Lamborghini Veneno Roadster debut

Lamborghini’s ultra-exclusive Veneno Roadster has made its public debut, with the winged wonder appropriately wheeled out on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

In a scene reminiscent of Cher’s 80s hit If I Could Turn Back Time, the soft-top supercar made its first outdoor appearance aboard the 240m Italian naval ship Nave Cavour, while docked in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed port.

The event was part of a UAE Italian industry showcase, with Lamborghini chosen to represent the Italian car industry at the 'Italian evening' on December 1.

"We are honoured that Lamborghini was chosen to represent the Italian car industry in the UAE, as a perfect example of iconic Italian super sports cars, and that we have the opportunity to show the Veneno Roadster for the first time in Abu Dhabi," Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann said at the event.

"Lamborghini has an extremely strong following in the region for its super sports cars, with the Middle East one of our largest markets in the world."

Other Italian products on show included the food of notable Portofiino chef Corrado Corti, the music of singer/actress Elena Bonelli, the creations of fashion designer Giada Curti, and former soccer star Fabio Cannavaro was also in attendance.

Just 9 examples of the 3.3 million Euro (4.9m) Veneno Roadster will be built, which is triple the build of its hardtop sibling unveiled at Geneva earlier this year.

Like the Veneno hardtop, the Avendador-based roadster uses a 552kW version of Lamborghini’s 6.5L V12, with claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 355km/h.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn