Geneva 2016: Lamborghini unveils its most powerful production supercar ever, the Centenario

Had he been alive today 2016 would have seen the 100th birthday of Lamborghini founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. The Italian brand is known to commemorate milestones with unique cars such as Countach 25th anniversary, Aventador 50th anniversary as well as the concept Egoista. And this time round, Lamborghini is commemorating Ferruccio’s 100th birth year by releasing the Centenario that have just been unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

A one-off design built around a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, the Centenario tips the scales at just 1,520 kgs. There are large air scoops on the front bonnet, in part a reference to the sports cars of the 1970s, but also a functional aid for downforce on the front axle. Even the headlights get weeny air ducts, along with the side skirts and wheel arches, all providing important flow to the rear radiators. The roof takes up Lamborghini’s other muse, that of the aeronautical industry, with a hexagonal carbon fibre air duct up top.

As with all supercars that boast this level of exclusivity, the Centenario’s interior is a blank canvas that the owner can fully customize to his heart’s content. All Centenarios ship with sport seats made out of carbon fiber and a 10.1-inch touch screen that runs a new, state-of-the-art infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system also features a clever built-in app that lets the driver record information such as lap times and G forces. On track days, the Centenario is equipped with a built-in telemetry software and two cameras to record all the data. Lamborghini has also made provision for storage of two helmets in the front trunk.

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Powering the Centenario is the most powerful Lambo engine to date: a heavily tweaked version of the 700PS 6.5-litre V12 engine used in the Aventador, now reportedly putting out around 780PS. As a result, the Centenario hits 96 kmph from standstill in just 2.8 seconds. Getting from zero to 300 kmph takes 23.5 seconds. If you have enough tarmac the 12-cylinder keeps on accelerating until the speedometer displays about 355 kmph. A seven-speed Independent Shift Rod (ISR) transmission sends power to all four wheels.

Lamborghini plans to build 20 Centenario coupés and 20 convertibles for $2.4 million each. But that’s rather a moot point now, because all 40 Centenarios have already been sold. And that’s before its Geneva unveiling.