Has Batman gone into car manufacturing?
This extraordinary Geneva show-stopper is another of those magnificently powerful, insane-looking, super-rare and sadly wholly unattainable Lamborghini special models we've seen in recent times. Think Reventón. Think Sesto Elemento, or Aventador J, or Veneno. Think 'bugger me, I wish I was a plutocrat at times'. This is the sensational Centenario.
Right, now my Italian's not too good but I reckon that has something to do with 100.
Correct, although it's not the car firm's birthday; Automobili Lamborghini began in 1963. Instead, look back to 1916, as that's the year the company's founder, old Ferruccio, was born. This is kind of like a present to his memory.
Some present. Why can't I buy it?
Because, no matter what stockpile of cash you have, only 40 will be made - 20 coupés and 20 roadsters - and all of them have already been sold.
How on Earth did people buy it so quickly after the reveal?
It sold out well before it ever appeared at Geneva, Lambo clearly inviting a few choice owners on its books to be the lucky recipients.
How much would it have cost me, had I been able to purchase one?
A robust €1.75 million plus taxes, so about £1.36m and then 20 per cent on top, leaving you at, er... around £1.7m, then. That fantastically outré body and its underpinnings are almost entirely made of carbon fibre, leading to the gobsmacking appearance, a low kerb weight of 1,520kg and the fearsome expense. The shocking bodywork is littered with cooling ducts - the Centenario even has them in its headlights, for goodness sake - and it provides plenty of downforce, while some of the details are magnificent. Like that rear diffuser, the size of Rutland. Or the venomous-looking Y-shaped rear lights. And the gigantic 20-inch front, 21-inch rear alloy wheels. Marvellous.
Is the interior special?
We'll say. Featuring a pair of carbon bucket seats, a superb steering wheel and plenty of Alcantara, those 40 owners can specify the interior finish to their hearts' content. There's even the chance of fitting two cameras to record the driving experiences. Which, presumably, will be footage of people swearing a lot as they unleash the engine's potency.
Which is...?
A 6.5-litre normally aspirated V12 related to the Aventador's lump, albeit here the peak power has climbed to 770hp, making this the most powerful Lamborghini yet produced. No word on torque or output rev points, although the limiter has been raised from 8,350- to 8,600rpm for the Centenario. All four wheels both drive and steer the car (yes, it has rear-wheel steering), while variable dampers and a seven-speed automated manual transmission are part of its armoury.
Quick, then?
The resulting pace, even in light of the Bugatti Chiron's existence, is tremendous. It'll batter from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-186mph in 23.5, with its top speed said to be 'in excess of 217mph'. Lamborghini won't say precisely where it will stop accelerating and we wouldn't dare hazard a guess; but you've gotta love 507hp/tonne. It's just as good shedding speed as accumulating it, mind, as some sizeable brakes haul it from 62-0mph in 30 metres, and from 186mph to a complete stop in 290 metres. Want that in context? The official UK stopping distance from just 70mph is apparently 96 metres and things only get exponentially longer from there.
Is this Stephan Winkelmann's last act at Lamborghini president and CEO?
It is, before he heads off to Audi quattro. He said: "The Centenario is a car that perfectly combines tradition and innovation. It looks to the future while honouring the legend that is Ferruccio Lamborghini. It is the most fitting tribute to Ferruccio in his centenary year: a man who created an exceptional brand, believed that anything was possible, and produced extraordinary, iconic cars. The Centenario is a super sports car for Ferruccio Lamborghini and the future he and we believe in today."
When do the lucky few get their cars?
All 40 Centenarios will be delivered from autumn 2016 throughout 2017. You will never, ever see one on the roads, so don't worry. And enjoy it in all its glory now, while you still can.
Matt Robinson - 1 Mar 2016