Lamborghini Veneno roadster

Described as an open racing prototype, but fully road legal, only nine units will be built (in 2014), each carrying a 3.3 million Euro (AU$4.67 million) pricetag.

Powered by a 6.5-litre V12 producing 552kW (750hp), Lamborghini say the Veneno Roadster will accelerate to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 355 kph. Transmission is Lamborghini's ISR automated manual with five modes.

Performance is assisted by the roadster's light weight; only 1,490 kgs dry. Power-to-weight ratio is just 1.99 kg/hp (4.38 lbs/hp) which guarantees a performance that Lamborghini says "is nothing short of mind-blowing".

When Lamborghini say the Veneno Roadster is a roadster, they mean it. There is no roof, not even a removable panel or tonneau style cover - so if it rains, you get wet! Extreme proportions feature, including the arrow-shaped front end and the interplay between razor-sharp lines and precise surfaces.

The roadster's body is built around a carbon fibre reinforced polymer monocoque, and features outstanding aerodynamics, a smooth underbody, massive rear splitter and engine air intakes, adjustable rear wing and even aerodynamically-designed alloy wheels.

The carbon fiber monocoque is visible inside the car around the central tunnel and the sills, with the bulk of the interior, including parts of the seats and headliner, clad in fine-weave 'Carbon Skin' carbon fibre matting which can mould to any shape. Race-style lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini's patented forged composite, and along with the dash top, are trimmed in alcantara.

Despite its extreme components, the Veneno Roadster is fully safety-equipped with airbags and electronic aids for the car's AWD system.