Lamborghini Sián Roadster
Atmo V12 and electric motor combine to make world’s most powerful open-top car
780bhp V12 and no roof
The new Roadster version of Lamborghini’s Sián is the world’s most powerful open-top production car, with its 808bhp usurping the 780bhp of the Ferrari 812 GTS.
Just 19 examples of the Sián Roadster will be built, making it far more exclusive than the series-produced 812 soft-top – and all have been sold already.
Like the coupé revealed last year, the Roadster gets most of its power (some 774bhp) from an uprated version of the Aventador’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, while a 34bhp 48V electric motor is integrated into the gearbox for low-speed manoeuvring. It’s also used to smooth the Sián’s acceleration curve, providing torque fills that mitigate the effects of deceleration during gearchanges. An added benefit of this, says Lamborghini, is that “the pilot will feel only the pull backward of acceleration, eliminating uncomfortable jerking movements”.
Consequently, the Sián Roadster can complete the 0-62mph sprint quicker than the Aventador SVJ Roadster’s 2.9sec, while its top speed is more than 217mph.
A kerb weight of less than 1650kg is claimed, although there’s no indication yet of how much the hard-top Sián weighs.
Lamborghini claims the addition of an electric element doesn’t affect the V12’s sound.
Both versions of the Sián call on a supercapacitor (said to store 10 times more energy than a conventional lithium ion battery) to provide instant torque boosts while they’re travelling at up to 81mph.
Evolved from the device used to power the Aventador’s starter motor, this weighs just 34kg, ensuring minimal impact on performance. Symmetric power flow means it charges using energy recovered under braking at the same rate as it discharges, therefore giving maximum efficiency.
The Sián’s signature design features go unaltered for the Roadster, including the six Countach-inspired brake lights, hexagonal tailpipes, Y-shaped headlights and gaping air intakes at the front and sides.
Also featured are cooling vanes on the rear deck that rotate according to engine temperature, aerodynamic ‘airstreamers’ at the rear and a retractable spoiler that sits flush with the engine lid when the car is stationary.
According to Lamborghini, removing the roof has had no effect on the Sián’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Each of the 19 examples will be built to its owner’s desired specification by Lamborghini’s Ad Personam arm, with the option to choose from a range of exterior and interior colours and finishes and even have the 3D-printed air vents inscribed.
Sián translates to ‘flash’ or ‘lightning’, and Lamborghini is using the model to set the tone for its upcoming electric era.
CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “The Sián’s innovative hybrid powertrain heralds the direction for Lamborghini super-sports cars, and the open-top Sián Roadster affirms a desire for the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini as we move towards a tomorrow demanding electrification.”
Unlike the Sián coupé, the Roadster was revealed at a bespoke event. Lamborghini says it will no longer attend big motor shows and instead focus on providing the “exclusivity, personalisation and one-to one contact” its customers want.