Lamborghini
took over the streets of Miami on Tuesday as the Italian supercar maker launched its new Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster with a series of impressive events. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A, flew personally to introduce the new open-top version of Lamborghini’s flagship vehicle. The ceremonies included a 50-car parade down Collins Avenue in South Beach and a demonstration of the new convertible’s prowess at the Miami International Airport. In the FAA-sanctioned exhibition, four Aventador Roadsters were able to exceed the takeoff speed of a passenger jet on the tarmac, the first time this has ever been done.

With a 700-horsepower, 6.5-liter V12 engine, the Aventador Roadster can do 0–60 mph in under three seconds and is capable of a top speed of 217 mph. Passenger jets max out at about 180 mph on the runway. The Aventador Roadster’s removable top is made using high-tech, lightweight carbon fiber technology. However, it is not in fact automatic and must be positioned and detached by hand. “It has been a great pleasure to work with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and South Beach teams on today’s amazing demonstrations,” Winkelmann declared. “I have never seen something similar at a Lamborghini event. The Aventador Roadster is our most exciting production car ever and I can think of no better place to celebrate its launch than here in Miami.”