Debuted at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Centenario was developed by Automobili Lamborghini to celebrate the 100th anniversary of company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth. While based on the contemporary Aventador SV, the Centenario demonstrated numerous cutting-edge technologies planned for upcoming Lamborghini production models. The Centenario Roadster soon joined its closed stablemate, with introduction at California’s 2016 Monterey Car Week festivities held in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Centenario production was strictly limited to just 20 Coupes and 20 Roadsters in all, ensuring instant and enduring collectability.

Among its many advanced features, the Centenario’s rear-wheel steering system was a company first, designed for added maneuverability at low speeds while providing enhanced stability at high speeds. Another first ushered in by the Centenario was Lamborghini’s new infotainment system, featuring a new 10.1" portrait touchscreen, which also records telemetry and driving data. All-new aerodynamic advances previewed by the Centenario included a twin-plane front air splitter, which generates useful downforce at speed while routing airflow to the vehicle’s sides in conjunction with lower-front air blades located at each side of the car. The Centenario’s aggressive rear air diffusers are the largest ever used on a Lamborghini production car, managing airflow in concert with a three-position, electronically controlled twin-deck rear wing. A fully paneled underbody completes the aerodynamic package. In sum, the Centenario is optimized to generate 227 kilograms (500 pounds) of useful downforce at 280 km/h (174 mph) for amazing grip at speed.

As expected, Centenario performance is stunning and worthy of today’s international GT-class endurance-racing cars. According to the manufacturer, the Centenario is capable of accelerating from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds en route to a top speed approaching 220 mph. Built upon the Aventador SV’s carbon fiber monocoque structure, the Centenario includes front and rear subframes from the standard Aventador and power is delivered by a tuned development of the Aventador’s 6.5-liter V-12 engine developing 759 naturally aspirated horsepower at a heady 8,500 rpm. Power delivery is via the Aventador’s seven-speed ISR (Independent Shift Rod) semiautomatic gearbox in conjunction with the all-wheel-drive system developed by Haldex. Suspension is fully independent with double wishbones, and incorporates competition-type pushrods and horizontal magnetorheological dampers. Hydraulic power-assisted Lamborghini Dynamic Steering incorporates variable ratios and delivers uncanny response in conjunction with the aforementioned Lamborghini rear-wheel steering system. Electronic Stability Control with ABS integration deliver enhanced safety and security.

Aggressively styled and constructed with the latest in lightweight, highstrength materials, the Centenario is obviously stunning to view with its myriad design cues. Visually, its impact is similar to that of Lamborghini’s Countach of the 1970s and 1980s and, in particular, the Miura, which shocked all onlookers in 1966 as the world’s very first mid-engine supercar. While delivering exceptional focus on performance, the Centenario offers uncommon luxury with rich interior materials and comprehensive amenities. The Centenario Roadster takes the concept to a higher level, offering open-air enjoyment, yet without compromising performance.

Finished in optional two-tone Blue Cepheus and Blue Hera paint with silver pinstripe accents, this “1 of 20” 2017 Lamborghini Centenario Roadster is incredibly well equipped with factory features and options. Among them are carbon fiber for the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, side gills, wheel covers, and roof covers, plus a carbon fiber/glass engine cover. The Nero Ade interior is also rich in carbon fiber, including the trim, bucket seats, door sills and model designation, doors, and extended carbon fiber shift paddles. Other choice features include the Lamborghini Track telemetry system with cameras, blue contrasting interior stitching, a full Alcantara steering wheel, blue door pull straps, interior cross-stitching, a competition-style blue “12 o’clock” steering-wheel position marker, and Lamborghini Branding Package. Rounding out this bespoke Centenario Roadster are silver brake calipers and captivating Lamborghini Light Design LED front and rear lighting. Accompanied by a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, window sticker, and service records, this Centenario was recently serviced by Lamborghini Newport Beach and displayed just 665 miles at the time of cataloguing.

Upon the Centenario’s launch, Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann declared, “The Centenario has immediately proved itself as a desirable collectors’ car, while demonstrating new Lamborghini technologies and outstanding performance.” To merely say those objectives have been achieved would be a gross understatement.