Lamborghini Veneno

Lamborghini to reveal £2.6 million supercar at the 2013 Geneva motor show – and only three will be sold.

Lamborghini is showing what it calls a street-legal supercar, the Veneno – of which only three will be sold, each costing £2.6 million plus tax – at the 2013 Geneva motor show.

According to Lamborghini, its design is focused on maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The Veneno is based on the Aventador supercar, and shares its 6.5-litre V12 engine although in the Veneno it develops 50bhp more, at 750bhp. That, combined with a wind-cheating shape, should mean a top speed of 221mph.

The car's front has been laid out for optimum airflow and downforce. It's recognisably Lamborghini, although the overall look is reminiscent of sports-prototype racing cars. It shares the Aventador's scissor doors.

At the rear, too, sophisticated aerodynamics ensure perfect airflow to the large openings for cooling the V12 as well as supplying intake air.

The smooth underbody terminates in a diffuser framing the four exhaust outlets, while most of the rear of the car – featuring a fin and an adjustable wing – is open.

The complete chassis as well as the outer skin are formed from carbon-fibre-reinforced composite materials, while the interior is a further demonstration of Lamborghini's skill with carbon composites, featuring a couple of patented lightweight materials for the seats and all interior surfaces. The monocoque is based on that of the Aventador, as are the alloy subframes front and rear.

Like the Aventador, the Veneno has a fast-shifting ISR transmission with seven forward ratios and five modes, with drive to all four wheels. It also shares the Aventador's racing-style pushrod suspension with horizontally mounted spring/damper units.

Continuing the Lamborghini tradition, the Veneno name is derived from a particularly aggressive fighting bull.

The Veneno shown at Geneva is Lamborghini's development car, featuring red, white and green accents on the flanks to symbolise the Italian flag. The three customer cars will only have highlights in one of these colours.