On-Site Report from Geneva

Lamborghini Veneno | Lamborghini Veneno

The Lamborghini Among Lamborghinis

Geneva Motor Show 2013Lamborghini's ultimate model, unveiled on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show 2013.VenenoTatsuya Otani reports from Geneva on this special Lamborghini, of which only three exist in the world.

Text by OTANI Tatsuya
Event Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko

Another Hero

Ferrari, its long-time rival,announced its new flagship modeland McLaren, the "newcomer",unveiled the production model of the "P1"At this year's Geneva Motor Show, where these announcements were made, Lamborghini, another hero of the supercar world, could not afford to stand idly by.

Moreover, 2013 marks an important year for Lamborghini as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. It was in this context that they presented the Veneno, introduced here.

Even so, the exterior design is striking.

Upon closer inspection, like the LaFerrari and P1, it incorporates a design concept similar to Le Mans racers. However, the Veneno seems to have taken this concept even further. For example, the multiple louvers on the engine cover are likely an evolution of the Aventador's design, but it's questionable how much aerodynamic advantage such linear designs truly offer.

Looking at the front section, if you follow the line from the headlights down to the chin spoiler, you see a protrusion that resembles a cut pipe. This element originated in F1 to mitigate turbulence around the front tires.

It should theoretically be unnecessary for the Veneno, with its substantial front cowl. While it might be used for cooling the front brakes, it's hard to dismiss it as a gimmick to enhance the racing image.

Nevertheless, the Veneno possesses a unique worldview and an intriguing sculptural quality. The design coherence and overall proportions are not bad. It holds significant meaning in inspiring dreams about the future of automobiles. Therefore, if asked about my personal preference, I must regrettably say 'I don't prefer it.' However, its design is highly accomplished, clearly the work of a very skilled designer.

On the other hand, the prevailing view is that the mechanism is largely borrowed from the Aventador. The engine is said to produce 750 hp, a 50 hp increase over the Aventador. While carbon fiber is extensively used in the body and suspension, achieving a curb weight of 1,450 kg, 125 kg lighter than the Aventador, it lacks a certain impact as a commemorative model for the company's 50th anniversary. One might cynically suggest that the lack of mechanical innovation led to an emphasis on design.

Beyond these various talking points, what is truly astonishing is the Veneno's price: 3 million euros (approximately 370 million yen). Furthermore, despite being produced in a mere three units worldwide, all three have already been sold out. While this business model has existed before, it seems likely that such 'limited edition model businesses' will become increasingly prevalent for supercar manufacturers in the future.