Lamborghini’s Centenario makes a rare public appearance in Los Angeles

By Stephen Edelstein June 14, 2016

Its full production run may have already sold out, but the Lamborghini Centenario can still attract a crowd of admirers. Built to mark the 100th birthday of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, this limited edition supercar debuted at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show back in March.

Since the U.S. is its biggest market, though, Lamborghini arranged a second outing on this side of the world. The carmaker arranged a private event at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where the Centenario was shown to a small group of VIP customers and journalists.

Given that it was built to honor the company’s founder, the Centenario had to be pretty special. The body is rendered entirely in carbon fiber, with much more aggressive styling than any current Lamborghini production model. Aerodynamics were also a key consideration, which is why Lambo fitted the car with an adjustable rear spoiler, and slats in the gaping front and side air intakes. These not only recall 1970s Lamborghinis, but also provide more downforce, the company says.

Read more: Lamborghini Huracán LP580-2 first drive

The Centenario’s engine is the most powerful ever in a production Lamborghini. It’s a 6.5-liter V12 based on the motor from the current Aventador. However, this version produces 770 horsepower. That will propel the Centenario from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, and on to a top speed “in excess of” 217 mph, Lamborghini says. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Lambo fitted the car with four-wheel steering and magnetorheological suspension to enhance handling.

The interior features lightweight carbon fiber sport seats and an infotainment system with 10.1-inch touchscreen display, but other than that Lamborghini says buyers will be free to customize their cars. It expects that no two will be alike.

Not that the Centenario is in any way common or forgettable to begin with. Just 20 coupes and 20 convertibles will be built. All have been claimed already; Lamborghini shopped the Centenario around to a hand-picked group of loyal owners in the months before its debut to ensure that. Each member of that inner circle paid roughly $1.8 million for the privilege of owning a Centenario.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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