First look: 2017 Lamborghini Centenario

This is a bird! It's an airplane! Do not . .. This is the Centenario, the latest one-off supercar from the manufacturer, which has built some of the most exotic and coveted poster cars ever: Lamborghini. At a private event held at the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles, California, Automobili Lamborghini presented this masterpiece in front of selected VIP customers.

This event also marked the first time the Centenario was displayed in front of American customers since its debut at 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

“This car is the ultimate expression of Automobili Lamborghini,” said Alessandro Farmeschi, Automobili Lamborghini America Chief Operating Officer. “The Centenario marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Ferruccio Lamborghini and is a fitting tribute to our company’s founder. Its cutting edge design showcases the latest technologies that give our sports cars such a competitive edge.”

Whats New?

Aerodynamic Enhancements

Performance

Availability

2017 Lamborghini Centenario Images

Whats New?

The Lamborghini Centenario shares many of its mechanical components with the Aventador, but its body is made entirely from high-strength carbon fiber. The Centenario’s all carbon body is available in an exposed or painted finish, showcasing the perfect attention to detail Lamborghini is known for.

The Centenario will be the first Lamborghini to use all-wheel steering to enhance agility at low speeds and offer improved stability at high speeds. Either the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front ones to virtually reduce the vehicle’s wheelbase and drastically cut turning radius, or they turn in the same direction as the front wheels to enhance stability.

Before the cars are delivered, future Lamborghini Centenario owners will be able to choose from an extensive list of customization options to completely personalize their vehicle. Regardless of the options chosen, all Centenario models will feature a touchscreen in the center console with internet connectivity – a first for Lamborghini.

Aerodynamic Enhancements

During development, aerodynamics were a key factor. Lamborghini chose an adjustable rear wing that actively adapts to vehicle speed in order to provide optimal downforce as conditions demand. Aerodynamic inlets, consisting of several fins, characterize both the front and rear fascias of the Centenario, paying tribute to sports cars of the 1970s.

Like the rest of the vehicle’s design, the inlets also enhance the car’s performance by contributing to aerodynamic downforce. It also improves airflow to the rear radiators for optimal engine cooling.

Large side air intakes behind the doors are a direct reflection of its predecessor, the Lamborghini Miura, which was the first ever mid-engine supercar. The Miura celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Performance

The dry weight of the Lamborghini Centenario is only 3,351 pounds, but it also houses the most powerful engine in Lamborghini’s history. The 6.5 L naturally-aspirated V12 produces 770 horsepower and propels the Centenario to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. Its terminal velocity is in excess of 217 mph.

The Centenario is also fitted with Lamborghini’s aforementioned dynamic steering system, which offers an exceptionally quick “turn-in” feel to the driver while maintaining an overall sense of control. The hypercar also features a standard magnetorheological damping system which reacts to changing road conditions in an instant.

Availability

Lamborghini will build only 40 Centenarios: 20 coupes and 20 roadsters. If you want one, you are unfortunately too late – all have been spoken for.

The Lamborghini Centenario coupe has a starting price of $2.4 million. The Centenario roadster will definitely carry a higher starting price.

*Rahul Raman is the Founder of CARS 360 Mke, an automotive news outlet. He is a regular contributor to Automoblog and the author of our First Look series.

2017 Lamborghini Centenario picture