Lamborghini is redefining the way forward for the tremendous sports activities automotive with a singular technology demonstrator. Boasting an extremely lightweight building due to advanced carbon-fiber expertise, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept has an total curb weight of just 999 kilograms (2,202 lb) – together with V10 energy unit and everlasting all-wheel drive. This makes the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento a novel demonstration of the technological experience of Automobili Lamborghini. Modern carbon-fiber technologies are getting used right here for the first time in an automotive application. As a one hundred pc subsidiary of Audi AG, the Italian carmaker additionally benefits from the undisputed experience of the German producer with regards to light-weight construction.
With its superb output of 570 hp, sensational energy-to-weight ratio of solely 1.seventy five kilograms per hp and 0 to one hundred km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of only 2.5 seconds, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento guarantees unparalleled driving fun. At the same time, gasoline consumption also drops because of the acute lightweight engineering applied throughout.
The identify of this expertise demonstrator is derived from the periodic desk, the place carbon is classified because the sixth element. Thus, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento demonstrates the worldwide leading expertise of Lamborghini in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology. The super sports automobile model from Sant’Agata Bolognese is the only vehicle producer in the world to have mastered the entire CFRP process across a variety of technologies, from 3D design by way of simulation, validation, manufacturing and testing – all in a state-of-the-art industrial course of that stands for the very highest high quality standards.
Lamborghini drives the technology development in its two research centers the ACRC (Superior Composite Analysis Center) and the ACSL (Superior Composite Structures Laboratory) by collaborations with organizations corresponding to Boeing, with the resulting know-how secured beneath a number of patents.
“The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the way forward for the tremendous sports car can look – excessive lightweight engineering, combined with excessive performance results in excessive driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento,” feedback Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It is our talents in carbon-fiber expertise which have facilitated such a ahead-pondering idea, and we of course additionally benefit from the undisputed light-weight experience of Audi AG. Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports vehicles: for essentially the most dynamic efficiency, as well as for low emissions. We are going to apply this technological benefit right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will likely be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento.”
Groundbreaking expertise package
With the Sesto Elemento Idea, Lamborghini’s R&D engineers have put collectively a groundbreaking package. As a pure and radical idea, the Sesto Elemento is the unique synthesis of an extremely low curb weight of lower than one thousand kilograms, enormous 570 hp output, the delicate and prompt responsiveness of the high-revving, naturally-aspirated V10 engine and the superior traction and stability of permanent all-wheel drive – there has by no means been a brilliant sports car as thoroughbred as this. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento delivers an unbelievable degree of driving enjoyable, focused on absolutely sensational dynamics.
Systematic use of carbon fiber
The basis is a particularly stable, stiff, safe and light-weight carbon-fiber structur: the monocoque cell of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept. The entire entrance frame, the outside panels and crash packing containers are additionally made from CFRP. The Sesto Elemento’s main suspension parts and the edges are created from carbon fiber. The tailpipes are constituted of Pyrosic, which is an advanced glass-ceramic matrix composite, able to attain and stand very excessive temperatures as much as 900° celsius. Even the propeller shaft is made of CFRP.
Superb energy-to-weight ratio
The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept demonstrates the outstanding experience of Automobili Lamborghini in all areas of carbon-fiber technology. Carbon composite materials are a key technology for the automotive engineering of tomorrow, particularly for top-performance sports activities cars. These materials created from carbon-fiber reinforced plastics mix the bottom weight with excellent traits – they are extraordinarily stiff and extremely precise. Lighter automobiles improve gasoline consumption and CO2 emissions: above all, nevertheless, it improves the ability-to-weight ratio – the essential factor for a sports automotive – and thus the performance. A super sports activities car built using CFRP accelerates sooner, has excellent dealing with and higher braking.
Extreme light-weight engineering delivers excessive performance
The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento affords the last word proof; due to its sensational energy-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kilograms per hp, the concept car delivers unparalleled performance. From a standing begin, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept catapults itself to one hundred km/h (62 mph) in a sensational 2.5 seconds. Within the interests of completeness, it must also be talked about that the highest velocity is effectively over 300 km/h. What the figures can’t convey, however, are the Sesto Elemento’s razor-sharp dealing with, its voracious flip-in and its enormous braking power. Extreme lightweight engineering and excessive performance come together in the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento to create an all-new dimension in tremendous sports car driving.
Technology in a progressive type
Uncompromising dynamics from the very first look: the design of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows the sensuality of high efficiency and possesses the class of pure, unadulterated power. The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept lifts the design DNA of the Lamborghini brand to a new degree and integrates the purposeful consistency of carbon-fiber technology into its design language. A clear power of the CFRP expertise is the reduction and integration of components – one thing that has been used to its full extent on this revolutionary technology concept.
The hi-tech materials is visible everywhere. The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is finished in a new, matt-shimmer clear coat, meaning that the CFRP structure will be seen throughout. But the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept isn’t just black; throughout the remaining stage of manufacturing the carbon fiber components obtain a newly developed and patented coat. Nano-Know-how makes it doable so as to add superb crystals with a crimson shimmer. Surfaces coated with this sort of finish glow crimson and ship an impressive effect. Further, the floor is particularly robust.
Consistent in form and performance
On a Lamborghini, every single line has a clear function; the 2 vertical ribs on the front, for instance, enhance the stiffness of the element and information the cooling air on to the radiator behind them and to the brakes. This guarantees the thermal wellbeing of the components even underneath the hardest race track conditions.
The cooling air flows by means of two crimson triangular openings within the hood beneath the entrance windscreen and through giant outlets in the aspect panels behind the front wheels. Sharply lower headlamp units complete the entrance end. Reduction is the name of the game here, too – alongside the bi-xenon lamps, there are 4 LEDs in each unit. The low front end seems incredibly dominant, with the partially double-lipped front spoiler pushed approach out front and distinctively shaped air intakes.
Precise strains, sharp edges
All the side profile is lower like a pointy wedge, with the power middle of the car unmistakably just in front of the rear axle. A particular sideline begins on the front wheel arch, rises along the door towards the rear and ends on the broad shoulders above the rear wheel. The triangle – just like the one around the door handle – is a recurring design theme, outlined by the precise contour edges in the Sesto Elemento’s CFRP body. The factors of the air outlet triangles in the hood are carried by means of into lines alongside the roof.
The extremely vast sills form a connection between the air outlets behind the front wheels and the big air inlets in entrance of the rear wheels. These compartments home components such because the radiators for cooling the engine and transmission oil. The rims have a five-spoke design and are made entirely from carbon fiber. They offer a transparent view of the excessive-efficiency brakes with carbon-ceramic discs.
Excellent aerodynamics
The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento’s rear overhang is extremely quick and, again, defined by optimum aerodynamics. The generously dimensioned spoiler is perfectly matched to the diffuser and a further air deflector in the middle, thus guaranteeing most downforce for extreme cornering speeds and wonderful high-pace directional stability. The Pyrosic tailpipes are directed upwards through the engine cowl panel, which additionally incorporates ten hexagonal openings and two air scoops behind the roof for delivering recent air to the V10 energy plant.
Complicated buildings in one part
A serious energy of carbon-fiber expertise is that complex structures will be integrated into one single component. This improves quality and reduces weight. On the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, the front and rear of the body-shell are each manufactured in a single piece. Engineers call this “cofango”, created by combining the Italian word “cofano” (hood) with “parafango” (fender). The big parts are hooked up by using simply detachable fasteners, in order to have fast element disassembly. The “cofango” is also reminiscent of an icon from the brand’s history: in 1966, the legendary Lamborghini Miura was distinctive as a mid-engine tremendous sports car – and its rear cover, too, could be opened in one piece.
Interior – pared to the bone
The minimalist strategy has additionally been applied to the interior, starting with the seats. Lamborghini has distributed utterly with the conventional seat frame. Actually, the whole inner construction is obtained and defined instantly from the Solid Composite tub, that on one facet performs a practical function and on the other facet is the base for the optimally fashioned seat cushions, upholstered in hello-tech cloth, that are affixed directly to the carbon-fiber monocoque. The proper ergonomics are provided by the steering wheel, which will be adjusted for peak and reach, and by the pedals, which will be electrically adjusted longitudinally. Of course, the designers of Lamborghini Centro Stile additionally distributed with interior trim in the traditional sense. The dominant visual characteristic throughout is the functional CFRP materials – on the ground and roof of the monocoque, on the doorways and also on the cockpit and center console. Even the digital control unit for the engine is mounted in plain sight – a really particular kind of hi-tech aesthetic. The triangular reduce-out is also evident as a design characteristic – wherever materials could be eliminated in the curiosity of weight reduction.
The controls are presented in a highly concentrated format. The devices provide data primarily on engine and highway velocity, in addition to all parameters referring to engine condition. Solely three piezoelectric buttons grace the middle console – one to start out the engine, one to shift into reverse gear and one other one for the lights.
Ambitious goal reached with ease
The Sant’Agata Bolognese engineers had set themselves a goal that was more than formidable – despite the ten cylinders and 570 hp, despite the exceptionally quick-shifting e.gear transmission and even despite the everlasting all-wheel drive, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Idea nonetheless needed to stay below the 1,000 kilogram mark. And that focus on was achieved; at a curb weight of 999 kilograms, every hp produced by the V10 power unit has to accelerate only 1.75 kilograms – a sensational figure.
This was made doable by the systematic and intelligent use of state-of-the-artwork carbon-fiber technologies. Lamborghini possesses intensive experience in the area of light-weight engineering, gathered over many years: one thing clearly demonstrated by the brand’s sequence manufacturing vehicles. The current Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera has a dry weight of only one,340 kilograms, marking a competitive best on this category of super sports activities cars. In contrast with the already extremely lean Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé, this represents a further reduction of 70 kilograms, resulting largely from the use of carbon fiber within the physique-shell, inside and technical components.
Lamborghini engineers stuck firmly to this strategy for the Sesto Elemento. Its structure consists virtually completely of carbon fiber and is built using the monocoque principle. Monocoque means that the automobile’s load-bearing construction is manufactured as a single shell, with the physical properties of 1 element, and thus makes optimum use of the intense stiffness offered by CFRP materials. Method 1 racing cars have been constructed utilizing CFRP monocoques for decades – and frequently present clear proof of their collision safety. The monocoque in the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Idea, however, is made utilizing modern Solid Composite technology – the primary time this has been finished in an automobile. The advantage of the Solid Composite is that the monocoque is obtained by means of a one-shot process.
Carbon-fiber crash bins
Within the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, the monocoque varieties the entire passenger cell. Connected to it are the entrance subframe – incorporating the suspension factors – and the crash containers, each additionally made utilizing specialised carbon-fiber technologies. The extreme stiffness of this assembly ensures not solely a very excessive degree of safety, but in addition unparalleled dealing with precision. The rear subframe with the engine mount and rear axle suspension points is constructed from aluminum – another lightweight material with which Lamborghini has quite a lot of experience.
An essential element in optimum construction utilizing CFRP know-how is the maximum integration of functions. Thus, the physique-shell exterior is made up solely of the roof part, which is part of the monocoque, the two “cofango” covers front and rear with integrated aerodynamic parts and the doors. Every door consists of only two elements, the exterior pores and skin and the inside cladding, both of which are additionally completely bonded to create one component.
Carbon fiber even in the suspension
The suspension and the area around the engine have additionally been optimized with light-weight engineering. Alongside aluminum elements, there are additionally carbon-fiber management arms: progressive Cast Composite know-how can also be well-suited to this type of high-load part. These components are around 30 percent lighter than comparable aluminum parts. The propeller shaft is also manufactured from CFRP through the use of Wrapping technology. This solution allowed the Lamborghini engineers to do away with the central joint, bringing an vital weight saving. The edges are additionally constructed from CFRP, whereas the brake discs are from carbon-ceramic composite material. An identical composite materials is used for the tailpipes on the exhaust system – the compound of ceramic powder and synthetic resin makes this carbon materials extraordinarily warmth resistant. A large number of screw fastenings feature a special titanium alloy and becoming a member of expertise from the aviation sector.
The fascinating coronary heart of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Idea is acquainted from the Gallardo LP 570-four Superleggera. In the Sesto Elemento too, the V10 unit is mounted “longitudinale posteriore” – longitudinally behind the driver. The 570 hp output equals 419 kW, all of which is offered at eight,000 r/min. The pulling power is just as spectacular – with the torque curve peaking at 540 Nm and 6,500 r/min.
The V10 affords 5,204 cm3 of displacement, delivering a particular output of 80.5 kW (109.6 hp) per liter of displacement. The highlights of this lengthy-stroke engine with an aluminum crankcase embody dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. Each options are an integral a part of the lightweight engineering method, in addition to serving to lower the middle of gravity and thus tighten the handling characteristics. Preferrred combustion chamber fill comes courtesy of a change-over induction system and frequently variable, chain-pushed camshafts.
Greatest traction with all-wheel drive
The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is provided with the e.gear transmission, controlled in race automobile fashion by way of shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The automated system with electronic administration shifts smoothly via its six gears a lot faster than a human being would give you the chance to.
Each single kilometer in the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept is sheer fascination – due in part to the relentless traction delivered below virtually all conditions. This is largely attributable to the permanent all-wheel drive system. It incorporates a central viscous coupling and a self-locking differential for the rear wheels with forty five percent lock. Because of this superior traction, Lamborghini drivers can accelerate earlier out of a curve than these in rear-wheel drive cars.
New growth middle for carbon-fiber technology
Lamborghini possesses many years of expertise with carbon-fiber strengthened materials. As far back as 1983, it produced the primary prototype CFRP chassis for the Countach, with the primary sequence manufacturing components showing in 1985. The current Lamborghini Murciélago is made largely from CFRP – its physique-in-white incorporates ninety three kilograms of carbon-fiber materials. The engine cover panel of the Gallardo Spyder is without doubt one of the largest CFRP components with class A surface quality in the automotive world.
The company is now working steadily to expand its worldwide leading position. The brand new Superior Composites Analysis Middle (ACRC) at the firm headquarter in Sant’Agata Bolognese is engaged on progressive development and manufacturing strategies for carbon-fiber elements in vehicle design.
The Advanced Composite Research Heart in Sant’Agata Bolognese secures modern research on progressive materials and production methods for carbon fiber parts for small manufacturing volumes. Here, over 30 experts develop car parts of all shapes and sizes. They build prototypes and the related production tools while growing optimized manufacturing technologies. Sophisticated systems largely developed in-house permit extremely high precision levels as engineers simulate manufacturing processes in addition to perform crash assessments on complicated carbon-fiber structures. Due to the extensively patented “RTM Lambo” course of, Lamborghini can use minimal stress and relatively low temperatures to manufacture carbon-fiber parts to the very best ranges of high quality, precision and floor finish, from small parts to complex vehicle structures. Additional advantages include increased course of speeds, lower prices, and very gentle tooling.
The Lamborghini Superior Composite Buildings Laboratory (ACSL) at the University of Washington makes use of experimental tests to outline the mechanical conduct of the totally different supplies and applied sciences using methodology from the aviation industry. The team of research engineers in Seattle works with very particular instruments and methods in shut cooperation with the R&D headquarters and the ACRC in Sant’Agata Bolognese.






