Sian Roadster

Segment
Compact

Lamborghini is accustomed to going all-out with its supercar and sole SUV lineup. Power and performance are everything and both must be done in style. At the same time, it's vital to offer customers the latest and best technologies available. And none of this is cheap. Such is the case of the all-new 2021 Lamborghini Sian Roadster, a V12-powered topless supercar with hybrid assist that's so expensive the Italian company didn't even bother providing its price tag. If you have to ask then you definitely can't afford one.

As the sister ship to last year's Sian coupe, the Roadster variant has the same general powertrain setup and overall styling. The main exception is the lack of a roof, a fact that forced designers to make a few cool changes when compared to the coupe. There are few to any downsides to supercars like this, including the fact that some owners won't drive them in public, choosing instead to store them as a future investment. That's how special this supercar roadster truly is.

Countach-Inspired Styling

Lamborghini designers started off with the already stunning Sian coupe and did what they do best: make it look even better. The carmaker didn't just slice-off the roof and call it a day. The Sian Roadster's aerial view features a periscopio line inspired by the original Countach. This line runs diagonally from the cockpit to the rear and ultimately creates aerodynamic air streamers behind the driver and passenger.

Lamborghini's famous Y-shape headlights return along with a new integrated carbon front splitter, while the six hexagonal taillights are inspired by the Countach. To further improve aerodynamics, airflow is directed through the front splitters to the hood, then through the side air intakes, and finally over the rear spoiler. Supposedly, the lack of a fixed roof has no effect on aero efficiency. Lamborghini patented a new technology for the rear end's active cooling vanes that are activated by the temperature of the exhaust system. The rear wing, like the coupe's, is integrated within the body and extends outwards only once it detects the need to do so.

The Blu Uranus exterior paint is a brand-new shade and Lamborghini opted for a set of Oro Electrum wheels.

Interior: 3D Printing Required

A Lamborghini interior must be special, and the Sian Roadster is certainly no exception. Like the Aventador S, which it shares its platform and engine, the Sian Roadster's interior design is jet-fighter inspired. It's nearly identical to that of the Sian coupe. There are cool toggle switches on the wide center console and just above them is a large display screen providing drivers with navigation and other infotainment functions. The fully digital instrument cluster is perfectly situated behind the Alcantara-covered steering wheel for easy visibility that's not too distracting while driving.

Oro Electrum, a color that signifies the Sian Roadster's electrification, has been used again, this time for the aluminum accents throughout the cabin. Customers can also have their initials ingrained in the newly redesigned 3D-printed air vents.

Electrified Power And Performance

Lamborghini's familiar naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 has once again been called to duty. Only this time, it receives assistance from a 48-volt electric motor that provides an additional 34 horsepower on top of the V12's 785 hp for a total of 819 hp at 8,500 rpm. Expect a 0-62 mph time of less than 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph.

The e-motor weighs only 75 pounds and is integrated into the transmission, allowing for a power-to-weight ratio of 1.0 kg/hp. The motor gets its juice from a supercapacitor instead of a lithium-ion battery pack. Why? It's three times more powerful than a battery but weighs nearly the same. It stores enough energy to allow the Sian Roadster to cruise along at very low speeds, such as parking or going backing out, on electricity only. The motor also sends power to the wheels to ensure continuous acceleration as the transmission changes gears.

Pricing And Competition

Lamborghini is only building 19 examples of the Sian Roadster and every single one of them has been spoken for. Official pricing hasn't been announced, but the coupe, which is also sold out, went for around $3.7 million each. Typically, open-top variants cost slightly more than their fixed-roof counterparts, so do the math.

The competition at this level is ultra-limited. There's the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, though it doesn't have a naturally aspirated V12 but rather a twin-turbo V8 paired to three electric motors. Customers at this price bracket might even have a Koenigsegg Regera plug-in hybrid hypercar as part of their collection. Eventually, more supercars and hypercars will arrive on the scene featuring hybrid, plug-in hybrid, an all-electric powertrains.

The Sian Roadster is only the beginning of a new era.