Lambo Reventon Roadster at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman (show photography Radovan Varicak)

First Official Pictures

14 September 2009 20:30

This is Lamborghini’s Reventon Roadster, unveiled on the eve of the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Under the amazing bodywork is the 6.5-litre V12 from the LP670-4 SV, and for this ultimate limited-edition open-top you’ll need over one million pounds in your pocket.

Yes, but what a dress it wears. The original Reventon was unveiled two years ago at Frankfurt, and the Roadster version has the same jet fighter-inspired looks, aggressive wedge shape and Y-spoked alloy wheels that hide ceramic brakes. Bar the doors the entire body is made from carbonfibre, helping keep the kerbweight to 1690kg, just 25 kilos more than the Reventon coupe.

The only external differences between the two are the targa roof, the near-flat engine cover – with four glass panels that let us glimpse the carbonfibre bracing above the V12 engine – and a new shade of matt grey paint.

Inside there are two bucket seats separated by a huge transmission tunnel, and the driver has a three liquid-crystal displays rather than the traditional analogue dials, though he or she can flick between an aviation-inspired display or the classic round dials. The cowling for the instruments is made for solid aluminium while carbonfibre, leather and Alcantara coats the rest of the interior.

The 20 Reventon coupes had a 650bhp V12, but the Roadster version has the 661bhp/487lb ft 6.5-litre V12 from the awesome SV. That means 0-62mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and a 205mph top speed. A six-speed automated-manual is standard and sends the power to all four wheels, while a rear spoiler deploys at 80mph to increase downforce, and changes to a steeper angle at 136mph.

And this is how Lamborghini describes the engine: 'It reacts with the eagerness of a racing engine to input from the right foot, revving to 8000rpm 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.' We can’t wait to try it.

Less than 20 will be made, each will cost £1.1m and the first cars will be delivered in October 2009.

By Ben Pulman (show photography Radovan Varicak)