Lamborghini's new Reventon Roadster
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The new Lamborghini Reventon roadster debuts this week at the
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (known as IAA in Germany).
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Lamborghini
16th September, 2009
Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top
two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising
performance. The 6.5 litre twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 km/h
(0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The open-top Reventón is not only
one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.
The Lamborghini Reventón is not destined to remain a one-off. Less than 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors
will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.
Each Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes). Deliveries will begin October
2009.
“The Reventón is the most extreme car in the history of the brand,” comments Stephan Winkelmann,
President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “The new Roadster adds an extra emotional component to our
combined technological expertise – it unites superior performance with the sensual fascination of open-top
driving.” The Reventón Coupé was presented at the 2007 IAA in Frankfurt and was sold out immediately.
Open-top sports cars are a tradition at Lamborghini that stretches back over 40 years. In 1968, the company
from Sant’Agata Bolognese (Italy) built a Miura without a fixed roof as a one-off. The Diablo Roadster appeared
in 1995 with its targa roof anchored to the engine cover.
Sculpture with extreme dynamics
All Lamborghinis are designed with an avantgarde approach to design; a fast moving technical sculpture. The
Reventón Roadster is derived from the same creative thinking as the Coupé. Its designers found their inspiration
in aviation – the aggressive wedge shape is thought to evoke images of fighter jets.
The powerful arrowhead form at the front, the mighty air intakes pulled way forward, the broad side skirts,
the upwards opening scissor doors and the rear end with its menacing edges – the Roadster is clad in a design of
maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Details set stylish accents, such as headlamps featuring bi-xenon
units with LEDs forming the daytime running lights and indicators. The rear lamps are also equipped with LEDs.
Like the Coupé, the Reventón Roadster measures 4,700 mm (185 in.) long. It has a wheelbase of 2,665 mm (105
in.) and is 2,058 mm (81 in.) wide and 1,132 mm (45 in.) high. The driver and passenger seating positions are low
and sporty, separated by a substantial central tunnel.
Behind the two seats are two hidden pop-up bars that deploy upwards in just a few hundredths of a second in
the event of an imminent rollover. A fixed, horizontal wing-shaped member behind the seats bears the third brake
light. The design of the Roadster’s long back is also quite distinct from that of the Coupé. The engine bonnet is
virtually horizontal and a total of four windows made from glass provide a view of the mighty V12 in all its
technical elegance.
Stiff body shell base
The base body shell of the Reventón is already so stiff that the Roadster requires only minimal reinforcement.
It has a dry weight of only 1,690 kg (3,725 lbs.), just 25 kg, (55 lbs.) more than the Coupé.
Like the Coupé, the cell of the Roadster is made from high-strength steel profile and carbon components joined
with specialist adhesive and rivets. The body shell is made almost entirely from carbon fibre elements, with
sheet steel used only for the outer door skins.
Exclusive grey paintwork
A unique paint finish completes the razor sharp design language of the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster. For this
exclusive special edition, designers have planned a new shade of matt grey called Reventón Grey. As for the
Reventón Coupé, which is a slightly different shade of grey, this is a matt paint finish that, in the sunlight,
displays an unexpected impression of depth thanks to its special metal particles.
The wheels of the Reventón Roadster also incorporate the interplay of matt and glossy elements. The five
spokes of the rims each bear a Y-form, and on each spoke are mounted small crescent-shaped wings made from matt
carbon. These provide not only an unusual visual impact, but also a turbine effect that further improves cooling
of the mighty ceramic brake discs.
Aircraft-style displays
The interior of the Reventón Roadster conveys the same powerful design as the exterior. The cockpit is
structured with technical clarity, the interfaces arranged for functionality. Like a modern aircraft, the open
two-seater no longer has classic analogue instrumentation – instead, information is delivered via two
transreflective and one transmissive liquid-crystal displays.
The driver can switch between two modes at the touch of a button – one digital view with illuminated bars and
one level with classic round dials, albeit with changing colour graphics. Centrally located at the top of the
display is the G-force meter. It represents the intensity of the forces acting on the Reventón Roadster under
acceleration, braking and heavy cornering; the same format used in Formula 1.
The instruments are mounted in a casing machined from solid aluminium which is housed in a carbon fibre
dashboard. The interior displays uncompromisingly clean craftsmanship and features a host of carbon fibre
applications – e.g. on the centre tunnel – aluminium, Alcantara and leather. The central panels and the seat
cushions are perforated, with precision stitching gracing their outer edges.
Lamborghini has equipped the Reventón Roadster with full options.
An icon of engine design
The twelve-cylinder engine that powers the Reventón Roadster is a Lamborghini icon – and the technical feature
that defines the 'character' of the car. It is one of the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated engines. With
a compression ratio of 11:1 and a displacement of 6,496 cc (396.41 in3,) it generates 493 kW (670 PS) at 8,000
rpm. Its maximum torque of 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) kicks in at 6,000 rpm.
The V12 engine is a masterpiece of Italian engineering. Two chains drive its four camshafts that, in turn,
operate the 48 valves. Together with the three-phase adjustable intake manifold, the variable valve timing
delivers a meaty torque build-up. Dry sump lubrication ensures that the hi-tech power unit has a constant supply
of oil, even under heavy lateral acceleration. The absence of the oil sump means a low mounting position –
benefitting the car’s outstanding handling characteristics.
The V12 catapults the Reventón Roadster from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top
speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). It reacts with the eagerness of a racing engine to input from the right foot,
revving to 8,000 rpm and beyond, and performing a symphony that sends shudders along the spine. The deep booming
bass, the powerful mid-range and the exultant horn section play music that, once heard, can never be forgotten.
All-wheel drive for maximum traction
In classic Lamborghini style, the aluminium engine is mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle, with the
transmission ahead of it beneath the centre tunnel. This layout results in 58 per cent of the overall weight being
borne by the rear wheels – ideal for a powerful sports car.
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Accommodation in
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This layout accommodates the Viscous Traction permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal conditions, it sends the
vast majority of the driving force to the rear wheels. Should they begin to spin, the central viscous coupling
sends up to 35 per cent of the power via an additional shaft to the front axle. Limited-slip differentials are
located there and at the rear axle with 25 and 45 per cent lock respectively.
Lamborghini introduced the all-wheel drive principle with the Diablo. The reason back then was just as clear
as it is today – four driven wheels grip far better than two, and the more powerful the engine, the greater the
impact of this fundamental law of physics.
Also standard on the Reventón Roadster is the e.gear automated six-speed sequential manual transmission. The
driver controls the gear shift, which is activated hydraulically via two steering wheel paddles. In addition to
the “Normal” mode, the system offers a “Corsa” and a “low adherence” mode. The driver just has to keep his foot
to the floor – the rest is handled by e.gear.
Running gear layout from motor sport
The Reventón Roadster keeps the extreme power of its engine in check with a running gear layout derived
directly from motor sport. Each wheel boasts double wishbone suspension, with one spring strut on each side of
the front axle and two each at the rear. The front end of the car can be raised by 40 mm (about 1.6 in.) to
protect the underside of the vehicle over potholes or on steep entrances into underground garages.
The open two-seater runs on 18 inch wheels. The front tyres measure 245/35, while the rear are 335/30.
Dedicated air channels in the body shell cool the four wheel brakes. Carbon fibre ceramic discs are standard –
they have an extremely light weight construction, operate with virtually no fade, are corrosion-free and achieve
the highest service life. Each disc has a diameter of 380 mm (~15 in.) and is gripped by six-piston callipers.
As fast as the open two-seater may be, its road manners are impeccable. Its performance limits are extremely
high, yet effortless to control. And, on exiting a bend, all four wheels stick tenaciously to the asphalt. The
permanent all-wheel drive dovetails the car firmly with the road, delivering decisive benefits in traction and
stability.
High-performance aerodynamics
A further distinctive characteristic of the Reventón Roadster is its calm directional stability even at
extremely high speeds – a feature that also turns fast highway stretches into sheer joy. Alongside the body shell
design and the smooth underbody, which culminates in a powerfully formed diffuser, the rear spoiler carries
responsibility for downforce. It deploys from the rear edge at about 130 km/h (80 mph) and adopts an even steeper
angle as of about 220 km/h (136 mph). The entire aerodynamic concept – around and through the car – is radically
laid out for performance.
State-of the-art development techniques
Lamborghini used state-of-the-art, highly networked processes to bring the Reventón Roadster to 'life'. The
design, CAD work and model making that took place in the Centro Stile, which opened in 2004, were accompanied
continuously by specialists and test engineers from the Research & Development Department. The Design Department
is directly linked to the neighbouring Ufficio Tecnico, ensuring rapid implementation of ideas. Lamborghini’s
capabilities also include the independent development of the complete electronic platform. This incorporates all
control units – including those for the V12 and the innovative cockpit displays.
All Lamborghini Reventon Roadsters are being built on the Sant’Agata Bolognese production line, with perfect
craftsmanship and to the highest levels of quality.
Technical Data
Frame
| High strength tubular steel structure with carbon
fibre components. |
Bodywork
| In carbon fibre except door external
panels (steel) |
Steering
| Type |
Mechanical (rack and pinion) power assisted |
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Right hand turning circle |
12.55 m (41.17 ft) |
Wheels and tyres
| Front |
245/35 ZR 18 |
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Rear |
335/30 ZR 18 |
Engine
| Type |
12 cylinders at 60° |
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Bore and stroke |
88 mm x 89 mm (3.46 in x 3.50 in) |
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Displacement |
6,496 cc (396.41 in3) |
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Compression ratio |
(11 ± 0.2):1 |
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Maximum power |
670 PS, 493 kW at 8,000 rpm
(guaranteed through the engine selection) |
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Maximum torque |
660 Nm (487 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm |
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Engine position in vehicle |
Longitudinal central-rear |
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Cylinder heads and engine block |
Aluminium |
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Intake system |
Variable geometry with 3 operating modes |
Timing
| 4 valves per cylinder, 4 overhead camshafts |
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Timing gear transmission |
2 chains |
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Continuous timing variation (int. and ex.) |
Electronically controlled |
Ignition system
Static type ignition system with individual coils (one for each spark plug). |
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Firing sequence 1-7-4-10-2-8-6-12-3-9-5-11 |
Fuel system/injection
| Lamborghini LIE electronic engine control unit, multipoint,
sequential timed, DRIVE BY WIRE |
Lubrication system
| Type |
Dry sump |
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Scavenging pumps |
2 gear pumps |
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Delivery pump (high pressure) |
1 gear pump |
Cooling system
| Type |
Liquid cooled with pressurised circuit |
Transmission
| Type of transmission |
Permanent all-wheel drive with Viscous Traction system |
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Gearbox |
E-gear |
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Clutch |
Dry single disc |
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Clutch disc diameter |
272 mm (10.7 in) |
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Disengagement |
With self-adjusting hydraulic control |
Transmission ratios
| Gearbox: |
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1st |
1:3.091 |
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2nd |
1:2.105 |
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3rd |
1:1.565 |
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4th |
1:1.241 |
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5th |
1:1.065 |
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6th |
1:0.939 |
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Reverse |
1:2.692 |
Brakes
4 self-ventilated rotors with pedal control,
hydraulic transmission with dual independent circuits, one for each axle with vacuum servo.
ABS antilock device + DRP function |
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Handbrake
Ceramic rotors system |
Mechanical, acting on rear wheels |
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Front rotor |
Ø 380 x 38 mm (Ø 14.96 in x 1.5 in) |
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Front calliper cylinders |
N. 6 (32-36-38 mm) (1.26 in-1.42 in-1.5in) |
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Rear rotor |
Ø 380 x 38 mm (Ø 14.96 in x 1.5 in) |
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Rear calliper cylinders |
N. 6 (32-36-38 mm) (1.26 in-1.42 in-1.5in) |
Suspension
4 wheel independent articulated quadrilateral system. Hydraulic shock absorbers
and coaxial coil springs.
Suspension with dual front and rear struts, anti-roll, anti-dive and anti-squat bar. |
Performance data
| Top speed |
330 km/h (205 mph) |
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Acceleration |
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 3.4 s |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase |
2,665 mm (104.92 in) |
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Total length |
4,700 mm (185.04 in) |
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Total width |
2,058 mm (81.02 in) |
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Total height |
1,132 mm (44.57 in) (without roof)
1,134 mm (44.64 in) (with roof) |
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Dry weight (no fuel) |
1,690 kg (3,725.8 lb) |
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Front track width |
1,635 mm (64.37 in) |
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Rear track width |
1,695 mm (66.73 in) |
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Front overhang |
1,080 mm (46.46 in) |
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Rear overhang |
955 mm (37.60 in) |
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Maximum overall width with external rear-view mirrors |
2,240 mm (88.19 in) |
Liquid capacities (litres)
| Fuel tank |
100 litres (26.4 gal) |
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Engine oil |
12 litres (3.17 gal) |
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Gearbox oil |
3.5 litres (0.92 gal) |
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Front differential oil |
1 litre (0.26 gal) |
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Rear differential oil |
2.5 litres (0.66 gal) |
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Cooling circuit |
15 litres (3.96 gal) |
Consumption(according to DIR 2004/3/CE)
| Urban |
32.3 l/100 km |
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Extra-urban |
15.0 l/100 km |
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Combined |
21.3 l/100 km |
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CO2 emissions |
495 g/km |
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