Exterior
The main component of the new Sesto Elemento is carbon fiber and more specifically carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Lamborghini
has been able to successfully develop a process that takes the material
from 3D design through simulation, validation, testing, and finally
into production. Its collaboration with the Boeing company is perhaps
one of the most important to the development of this vehicle. The two
companies have been able to develop the CFRP design much further than
ever before thanks to their ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center).
Two of the most unique parts designed for the exterior are the wheels
made entirely out of carbon fiber and the exhaust system which is made
out of a material called Pyrosic. This is a glass ceramic composite
that can withstand high heat.
“The Lamborghini Sesto
Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme
lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in
extreme driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one
stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento,” comments Stephan
Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “
Nearly every panel of the vehicle is graced with this
carbon fiber material including the monocoque passenger cell, front
frame, exterior panels, and crash boxes. One of the coolest aspects of
the car is that it remains unpainted in the traditional sense. The
panels shine through in a matte finish, but Lamborghini has added one
last piece of magic to their carbon-fiber. Towards the end of the
development process fine crystals are added to the mixture and in the
end a red glow is added to the entire exterior. The surface is not only
stunning, but actually much stronger than a normal paint job.
Cool
air is able to flow through two red triangular openings in the hood
beneath the front windscreen and through large outlets in the side
panels behind the front wheels. Sharply cut headlamp units complete the
front end. Alongside the bi-xenon lamps, there are four LEDs in each
unit. The low front end looks incredibly dominant, with the partially
double-lipped front spoiler pushed way out front and distinctively
formed air intakes. A powerful sideline starts at the front wheel arch,
rises along the door towards the rear and ends at the broad shoulders
above the rear wheel. The triangle shape is used extensively – and can
be seen everywhere from the door handles to the points of the air outlet
triangles in the hood that are carried through into lines along the
roof. The aerodynamic elements of the Sesto Elemento are unmatched in
today’s world and the design is absolutely stunning.
Interior
Lamborghini has been able to take a standard car
interior and completely turn it on its head. The design of the Sesto
Elemento circles around function rather than form and the first defines
the latter. The interior is exclusively shaped by the carbon fiber
monocoque tub which provides a minimalist yet purely Lamborghini
feeling. The most unique feature is the fact that the Sesto Elemento
does not have seats. Quite literally the cushioning is fixed to the
carbon fiber tub giving the driver an unparalled sense of road feel. In
order to adapt drivers of differing stature the steering wheel is
completely adjustable for height and reach. Furthermore, the pedals can
be adjusted longitudinally.
As for the use of
leather, wood grain, or any other typical luxury material, they are
non-existent. This car gives the feel of a race car once inside. The
CFRP material is exposed everywhere and even major components of the
engine management system are visible. Controls are just as simple and
include a starter button, reverse gear button, and a final switch for
the lights. The weight reduction inside and out has led to a major
savings when compared to other lightweight Lamborghini models. The
Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera has a dry weight of only 1,340 kilograms.
Compared with the already extremely lean Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé, this
represents a further reduction of 70 kilograms, or 154 lbs, which would
easily make it the lightest of any sports car.
Performance
With the Elemento having an overall curb weight of just
2,202 lbs and a massive V10 power unit feeding a permanent all-wheel
drive system, this car is sure to impress on the track. Output is 570hp
giving the lightweight bull a power to weight ratio of 1.75 kilograms
per horsepower. What that statistic really comes down to is the car
being able to accelerate from a standstill through 60mph in 2.5 seconds.
The
V10 offers 5,204 cm3 of displacement, delivering a specific output of
80.5 kW (109.6 hp) per liter of displacement. The engine utilizes an
aluminum crankcase including dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle
of 90 degrees. Both solutions are an integral part of the lightweight
engineering approach, as well as serving to lower the center of gravity
and thus tighten the handling characteristics. Ideal combustion chamber
fill comes courtesy of a switch-over induction system and continually
variable, chain-driven camshafts.
Lamborghini has taken its carbon fiber knowledge and
expanded it to the suspension as well. Carbon-fiber control arms help
reduce weight while the rear subframe with the engine mount and rear
axle suspension points are made from aluminum which is another
lightweight material that is used extensively in high performance
vehicle design. The glass composite material used for the tailpipes on
the exhaust system, which is composed of ceramic powder and synthetic
resin, makes this carbon material extremely heat resistant.
The
Sesto will use an e-gear transmission controlled by paddle shifters on
the steering column. It uses a six gear setup and is automated to
complete shifts faster than a human is able to. The final piece of the
equation for the Sesto Elemento was the use of its partner company Audi
and their knowledge of all-wheel drive systems.
Pricing
The production Sesto Elemento is rumored to be priced at
1.9 million euro, or about $2.8 million at the current exchange rates,
with units arriving in October 2011. Apparently, only 20 units of this
supercar will be built, with three headed over to stateside.
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