
THE FASTEST MOST ADVANCED LAMBORGHINI EVER MADE
Audio Summary
AI Summary
The Lamborghini Phenomenon Roadster is introduced as the fastest, most technologically advanced Lamborghini Roadster ever. It features an all-new chassis, with front and rear subframes completely bespoke to this car, not merely a modified Revuelto tub. Only 16 units are being made, with 15 allocated to customers and one for the museum, emphasizing exclusivity. This limited production run allows Lamborghini to experiment with new technologies that may later filter down into more accessible road cars.
The car retains the familiar 6.5 L naturally aspirated V12 engine, revving to 9,500 RPM, but with a boost in power and torque. The engine horsepower is now 180, and the battery capacity has been upgraded from 3.8 kilowatt-hours to 7 kilowatt-hours. This larger battery contributes to both increased torque and a longer electric-only range.
Dynamically, the Roadster features manually adjustable dampers and specific racing tires developed for the Phenomenon, which clients can choose. Despite the added strengthening required for a roadster, the car only gained 10 to 14 kilograms compared to the coupe. This was achieved through meticulous weight-saving efforts, such as redesigning the wheels to be thinner, saving 3 kilograms per rim, totaling 12 kilograms.
Taking the roof off presented two main challenges: aerodynamics and cooling. A key component addressing both is the windshield extension, a spoiler-like element that directs air to the V12 engine, preventing it from entering the cabin. The roll bar is also functional, featuring a roof scoop that further aids airflow. Special wind deflector glasses contribute to aerodynamic efficiency. The engine bay was completely redesigned with different air scoops to enhance cooling, working in conjunction with the windshield extension.
The braking system is an upgraded "system plus," featuring a new cooling system directly derived from racing technology, representing the maximum expression of braking technology available today. This system allows the car to stop from 100 km/h to zero in just 40 meters.
The car's color theme is an homage to the Miura Roadster, Lamborghini's first one-off and first V12 roadster, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The Miura Roadster was light blue outside with red carpets inside, a combination reinterpreted for the Phenomenon Roadster.
While the coupe version is nearing completion of physical testing, the Roadster's development has primarily relied on computer simulations so far. The combination of manually adjustable dampers, dedicated braking system, and specific racing tires results in a dynamic feel completely different from the Revuelto, especially in corners. The bespoke tires for just 15 cars highlight the immense effort put into this small production run.
All 15 customer cars are already sold out. Lamborghini prioritizes loyalty to the brand and its "few off" program when allocating these exclusive vehicles. Clients bought the Roadster without seeing the physical car, only having seen the coupe version. The "few off" program, which began with the Reventon, defines cars that offer the very latest and greatest technology applicable to a road-legal vehicle, emphasizing exclusivity and pioneering innovation. Other cars in this program include the Sesto Elemento, Veneno, Centenario, and Countach.
Positioned as a hypercar due to its advanced technology, the Roadster is also described as a GT car with hyper-performance, allowing owners to drive it whenever they desire. Due to its single vehicle homologation for the European Union, UK, and Switzerland, the car cannot be sold in the US, although it is legally possible in Asia Pacific.
The Phenomenon Coupe, launched last year, will begin production at the end of this year, with first deliveries in April next year. The Roadster's production is scheduled for the end of 2027, with first deliveries in April 2028. The decision to create the Roadster came after the coupe's success and strong client demand, posing a significant challenge, particularly concerning the chassis. The chassis design, while derived from the Revuelto tub up to the bulkhead, features completely exclusive crash structures and subframes. The estimated price for the Phenomenon Roadster is around 5 million euros without taxes.
The car's theatrical aesthetics are attributed to Lamborghini's Centro Stile (design center), which has been setting design trends for over 20 years. The design aims to be a futuristic execution of Lamborghini's DNA, celebrating the brand's design heritage. Each of the 15 cars will feature unique color and specification combinations. The limited production run allows for greater design freedom, pushing boundaries while maintaining the core Lamborghini aesthetic.
The design approach integrates performance with spectacular design features. Elements like the "shark nose" front, "S duct" for aerodynamic efficiency, and intricate carbon fiber surfaces showcase advanced aero sculpture. The open-top nature of the Roadster provides an unobstructed view of the hybrid powertrain, interior, and the "feel like a pilot" philosophy, making it feel even more exclusive. The design team, an international group of highly talented experts, sketches ideas on paper rather than relying solely on computer-generated designs, emphasizing human imagination. The car was designed with specific celebratory events in mind, such as Monterey Car Week and the Imola arena event.
The rear sculpture is particularly bold, featuring a "long tail" rear end that subtly references Le Mans cars of the past, but in a distinct Lamborghini style. The rear design makes a strong graphic statement, ensuring the car is recognizable from afar. The car also features active aerodynamics, with a rear wing that opens into two different positions—a performance position for downforce and a high-speed position—and is constantly moving. The underside of the wing is painted red, providing a color accent when deployed. An "alien" shape is subtly integrated into the center console, a detail also present in the Revuelto but more visible in the open-top Roadster. The intricate and evolving forms of the car's sculpture reveal new details upon repeated viewing.