Huge £1.7m price tag fails to stop Lamborghini selling out

Lamborghini has unveiled its new Centenario Roadster at the Monterey Car Week in California – but forget ordering one.

Essentially an open-top version of the Centenario, built to celebrate what would have been founder Ferrucio Lamborghini’s 100th birthday, just 20 examples will be produced.

And despite the £1.7 million pre-tax asking price, all of them have been sold.

Like its hard-top counterpart, the Roadster gets a naturally aspirated V12 engine with 759bhp and a carbon-fibre monocoque construction, giving the driver a top speed of 217mph.

It also gets rear-wheel steering and a clever touchscreen infotainment system with internet access and on-board telemetry.

Even so, its lightweight construction means it tips the scales at just 1.57 tonnes – a mere 50kg heavier than the hard-top – and has a power-to-weight ratio of just over 2kg per horsepower.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen has revealed a new high-specification version of its Transporter van, called the Sportline.

Priced at £36,295 plus VAT, the new trim level sits above the Highline in the range and is designed to make the passenger-carrying van sportier and more comfortable for everyday use.

At launch, the new trim will be available solely on the T32 Kombi model, although further variants, including a panel van, will be offered later this year in time for 2017 deliveries.

From the outside, the newcomer is set apart by 18in two-tone alloy wheels, lowered suspension and sportier bumpers.

Inside, there’s embossed leather upholstery, air conditioning, a heated windscreen and the Discover Media touchscreen satellite navigation system.

Under the bonnet is a two-litre diesel engine producing 178bhp and connected to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. A more powerful 201bhp diesel will join the range at a later date, as well as a sixspeed manual transmission.

Despite an eye watering £1.7m cover price, all 20 Centario Roadsters have been sold.