Last week at the Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini introduced a new special edition car .
. Meant to celebrate the 100th birthday of company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, the Centenario LP 770-4 is essentially a special body on the ultra-high-performance $400,000 Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce. Basing the Centenario on the Aventador allows Lamborghini to have the basic structure in place for safety and homologation purposes. However, the differences are more than just skin deep. At the show, I interviewed Maurizio Reggiani, head of research and development for the brand, and he outlined the differences between the new Centenario and the Aventador SV.
Lamborghini Centenario
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Leaked Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce
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Lamborghini Centenario
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The exterior shape is completely new, and it was designed with the idea that form follows function. In that regard, cooling considerations and aerodynamic functions such as downforce, drag, and wind resistance took precedence. "Every detail is made for function. It's not made only for aesthetics," said Reggiani.
The car's aerodynamic inlets, which feature several fins, are striking from both the front and especially the rear views. They are also echoed in the cooling ducts behind the doors. The large air scoops in the hood are reminiscent of Lamborghini Miura of the early 1970s, and they contribute to downforce on the front axle. Air also flows through ducts within the headlights, sideskirts, and around the uniquely shaped wheel arches to optimize cooling. The roof has air scoops of its own.
Lamborghini Centenario, 2016 Geneva Motor Show
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Leaked Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce
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Lamborghini Centenario
Enlarge PhotoAt the rear, the rear wing is adjustable, and in its base position it simply flows with the body instead of sticking up like you'd find on a race car. "Everybody expected a different kind of one-off with a big fin, a big spoiler like the previous Veneno," said Reggiani. The rear spoiler can raise up six inches and the upper part of the wing can tilt 15 degrees. Reggiani said this helps double the aerodynamic efficiency, or ratio between drag and downforce, of the car compared to the base Aventador.
The rear tires can be seen from the rear. This was inspired by the look of a motorcycle. It also emphasizes the fact that this car has rear-wheel steering and it really makes those rear fins stand out.
While the body of the Centenario Lamborghini displayed at Geneva is gloss-coated carbon fiber with yellow accents, buyers will be able to choose their own paint finishes.
Lamborghini Centenario
Enlarge PhotoThe interior has a different design than the Aventador, but more importantly, the Centenario is the first Lamborghini to get a touchscreen. It measures 10.1 inches diagonally, and it adds numerous connectivity functions. Drivers can connect to internet radio, browse the web, access email, check social media, and perform any of the functions available through Apple Car Play. This system also displays telemetry information such as pedal position, rpms, oil pressure, real-time power usage, current gear, speed, lap and sprint times, and lateral g forces. Two optional interior cameras allow the driver's experience to be recorded. All this information can be downloaded using a USB stick and studied to improve lap times.