New Lambo Supercar Goes Topless

Volkswagen AG's Lamborghini unit says its new Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster is the brand's fastest and most user-friendly convertible ever.

The limited-production model, which was unveiled at last week's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, is Lamborghini's first Superveloce (Italian for super fast) convertible. Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 engine that makes 750 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque, the Superveloce Roadster can rocket from zero to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 217 mph.

Power flows to all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Other goodies include Lamborghini's dynamic steering system and an active-damping suspension with fast-acting magnetorheological fluid.

The Superveloce Roadster weighs 3,470 lbs. This is 110 lbs lighter than the regular-production Aventador Roadster, but a like amount heavier than the Superveloce coupe unveiled earlier this year.

The new Roadster is topped off with a two-piece hardtop that can be stowed in the trunk when not in use. The 26-lb carbon fiber unit is made using a forged composite/resin-transfer molding process, which Lamborghini says allows for a more complex design and improved surface finish.

A tiny rear window can be lowered to allow users to fully hear the rear-mounted longitudinal V-12 when the top is up.

When it goes on sale next spring, the Aventador Superveloce Roadster will be priced at $530,000. Production will be limited to 500 units.