The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, produced from 2013 to 2017, represents the open-top variant of Lamborghini’s flagship V12 supercar. Building upon the foundation laid by the Aventador coupe, the Roadster offered an even more visceral driving experience, combining breathtaking performance with the freedom of open-air motoring. It slots into the ultra-high-performance segment, competing with other exotic roadsters like the Ferrari Aventador Spider and McLaren 650S Spider. The “LP 700-4” designation signifies “Leggera Performante” (lightweight performance) with 700 horsepower and four-wheel drive. The Roadster utilized the same underlying chassis and powertrain as the coupe, but with modifications to maintain structural rigidity after removing the roof.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lamborghini |
| Model | Aventador |
| Generation | Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster |
| Type (Engine) | 6.5 V12 (700 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 24.7 l/100 km (9.5 US mpg, 11.4 UK mpg, 4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 16 l/100 km (14.7 US mpg, 17.7 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 370 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 2.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 350 km/h (217.48 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.3 kg/Hp, 430.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.4 kg/Nm, 424.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 700 Hp @ 8250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 690 Nm @ 5500 rpm (508.92 lb.-ft. @ 5500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | L539 |
| Engine displacement | 6498 cm3 (396.53 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 15 l (15.85 US qt | 13.2 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 25 l (26.42 US qt | 22 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1625 kg (3582.51 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 4780 mm (188.19 in.) |
| Width | 2030 mm (79.92 in.) |
| Height | 1136 mm (44.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1700 mm (66.93 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.5 m (41.01 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/35 ZR19; 335/30 ZR20 |
| Wheel rims size | 9J x 19; 12J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster lies Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, designated the L539. This engine produces a formidable 700 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 509 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine features a 60-degree V-angle, four valves per cylinder, and a relatively high 11.8:1 compression ratio. Fuel is delivered via multi-point fuel injection, and the engine benefits from a dry-sump lubrication system, crucial for maintaining oil supply during the extreme cornering forces the car is capable of. The engine is mounted longitudinally in a mid-engine configuration. The transmission is a 7-speed ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) automated manual gearbox. While technically an automated manual, it functions similarly to a traditional automatic, offering both fully automatic and paddle-shifted manual control. The ISR gearbox is known for its rapid shifts, but can sometimes exhibit a jerky feel at low speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster delivers an exhilarating, yet demanding, driving experience. The 700 horsepower and all-wheel-drive system provide immense acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in around 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph. The all-wheel-drive system utilizes a viscous coupling to distribute power between the front and rear axles, prioritizing rear-wheel drive for a more engaging feel but seamlessly engaging the front wheels when traction is needed. The ISR gearbox, while quick, can be less refined than a traditional torque-converter automatic, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The Roadster’s suspension is tuned for performance, resulting in a firm ride. Compared to a hypothetical Aventador with a manual transmission, the Roadster’s automatic offers convenience but sacrifices some driver involvement. The Roadster also shares the same aggressive throttle response and direct steering feel as the coupe.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster was relatively sparsely equipped compared to some modern luxury cars, focusing instead on performance. Standard features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, a navigation system, and a premium audio system. The Roadster’s most significant feature was, of course, its electrically operated folding roof, constructed from lightweight carbon fiber. Optional extras were extensive and included a variety of carbon fiber trim pieces (interior and exterior), different wheel designs, upgraded audio systems, and bespoke paint options. Lamborghini offered a high degree of customization, allowing buyers to personalize their Roadsters to a significant extent.
Chassis & Braking
The Aventador Roadster utilizes a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis, providing exceptional rigidity and contributing to the car’s relatively low weight of 3,583 lbs. The suspension consists of pushrod-actuated dampers and coil springs, offering precise control and minimizing body roll. Braking is handled by ventilated carbon-ceramic discs at all four corners, providing immense stopping power and resistance to fade. The Aventador features ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic stability control to enhance safety. The Roadster’s chassis was reinforced compared to the coupe to compensate for the loss of the roof structure, ensuring similar levels of torsional rigidity.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster was widely praised by automotive critics for its stunning design, breathtaking performance, and visceral driving experience. However, its high price tag and relatively firm ride were noted as potential drawbacks. Compared to the Aventador coupe, the Roadster offered a more immersive experience, but at a premium in cost and a slight weight increase. Fuel economy was predictably poor, averaging around 14.7 mpg combined. Reliability was generally good for a supercar, but maintenance costs were substantial, reflecting the complexity of the vehicle and the cost of parts.
Legacy
The Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster remains a highly sought-after supercar in the used car market. Its iconic design and exhilarating performance have ensured its status as a modern classic. The L539 V12 engine is known for its durability, provided it receives regular maintenance. However, potential buyers should be aware of the high cost of repairs and the need for specialized servicing. The Aventador Roadster represents a pinnacle of Lamborghini’s engineering prowess and a testament to the enduring appeal of the naturally aspirated V12 supercar.
