The Lamborghini->ke44 Veneno hit the scene to a relatively lukewarm reception at best, but the lack of media and enthusiast frenzy sure didn't stop it from planning a roadster version. The new Veneno->ke4623 Roadster was unveiled this past weekend, and there are few differences between it and the coupe model.

The typical roadster has a top that the driver can raise and lower at his demand, but the Veneno is no typical car. Instead, Lamborghini->ke44 opted to hack the top off altogether.

In terms of overall design, the Veneno Roadster looks nearly identical to its coupe brother, so it retains that crazy exterior look, with exception to it lack of a roof.

Unlike the coupe versio, which was limited to just three units, Lamborghini will limit the new Veneno Roadster to nine units. Each will carry a price tag of $4.5 million.

Update 12/2/2013: The $4.5 million Veneno recently made its public debut in Abu Dhabi. The venue for the unveiling was something out of a Hollywood movie scene. That would be, an aircraft carrier. "We are honoured that Lamborghini was chosen to represent the Italian car industry in the UAE, as a perfect example of iconic Italian super sports cars, and that we have the opportunity to show the Veneno roadster for the first time in Abu Dhabi," said Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann during the press conference.

Click past the jump to read more about the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster.

2015 Lamborghini Veneno Roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Lamborghini Veneno Roadster
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Up front, the Veneno Roadster features a large aerodynamic wing with huge channels and Y-shaped angular headlamps, and Lamborghini placed large fenders -- inspired by the racing world -- plus four sizable exhaust pipes divided by a splitter on the backside. Keeping the monstrous engine behind the seats cool are large vents, while an adjustable rear wing adds much needed downforce. All the exterior parts are made from carbon fiber.

The Roadster version comes with an exclusive exterior color -- "Rosso Veneno" -- but customers can opt for a number of colors. This exclusive color is combined with alloy wheels.

What is really interesting about the new Veneno Roadster is that it has no roof, just a strong rollover bar for optimum safety. Let's hope that those lucky nine owners don't get caught in the rain.

Interior

Just like the exterior, the Veneno Roadster's interior also get lots of carbon-fiber elements. Both driver and passenger have a clear view of the carbon fiber monocoque around the central tunnel and sills. The car comes equipped with two lightweight bucket seats made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite. The cockpit, part of the seats and the headliner are made from carbon-fiber CarbonSkin, which helps shave off a little weight.

Rendering vs. Reality

Once we saw the Veneno Coupe, it wasn't too hard to come up with a rendering of the roadster version. All we had to do was to remove the roof, and we got a pretty good idea of what the new Veneno Roadster will look like.

What we didn't know back then was that Lamborghini would opt to remove the roof altogether, but even so, we like to think that our rendering was pretty accurate. Except of course for these new red paint, which is also a surprise.

So, take a look at the two images put side by side and let us know what do you think about our rendering.

Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

Under the Veneno's hood, Lamborghini installed the same 6.5 liter, V-12 engine found in the Aventador, but with the output increased to 750 horsepower. Combined with a total weight of just 3,278 pounds, this results in a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.38 pounds/horsepower. This fantastic power-to-weight ratio allows the new Veneno Roadster to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 221 mph.

The engine is mated to an ISR transmission with five modes, and it will sends power to all four wheels via a permanent all-wheel-drive system. The model is also equipped with a racing chassis with push-rod suspension and horizontal spring and damper units.

Doing the stopping is a carbon-ceramic braking system to help reduce weight and brake fade.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

6.5-liter V-12 engine

Horsepower

750 Horsepower

0 to 60 mph

2.9 seconds

Top speed

221 mph


Prices

The new Veneno Roadster will be priced at €3.3 million (about $4.5 million at the current exchange rates), and Lambo will offer only nine units.

Competition

Ferrari F12berlinetta Spyder

It can be pretty difficult to find a competitor for the new Veneno Roadster; after all, how many supercars carry a $4.5 million price tag and 750 horsepower? Coming directly from factory pretty much none, and especially with no roof.

Though it is still just speculation, there are rumblings of Ferrari developing an F12berlinetta Spyder.

If built, a F12berlinetta Spyder will get the same engine as the coupe: a V-12 engine with an output of 740 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and a peak torque of 508 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm. The only problem is that the F12berlientta is priced at $400k, which is quite a difference when compared to the Veneno.

Conclusion

If you ask us, three Veneno coupes were more than enough, but it was only a matter of time before Lambo decided to hack off the roof and offer a roadster model. The odd decision in our minds is Lamborghini choosing to not offer a convertible top as even an option. We're willing to bet that an aftermarket company develops a removable hard top for the Veneno roadster soon and charges a hefty fee for it.