Lamborghini Veneno Roadster makes debut ... on an aircraft carrier

With its sharp, angular lines and arrow-shaped front end, the Lamborghini Veneno has always had a slightly military feel about it. So we probably shouldn't be too surprised that the Italian automaker chose the flight deck of the Italian naval aircraft carrier Nave Cavour for the public debut of the limited edition Roadster version this week in Abu Dhabi.

Announced in October, the Veneno Roadster is powered by a 6.5-liter, 12-cylinder engine mated to a fast-shifting seven-speed single-clutch ISR transmission with five modes. This powerplant, which is the same found in the Veneno Coupe and Aventador, gives the vehicle a maximum output of 552 kW (750 hp) and propels it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 355 km/h (220 mph).

With the vehicle's monocoque and all exterior parts made from carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), it tips the scales at 1,490 kg (3,278 lb), giving the Roadster a power-to-weight ratio of 1.99 kg/hp (4.38 lbs/hp). An aerodynamic setup configured to keep the permanent all-wheel drive vehicle hugging the road – or flight deck – includes rear fenders that are visually divided from the car body, and a diffuser framing the four exhaust pipes that are divided by a splitter.

The aerodynamic styling extends to the alloy wheels, which feature a carbon-fiber ring around the wheel rim that Lamborghini says acts like a turbine to help cool the carbon-ceramic brake discs. Pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units are also on board, while large openings on the sides ventilate the engine bay and direct airflow to the adjustable rear wing.