2016 Lamborghini Centenario

The Lamborghini Centenario at 2016 International Geneva Motor Show: futuristic design honours the Lamborghini legend

Sant'Agata Bolognese/Geneva, 1 March 2016 – Automobili Lamborghini presents the Lamborghini Centenario at Geneva Motor Show, in the year the company celebrates the centenary of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth. Only 20 coupé and 20 roadster versions of the Centenario will be produced and all 40 cars are already sold, at a start price of 1.75 million euros plus tax.

The Centenario continues Lamborghini's one-off strategy and demonstrates Lamborghini's innovative design and engineering competencies. Úsing the V12 architecture, the Centenario's naturally aspirated engine produces 770 hp and powers from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, and from 0-300 km/h in 23.5 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h. Braking from 100 km/h to standstill is achieved in 30 meters. A monocoque and body in full carbon fiber provide a low weight of 1,520 kg and a weight to power ratio of just 1.97 kg/hp.

The car's aerodynamic design includes an extending rear wing providing more downforce at high speeds. The introduction of rear-wheel steering provides increased agility and stability, and an innovative touchscreen provides connected infotainment, including internet browsing and Apple CarPlay.

'The Centenario is a car that perfectly combines tradition and innovation. It looks to the future while honouring the legend that is Ferruccio Lamborghini,' says Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. 'The Centenario is an opportunity for our designers and engineers to transcend some of the constraints of series car production to achieve an incomparable result: the Centenario has immediately proved itself as a desirable collectors' car, while demonstrating new Lamborghini technologies and outstanding performance. It is the most fitting tribute to Ferruccio Lamborghini in his centenary year: a man who created an exceptional brand, believed that anything was possible, and produced extraordinary, iconic cars. The Centenario is a super sports car for Ferruccio Lamborghini and the future he and we believe in today.'

Source - Lamborghini

The Lamborghini Centenario was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth. It also marked the 50th anniversary of the day the original supercar, the mid-engine Miura, was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1966. Lamborghini's reputation was bolstered further by the Espada, Islero, Jarama and Urraco that followed. These grand-touring cars were later followed by the Countach and Diablo supercar that raised the bar even further.

The company survived two worldwide economic downturns, a bankruptcy and a string of owners before reaching stability under the Volkswagen Group management and integration. They have found financial stability through a successful engine business, Aventador and Huracan sales, and the support from a series of one-off concepts.

At the 2016 Geneva Auto Show, Lamborghini introduced its flamboyant Centenario and announced a production limit of 20 coupes and 20 roadsters. Pricing was roughly $2 million and all 20 coupes were spoken for before the Geneva show closed its doors that year.

Technology includes a computer-managed turbo and hybrid technology. The dry-sump 6.5-liter 60-degree V12 engine is naturally aspirated using multi-port fuel injection and offering 759 horsepower to the car's all-wheel drive system through a 7-speed independent shift rod automatic transmission. The pushrod magnetorheological active front and rear double-wishbone suspension incorporates horizontal dampers and springs with electronic stability control, variable-ratio hydraulic power steering and Lamborghini's rear steering system.

Zero-to-sixty mph is accomplished in 2.8 seconds and top speed is achieved at 217 mph. Inside, there are carbon-fiber sport seats and infotainment center with a 10.1-inch screen.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2018