Joanna Lee

The Automobili Lamborghini Sián Roadster derives its name from the word in a local Bolognese dialect, meaning ‘flash’ or ‘lightning’.

Automobili Lamborghini revels in its route to future electrification with the debut of its new Sián Roadster, a limited edition, open-top hybrid super sports car. Engineered around the carmaker’s V12 engine, it boasts unique hybrid technologies and a stunning roofless design that delivers the best of both arresting aesthetic and performance.

“The Sián Roadster encapsulates the spirit of Lamborghini,” said Stefano Domenicali, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini. “It is the expression of breathtaking design and extraordinary performance, but most importantly embodies important future technologies. The Sián’s innovative hybrid powertrain heralds the direction for Lamborghini super sports cars, and the open-top Sián Roadster affirms a desire for the ultimate lifestyle Lamborghini as we move towards a tomorrow demanding electrification.”

Sporting a shade reminiscent of blue skies and green fields, the Sián Roadster evokes the freedom and elation of driving delivered by its performance with its unique Blu Uranus colour. It was especially selected by the marque’s Centro Stile, which together with the Ad Personam department, works with every Sián client to completely personalise the colour and finish of their Roadster. Lamborghini finishes off the car with Oro Electrum wheels, which signifies electrification. The interior complements the body, with an elegant combination of white with Blue Glauco detailing and aluminium elements in Oro Electrum. It also features new-design air vents produced via 3D printing, which allows customisation with the client’s initials.

When you view the Lamborghini Sián Roadster from the top, you’re greeted with the marque’s iconic periscopio line inspired by the first Countach, running diagonally from the cockpit to the rear, and culminating in the aerodynamic airstreamers behind driver and passenger. The sports car is designed with long sculptured contours, and given characteristic aero wings for an ultra-powerful profile. Lamborghini’s iconic Y-shape headlights are situated at the car’s very low front, with integrated carbon fibre splitter.

Truly electrifying hybrid technologies

Inside its low, powerful chassis houses a next-generation V12 engine. The Sián Roadster derives its name from the word in a local Bolognese dialect, meaning ‘flash’ or lightning’. This denotes the car’s electrification as part of the future hybrid strategy. Its hybrid system provides the highest power possible in the lightest solution, by combining the V12 with a new powertrain. A 48-volt e-motor delivering 34 hp is incorporated into the gearbox, providing immediate response and improved performance. Low-speed manoeuvres such as reversing and parking with electric power is also supported by this e-motor.

The Sián Roadster also features Lamborghini’s innovative supercapacitor application, a world-first technology with is capable of storing ten times the power of a lithium-ion battery. It’s three times more powerful than a battery of the same weight, and three times lighter than a battery producing the same power. The electric system with the supercapacitor and e-motor weights only 34 kg, delivering a weight-to-power ratio of 1.9 kg/hp. Symmetric power flow ensures the same efficiency in both charging and discharging cycles – resulting in the most lightweight and efficient hybrid solution.

The advanced hybrid technology is combined with the V12 engine, which also incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 hp (577 kW) at 8,500 rpm. Together with an additional 34 hp from the hybrid system, the Sián Roadster is able to deliver a total of 819 hp (602 kW), and a top speed of over 350 kmh.

Automobili Lamborghini has specially developed a highly sophisticated regenerative braking system that’s equipped into the Roadster. The symmetric behaviour of the supercapacitor – which contrary to normal L-Ion batteries, can be charged and discharged with the same power – fully charging the Sián’s energy storage system every time the vehicle brakes. The energy stores is an instantly-available power boost, so the driver can immediately draw on increased torque when accelerating, up to 130 kmh when the e-motor automatically disconnects. This improves the elasticity manoeuvres and makes it over 10% faster than a car without this system.

For more information on the new Automobili Lamborghini Sián Roadster, visit here.

Photos: Automobili Lamborghini