Lamborghini’s rip-roaring roadster

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”.

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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.”

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Nic studied for a BA in journalism at Cardiff University, and has an MA in magazine journalism from City University. She has previously worked for MoneyWeek.