2013 Lamborghini Veneno - The Killer Bull

In any sport, the best matches start with each team having an equal chance of victory. In the 1914 fight of the bull Veneno versus Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, the bull came out on top. So when it came time for Lamborghini to name its ultra-exclusive model, the killer bull was an obvious choice.

In the 1914 fight of the bull Veneno versus Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, the bull came out on top.

Lamborghini will build only three copies of the Veneno, with two delivered to the U.S. and one to the Middle East. The rare bull is based on the Aventador, but with an entirely new body. The reworked skin focuses on aerodynamics for optimized performance. Lamborghini has drawn inspiration from prototype racecars, presumably those of other companies, since it hasn’t raced in anything other than production car-based classes in nearly two decades. The all-RTM CFRP (resin transfer molded carbon fiber reinforced polymer) body is designed to move air over, around, and through the body while minimizing flow beneath the car. Keeping the underside out of the breeze reduces drag and lift, both enemies of performance.

Lamborghini has drawn inspiration from prototype racecars, presumably those of other companies, since it hasn’t raced in anything other than production car-based classes in nearly two decades.

The monologue is constructed of CFRP as well, but features aluminum sub frames front and rear for the mounting of the drivetrain and suspension components. The all-wheel-drive system, pushrod-operated suspension, and ISR transmission carry over, but are tuned specifically for the Veneno. The Aventador’s 6.5-liter V-12 has been bumped from 691 to 740hp with higher flowing intake and Inconel exhaust valves to take full advantage of the higher redline.

The all-wheel-drive system, pushrod-operated suspension, and ISR transmission carry over, but are tuned specifically for the Veneno.

Lamborghini has done as much work on the interior as on the exterior. The CFRP monologue is visible in several places, and carbon fiber is even used as upholstery instead of the usual leather or Alcantara. Branded CarbonSkin, the woven carbon fiber is laminated in a matrix that stays flexible enough for seats and headliners, but will still stand up to normal use. The seats are made of Lamborghini's Forged Composite, a noncontiguous carbon-fiber material sandwiched between vinyl ester resin layers and formed under high pressure at low temperature. The process was first seen on the Sesto Elemento after it was developed with golf club manufacturer Callaway.

Lamborghini has done as much work on the interior as on the exterior.

Lamborghini has set the price of the hyper exotic at 3 million euro, just under $4 million U.S. That's a giant pile of cash, but we have no doubt Lambo could have sold 10 times as many at twice the price were they willing to build them. The only performance number given so far is an expected 220-mph top speed, but with only three in existence, we wonder if any will ever see 100 mph.