Lamborghini Veneno Roadster unveiled

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster has been unveiled - it's an open-top version of the supercar that Lamborghini revealed at the 2013 Geneva motor show and just nine will be built.

Like the hard-top version, the Veneno Roadster is based on the Aventador and has a 6.5-litre V12 engine. The 740bhp unit is mated to a seven-speed "ISR" transmission; drive is to all four wheels and there's a "racing chassis" with pushrod suspension and horizontal spring and damper units.

Lamborghini quotes a 0-62mph time of 2.9sec and a top speed of 221mph.

Most of the Roadster's exterior body panels are shared with the hard-top model; Lamborghini says the entire front end acts as an aerodynamic wing to provide optimum airflow and downforce at speed. A smooth underbody also helps to reduce drag, while the dramatic rear diffuser accommodates four large exhaust pipes.

The bespoke alloy wheels include a carbon-fibre ring that helps to deliver cooling air to the carbon-ceramic brake discs, while the "Rosso Veneno" paint colour was developed specifically for the Roadster. Carbon-fibre is used extensively throughout the car.

Lamborghini says that nine production cars will be built during the course of 2014. The price for each car will be 3.3 million Euros (about 2,788,905) before tax.