A Hardcore Model Limited to 40 Units

Among the many new models at this year's Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini's booth was the hottest, drawing the largest crowds. This year marks the 100th anniversary of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth, and also the retirement of President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, who led the company for 11 years and more than doubled sales. For these reasons, it felt more energetic than ever.

The two world premiere models at the Lamborghini booth were aggressively styled, as expected of a Lamborghini. The first notable car is the "Centenario," a special edition celebrating the 100th birthday of Ferruccio Lamborghini.

The Centenario, a completely new model, or "speciale" as it would be called in Italian, will be produced in a limited run of just 40 units: 20 coupes and 20 roadsters. The price is 1.75 million euros (approximately 216 million yen). Despite such a high price, all 40 units have already been sold, making it a news item that it sold out immediately upon announcement.

The exterior design of the Centenario, drawn from a completely blank slate, features a wedge-shaped silhouette typical of Lamborghini, further evolved from the flagship model with a V12 engine in the mid-ship position, theAventador"Aventador." Almost no exterior parts are shared with existing models.

As can be seen from its body, which features the scissor doors (doors that pop upwards) traditional for V12 engine models, the outer skin is covered in lightweight carbon fiber, and the chassis also uses Lamborghini's familiar carbon monocoque tub. Furthermore, the seat shells and interior trim are all made of carbon fiber, demonstrating a thorough approach. Consequently, the vehicle weighs just 1,520 kg, making it an unexpectedly lightweight super sports car for its class with a V12 engine.

Special Interior and Exterior Befitting a Limited-Edition Model

The appearance, instantly recognizable as a Lamborghini from any angle, is adorned with devices focused on aerodynamic performance, disregarding mass production efficiency and cost. Of course, improving aerodynamic performance was the top priority, with diffusers on the front and rear underbody, canards on the body sides, and a large air intake at the rear, the largest in Lamborghini's history, positioned in front of the rear wheels, utilizing the entire wheel well.

Additionally, a retractable active rear wing that extends and retracts with speed has been adopted at the rear of the body. Carbon fiber parts (which Lamborghini calls "spoke fans") are also attached to the wheel spokes to effectively dissipate heat from the carbon-ceramic brake discs. The variable rear wing extends up to 150mm and angles at 15 degrees depending on speed and driving mode, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency during high-performance driving.

The interior features unique cross-stitching and is unified with Alcantara throughout the dashboard, steering wheel, seats, and door panels. Carbon fiber is used for parts that would typically be made of resin or metal, such as the inner door panels, center console, and parts of the steering wheel spokes. As with the exterior, the color and materials can be freely customized to the owner's preference, which goes without saying.

The Centenario also features an advanced infotainment system. A 10.1-inch high-resolution touch screen monitor with satellite navigation is centrally located on the dashboard, allowing control of internet browsing, email, social media, web radio, and more. Apple CarPlay is also included, creating a modern in-car entertainment environment.

Lamborghini's Most Powerful V12 Engine Ever

The naturally aspirated V12 engine mounted in the rear mid-section is an improved version of the Aventador's power unit, but it produces a maximum output of 770 hp, 20 hp more than the current top model, theAventador LP750-4 Superveloce"Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce." This can undoubtedly be called Lamborghini's most powerful engine to date.

Thanks to the slightly lighter 1,520 kg body compared to the Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce, the power-to-weight ratio is 1.97 kg/ps. Its top speed is over 350 km/h, and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. The 0-300 km/h acceleration is an astonishing 23.5 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds faster than the aforementioned Superveloce.

Furthermore, the Centenario features a first for Lamborghini: the rear-wheel steering system, a four-wheel steering system. Like Lamborghini's top models, the Centenario employs a four-wheel-drive system similar to the Aventador and theHuracan"Huracan." However, in addition to the four-wheel-drive system, the Centenario is the first Lamborghini to feature a four-wheel steering system. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the steering angle for tighter turns, while at high speeds, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels to enhance agility and stability.

Lamborghini, which was an early adopter and popularizer of four-wheel drive in the supercar world, is once again pushing technological innovation in supercars with its four-wheel steering system. Indeed, the Centenario is not only a precious collector's item for a select few owners but also serves as a showcase for the latest technologies.

The First Limited Edition Huracan: "Avio"

The other notable model is the "Avio," a limited edition of 250 units worldwide based on theHuracan LP610-4"Huracan LP610-4." While the powertrain is identical to the Huracan LP610-4, special features include a matte finish body color inspired by fighter jets, the letter "L" for Lamborghini on the door panels, a roundel representing nationality inspired by the Italian flag, and a logo featuring "63," the founding year of Lamborghini.

Five body colors are available for the Avio. In addition to the standard "Grigio Falco" with a pearlescent finish, there are four matte colors: "Blu Grifo," "Grigio Nibio," "Grigio Vulcano," and "Verde Turbine." Additionally, dual stripes in white or gray run from the front hood to the roof as an accent. The lower body and side sills are coordinated in the same color as the stripes.

The interior is a combination of black leather and Alcantara with a laser-engraved hexagonal pattern. White stitching is applied to the black leather parts, such as the center of the seats, armrests, knee rests, and door panels. The "L63" logo is hand-embroidered on the side support of the seats, and a plate indicating the limited edition status, finished with enamel, is attached to the driver's side window. Many features that are usually optional, such as the lift system, cruise control, and navigation system, are standard on the "Avio," adding to its appeal.

As a special model with enhanced body colors and equipment, the performance is unchanged from the base Huracan LP610-4. However, for potential buyers, the Avio's unique exterior and practical features are highly appealing. It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in the summer of 2016, with a price announced at 28.2 million yen (excluding tax).