Autoblog Takes a Closer Look at the $4.7 Million USD Lamborghini Veneno

From the Miura of the 1960s to the heyday of the Countach in the 1980s to more recent designs like the Gallardo, Murcielago and Aventador, Lamborghini has been the hallmark of contemporary supercars since its establishment in Italy five decades ago. Lambo’s place at the pinnacle of high-powered automotive luxury remains firmly in place with this year’s introduction of the Veneno: a $4.7 million USD behemoth that not only celebrates the manufacturer’s 50th anniversary, but also exists as the single most expensive production vehicle in the world. It also happens to be one of the most limited: so far, Lamborghini has only crafted one of the machines – the metallic grey version unveiled ahead of this year’s Geneva Motor Show that will be joined by three additional Venenos (in il Tricolore-inspired colorways of green, white and red) that have all been spoken for by a few very lucky (not to mention wealthy) individuals.

Autoblog was lucky enough to get an exclusive one-on-one with the vehicle recently, showcasing its glossy exterior under the warm West Coast sun a day after its North American debut at this summer’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Based on the Aventador, but weighing in at just 3,190 lbs – compared to the 3,472 lbs of its predecessor – the Veneno “is an exercise in lightweight composite building technology” thanks to the predominance of carbon fiber throughout both its sinister exterior and two-seat cockpit. The Veneno doesn’t skimp under the hood either: powering the beast is a modified take on that of the Aventador LP700-4, a naturally-aspirated 6.5 liter V12 engine now boasting 750 horsepower, acceleration from 0 mph to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, and a top speed of 221 mph.

Although these pretty pics are about as close as you’ll ever get to the vehicle, you might be happy to know that Lamborghini is planning to craft a special Roadster edition of the Veneno that will be slightly more readily available with nine production models priced at $4.4 million USD each. Head on over to Autoblog for an in-depth look at the Veneno before its trio of patriotic colorways – two sold to clients in the U.S., the third in the Middle East – hit the pavement beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013.