A rare and exceptional 2018 Lamborghini Centenario Roadster, one of only 20 ever produced, will be up for auction, marking a significant event for collectors and enthusiasts of the iconic Italian marque. This limited-edition supercar was created to commemorate the centenary of Lamborghini’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, showcasing the brand’s engineering prowess and innovative spirit.
Delivered new to Switzerland, this Centenario Roadster is powered by a formidable 6.5-liter V-12 engine, paired with a seven-speed automated manual gearbox. This engine configuration, derived from the Lamborghini Aventador, has been enhanced to produce an impressive 770 PS at 8,500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines in Lamborghini’s history. The car’s power is transmitted through a paddle-shift-actuated seven-speed “ISR” gearbox and an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 350 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds.
The Centenario Roadster is built on a carbon fiber monocoque and sub-frames, similar to the Aventador, but it breaks new ground with its advanced aerodynamics and rear-wheel steering system. The aggressive all-carbon fiber bodywork features a twin-plane front splitter that enhances downforce and directs airflow efficiently. The rear of the car is equipped with a racing-style diffuser and an active rear wing, which together improve stability and downforce at high speeds.
Lamborghini’s decision to incorporate rear-wheel steering in the Centenario was a significant departure from previous models. This innovative system adjusts the wheelbase by up to 1,200 millimeters depending on the driving conditions, enhancing maneuverability in urban settings and stability on the open road. The Centenario also set new standards in cockpit functionality and connectivity, featuring a center console-mounted 25-centimeter portrait screen that offers navigation, entertainment, telemetry, data-logging, and lap timing capabilities.
The legacy of Ferruccio Lamborghini, who founded the company in 1963, is deeply embedded in the Centenario Roadster. Despite only being at the helm for nine years, his influence has persisted through decades, culminating in remarkable models like the Centenario. Lamborghini’s acquisition by Audi AG in 1998 provided the financial stability and investment necessary to continue developing groundbreaking vehicles, such as this one.
Presented for sale by invitation only, the Centenario Roadster represents the pinnacle of Lamborghini’s engineering and design. Its combination of extreme performance, advanced technology, and limited production makes it a highly coveted piece among collectors. This auction in Switzerland provides a rare opportunity to acquire a supercar that embodies both Lamborghini’s storied past and its innovative future.
Elizabeth Puckett