is used at highway speeds, while a Stop & Start system relies on supercap high-performance capacitors to refire the engine as soon as the light goes green. Carbon fiber and carbon composites are used extensively in the car’s construction ensuring that the Roadster is as light and nimble as possible.
There’s no word yet on when deliveries will begin, but Lamborghini dealers worldwide will open their order books immediately. While U.S. pricing has yet to be announced, buyers in Europe can expect to pay 300,000 euros ($381,210) for the privilege of parking an Aventador Roadster in their garage.