Lamborghini Centenario debuts at Geneva

Lamborghini has presented a special edition Centenario model at the Geneva Motor Show.

The limited edition comes in the year Lamborghini celebrates the centenary of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini's birth. Only 20 coupe and 20 roadster versions of the Centenario will be produced - and all 40 cars are already sold, with a start price of 1.75 million euros plus tax.

The Centenario continues Lamborghini's one-off strategy and is powered by a V12 naturally aspirated engine, producing 770 hp for a 0-62 time of 2.8 seconds with a top speed of more than 217mph. Braking from 62mph to standstill is achieved in 30 meters. A monocoque and body in full carbon fibre 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 a new 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."

Last true Italian Lamborghini Diablo SV up for auction

A special 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV is set to go under the hammer this March.

Believed to be the very last Lamborghini to leave the Sant'Agata factory before German brand Volkswagen took full ownership, Diablo SV will be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show.

The car is also thought to be the last Diablo imported into the UK as well as the last Diablo SV off the production line. 'V12 SVR' left the factory on the 21st of December in 1999 immediately before Lamborghini shut down for the Christmas break and their celebrations to mark the end of the Century. For the previous few months the Volkswagen Group had been in financial control of the company but the end of that year marked a turning point. From the beginning of 2000 some feel that German efficiency began to replace the magic of Italy in terms of the bloodline, style and general madness of the Italian supercars.

Speaking ahead of the sale of the car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: ”It’s a delight to be able to offer this fantastic part of Lamborghini history in the year of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. The Diablo is a wonderful car that truly represents everything the marque is famous for.”

This right-hand drive example has covered just over 32,000 miles from new and is finished in what Silverstone Auctions believe may be a one-off colour of Pearl Red/Orange combined with a grey/black leather/alcantara interior.

This Diablo is still very much original. The original Lamborghini tool roll with its appropriate tools is present with the original tyre inflator and a very luxurious, custom-made, fleece-lined indoor car cover in red with an embroidered Lamborghini logo.

The condition of the car is described as 'amazing for the year and it drives superbly', particularly after a chassis and suspension restoration in 2013 at a cost of over £10,000. A full geometry set-up was carried out by Grimaldi Engineering in 2013 and in January 2016 the car was serviced and MoT’d.

Nick Whale added: ”Owning a Diablo SV is a dream for most people, however if purchasing one is an option for you, then the appeal of this Lamborghini 'Devil' may be too much to resist.”

The Lamborghini Diablo SV has an estimated at between £150,000 and £170,000 and will be offered in the sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 6th March.