Ten months after Lamborghini launched the Sian as its first production hybrid super sportscar, an open-top variant has been unveiled. Only 19 units will be produced – and all are already sold.
The Sian Roadster, as a true roadster, adds a new purity with the open-air cabin. The aerial view of the car is reminiscent of the iconic periscopio line inspired by the first Countach, running diagonally from the cockpit to the rear and culminating in the aerodynamic airstreamers behind driver and passenger.
The long sculptured contours and characteristic aero wings give the Sian Roadster an unmistakably powerful profile. The car’s very low front, with integrated carbonfibre splitter, houses the iconic Lamborghini Y-shape headlights.
The extreme and strong rear of the car incorporates Lamborghini’s evocative hexagon design, including 6 hexagonal taillights inspired by the Countach. The rear wing is integrated within the profile and extends out only during the driving to enhance the performance.
To optimize aerodynamic efficiency, airflow is directed through the front splitters and through the front bonnet, through the side air intakes and outlets and over the rear spoiler, with no loss of aerodynamic efficiency from the roadster’s roofless design.
Active cooling vanes on the rear use unique materials-science technology patented by Lamborghini. The operation of the vanes is triggered by the reaction of smart-material elements to the temperature generated by the exhaust system, causing them to rotate and providing an elegant and lightweight cooling solution.
The Sian Roadster makes its debut in Blu Uranus, especially selected by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, which works together with the Ad Personam department to entirely personalize the colour and finish of each client’s Roadster.
The Oro Electrum wheels have a colour chosen by Lamborghini to signify electrification. The complementary interior is an elegant combination of white with Blu Glauco detailing and aluminium elements in Oro Electrum, New-design air vents produced via 3D printing allows customization with a client’s initials.
The Sian Roadster is powered by the same hybrid system as the coupe which provides the highest power possible via the lightest solution. It combines the V12 engine with a 48-volt e-motor, delivering 34 hp, which is incorporated into the gearbox to provide immediate response and improved performance. The e-motor also supports low-speed maneuvers such as reversing and parking with electric power.
With the advanced technology, the engine, which incorporates titanium intake valves, has been uprated to 785 bhp. With an additional 34 bhp from the hybrid system, the maximum output is 819 bhp, giving the Sian Roadster a claimed capability of going over 350 km/h. From standstill, it is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.9 seconds.
The powertrain has Lamborghini’s innovative supercapacitor application – a world-first technology storing 10 times the power of a lithium-ion battery. Located in the bulkhead between cockpit and engine, it ensures perfect weight distribution.
Three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power, the electric system with the supercapacitor and e-motor weighs only 34 kgs. It thus delivers a remarkable weight-to-power ratio of 1.0 kg/hp. Symmetric power flow ensures the same efficiency in both charging and discharging cycles, the most lightweight and efficient hybrid solution.
There’s also a highly sophisticated regenerative braking system, especially developed by the carmaker. The symmetric behaviour of the supercapacitor, contrary to normal Li-Ion batteries, can be charged and discharged with the same power. It fully charges the energy storage system every time the vehicle is being braked.
The energy stored is an instantly-available power boost, allowing the driver to draw immediately on increased torque when accelerating away (up to 130 km/h) when the e-motor automatically disconnects. This improves the elasticity maneuvers and makes it more than 10% faster than a car without this system.
“The Sian Roadster encapsulates the spirit of Lamborghini,” said Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “It is the expression of breathtaking design and extraordinary performance, but most importantly embodies important future technologies. The Sian’s innovative hybrid powertrain heralds the direction for Lamborghini super sportscars, and the open-top Sian Roadster affirms a desire for the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini as we move towards a tomorrow demanding new solutions.”
Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar
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