Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 13th September 2017

The Aventador S Roadster was presented by Automobili Lamborghini at the IAA in Frankfurt, combining the technologies and driving dynamics of the Aventador S with an emotive open-air driving experience. “The new Aventador S Roadster sets new benchmarks in technology and performance on both road and track, with the roadster version adding a new dimension in driving enjoyment,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali. “The Aventador S Roadster offers the thrill of open air driving without compromising on driving dynamics or the occupants’ comfort, and adds a further luxurious dimension through the personalization options available.” The Aventador S Roadster is the only mid-rear engine V12 super sports roadster. Alongside class-leading performance figures, the roadster’s unique status is enhanced by multiple colour and trim options, including new materials and extensive use of carbon fibre as well as virtually limitless potential through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalisation program.

Air and space - the aerodynamic roadster design 

The roadster maintains the unmistakable design of the Aventador S along with unique features reflecting its roadster persona: a combination of distinctive Lamborghini design DNA and the result of extensive aerodynamic testing. The car’s rear sports distinctively different lines to the coupé, giving the roadster its own aerodynamic character. An engine bridge runs from the back window to the rear in a mix of body colour and matt black painted carbon fibre engine bonnet blades: a transparent option is also available to show off the V12 engine within.

Sleek, removable, hardtop roof panels, weighing less than 6kg, are convexly moulded to ensure maximum cabin space for the occupants. Finished in matt black carbon fibre, optional specifications including high gloss black, shiny visible carbon fibre, and further Ad Personam possibilities. An easy fastening system allows the roof panels to be quickly removed and stored in the front trunk. The rear window is electrically operated at the push of a button for drivers wanting to hear the beat of the V12 powerplant: while closed during roofless driving, the window minimises cabin noise and airflow. 

Colour and trim, inside and out  

Complementing external colours, five interior configurations are offered, featuring leather and Alcantara in single and bi-colour combinations and various stitching and trim choices. Further external and internal packages such as ‘branding’ and ‘carbon fibre’ are offered, with the Ad Personam program for clients wanting to customise their Aventador S Roadster even further. Clients can also select the internal specification of the roof panels: covered in black Alcantara framed by matt black carbon as standard, an optional Carbon Skin package (Lamborghini’s high tech fabric that is even lighter than Alcantara) can cover the interior roof panels as well as around the cockpit and parts of the cabin.

The Aventador S Roadster is launched in the Ad Personam Colour Blu Aegir, inspired by the peaceful turquoise ocean hiding an indomitable force beneath: sophisticated yet powerful, with extensive use of carbon fibre. The wing mirrors and windscreen frame are finished in high gloss carbon fibre while the lower part of the car including front and rear bumper, side skirts, air intakes and outlets are in visible carbon fibre. The configuration internally demonstrates the potential of the Ad Personam program, using Blu Delphinus leather contrasted with Bianco Polar, with Blu Delphinus S-trim stripes on seats, doors and dashboard and even the floor mats in blue and white. 

Aventador S Roadster - design and technologies  

The Aventador Roadster’s ‘S’ suffix denotes the design and technology advancements of the new model. The Roadster adopts the four-wheel drive, new active suspension, new four-wheel steering system, and the new EGO driving mode introduced on the Aventador S coupé, and with the redevelopment of every aspect of suspension and electronic control systems, its ‘total control concept’ assures superior drive, ride and performance.

Enhanced lateral control from the new four-wheel steering provides improved agility at low speed and more stability at high speed, combined with Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for responsive feedback and sharper turn-in. Improved vertical control comes from updated pushrod suspension, new rear springs and Lamborghini Magneto-rheological Suspension (LMS) with revised kinematics adapted to the new four-wheel steering. A new real-time variable damping system optimises wheel and body control and balance and ground stiffness is maximised. An optimised ESC system improves longitudinal control for faster and more precise management of traction control and vehicle dynamics depending on driving mode selected, maximising grip in all conditions and enhancing handling. The permanent four-wheel drive’s calibration allows for the stabilising effect of the new rear-wheel steering, allowing more torque to the rear axle: when powering off, less torque is shifted to the front axle to allow a sporty but safe drive.

The active rear wing optimises the car’s aerodynamic balance depending on speed and the selected drive mode, and its significantly enhanced overall aerodynamic design improves front downforce by more than 130% over the previous Aventador. With the wing in optimum position the roadster achieves over 50% overall efficiency at high downforce and in low drag more than 400%. The Aventador S Roadster’s four driving modes allows selection of STRADA, SPORT and CORSA and the new EGO mode, each influencing every aspect of the car’s behaviour through management of traction, steering and suspension. EGO allows the driver to set up his preferred criteria in each mode to suit his driving style. Accelerating 0-100km/h in just 3.0 seconds, with a top speed equal to the Aventador S coupé of 350km/h, the Aventador S Roadster weighs just 50kg more than the coupé. Its 6.5 litre V12 engine outputs the same 740hp as the coupé, with 690Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. The seven-speed lightweight Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) transmission provides robotised gearshifts in up to 50 milliseconds, with carbon ceramic brakes as standard. Dione 20”/21” rims are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires especially developed for the Aventador S. Inside, the TFT digital dashboard can be customised to the driver’s preferences and Apple CarPlay™ is standard.

With quotes from Stefano Domenicali we take a look at the new Aventador S Roadster by Automobili Lamborghini launched at IAA in Frankfurt.