Lamborghini’s rip-roaring roadster
The Sián’s supercapacitor hybrid system sets it apart. Only 19 will be made. Nicole Garcia Merida reports.
Those who believe lightning never strikes twice will be taught otherwise by the new Sián roadster, says Viju Mathew on Robb Report. Lamborghini’s latest release is the topless iteration of the brand’s initial venture into the hybrid arena, the Sián coupe. Like its older sibling, the roadster makes 819 horsepower (hp) and carries the same 785 hp V-12 engine as the Lamborghini Aventador.
Most hybrids rely on traditional batteries to store energy for later use, says Andrew Krok on Road Show. But what sets Lamborghini and the Sián apart is its supercapacitors. Think of them as a “turbocharged battery” capable of storing and discharging energy with more “gusto” than the average lithium-ion ones. They can store ten times more power than a normal battery and provide instant boosts when travelling at speeds of up to 130kph.
The design nods to Lamborghini’s past, says Tom Harrison on Top Gear. “The aerial view of the Sián roadster is evocative of the iconic periscopio line inspired by the first Countach.” It runs diagonally from the cockpit to the rear, “culminating in aerodynamic air-streamers”.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The roadster is “just as aerodynamically efficient” as the coupe. Clever “active cooling vanes” use special materials that react to the heat generated by the exhaust to provide cooling. The car is painted a colour called Blue Uranus, with details in “Oro Electrum”, the colour Lamborghini uses to signify electrification – but owners can change it to any colour they want. Lamborghini will ensure that the owner’s exact specifications are met, says AutoCar India. They can choose from a range of exterior and interior colours and finishes, and even have their initials inscribed on the 3D-printed air vents.
The maker makes no mention of even a temporary roof, suggesting the Sián is a roadster in the truest sense, says Matt Bird on PistonHeads. “One for hot Californian summers or balmy Tuscan springs, then – not that you’d expect anything else from a multi-million-pound limited edition Lamborghini.” Only 19 roadsters will be made and they have all been pre-sold, though a few could end up at auction. The cost? “More than you can afford,” says Bird. The most recent comparable Lamborghini, the 2016 Centenario roadster, cost $2m. With the supercapacitor system, the Sián will be a bit over that. “The best and newest tech never did come cheap, after all.”
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
Nic studied for a BA in journalism at Cardiff University, and has an MA in magazine journalism from City University. She joined MoneyWeek in 2019.
-
Bitcoin price one of the most-asked questions on Alexa - here's how to buy the cryptocurrency
According to figures from Amazon, which cover September 2023 to November 2024, pop star Taylor Swift and Bitcoin were named among the most popular Alexa queries of 2024
By Chris Newlands Published
-
Investing for children this Christmas – five ideas
It might not come with a shiny ribbon, but an investment fund could be the gift that keeps on giving. We share five ideas if you are investing for children this Christmas.
By Katie Williams Published
-
Global car shares slide amid lower demand in China – what happens now?
Has the car sector run into trouble? Britain’s Aston Martin and Germany’s Volkswagen are among the key automobile brands that have issued profit warnings.
By Alex Rankine Published
-
Volkswagen mulls closure of German factories
Why is Volkswagen considering the closures and how is the carmaker performing?
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
Is China winning the electric car race?
China now sells more electric cars than conventional ones within its territory. Western countries seem determined to stop them from crossing their borders. Why?
By Simon Wilson Published
-
Val d’Isère is a valley of delights
MoneyWeek Travel Matthew Partridge reviews Airelles Val d’Isere and Hotel Mont-Blanc in the famous French ski resort
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
Review: The Ozen Collection – a dream stay in the Maldives
MoneyWeek Travel Ozen Life Maadhoo and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, where luxury meets nature, are almost too good to be true, says Nicole García Mérida.
By Nicole García Mérida Published
-
Review: An odyssey through Sri Lanka
MoneyWeek Travel Merryn Somerset Webb explores the South Asian country’s ruins, jungle and fabulous food.
By Merryn Somerset Webb Published
-
Flexjet review: the only way to fly
MoneyWeek Travel Chris Carter flies with Flexjet, a provider of fractional ownership of private jets, to St Moritz in Switzerland for the Snow Polo World Cup.
By Chris Carter Published
-
South American nature holidays – take a walk on the wild side
Travel We find holidays in South America where you can explore nature in all its diversity.
By Chris Carter Published