Automobile Trends: Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

At this very same Frankfurt show two years ago, Lamborghini unveiled the Reventon -- the Raging Bull's stunning, range-topping super model. With all 20 copies of the Reventon gone and the Murcielego nearing the end of its long lifespan, Sant A'gata Bolognese has one more trick behind the curtain in the form of the Reventon Roadster.
In all, the Reventon Roadster is essentially a Reventon with a removable roof. It's powered by the same 6.5L V-12, though it now makes 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque and can hit 62 mph in just 3.4 secs and a top speed of 205 mph, but this time with the wind in your hair. A dry-sump oiling system keeps the engine lubricated and mounted as low as possible for optimal weight distribution, which, at 42/58 front/rear is optimal, according to Lamborghini. Lamborghini's E-Gear single-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission sends power to all four wheels and, when the rear wheels are just spinning, can send up to 35% of the power to the front.
Like other Lamborghinis, the Reventon is a carbon-fiber masterpiece. The main tub is made of carbon-fiber with steel reinforcements while the bodywork is all carbon-fiber, save for the steel door skins. Lamborghini found that the structure of the original Reventon was so strong that minimal reinforcement was needed when they removed the roof. As a result, the Reventon Roadster checks in at 3,725 lbs, just 55 lbs heavier than the original.
As with the specifications, the styling of the Reventon Roadster is quite similar to the original Reventon. In fact, the roof is nearly the only way to tell the two apart. Aside from new lines around the removable roof, the Roadster looks nearly identical to the original save its redesigned 18-in. five-spoke carbon-fiber and aluminum wheels. Hi-tech features like LED running lights, tail lights and bi-xenon headlights are again present.
It's much the same story inside. The Reventon Roadster keeps the original's three-LCD digital instrument cluster which can be switched between simulated analog gauges and a jet fighter-like display, complete with g meters. Carbon-fiber again features prominently along with Alcantara, Leather and aluminum. Because the Reventon Roadster is a top-of-the-line model, each is shipped with full options.
Underneath all the carbon-fiber, double-wishbones at all four corners keep the Reventon Roadster planted while massive 245/35 ZR 18 front and 335/30 ZR 18 rear tires provide the grip. Three settings, Norma, Corsa and "low adherence," alter suspension settings as well as engine and transmission response for various road conditions. 15-in. carbon-ceramic brakes on all four corners are clamped by six-piston calipers to provide stopping power for the 200+ mph beast. Like other Lamborghinis, the front end can be automatically raised up 1.6 inches to clear speed bumps, potholes and other obstacles.
If you missed out on owning your own Reventon last time around, or were turned off by the fixed roof, you'll want to act quickly. If the EPA-estimated 10 mpg city and 16 mpg highway and the 1.1 million euro ($1.6 million) price tag don't scare you, you'd better get on the phone with Sant A'Gata Bolognese before the "less than 20" copies of the Reventon Roadster are gone.