{"id":5219,"date":"2013-01-14T10:32:16","date_gmt":"2013-01-14T10:32:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.compositestoday.com\/?p=5219"},"modified":"2015-03-08T15:08:52","modified_gmt":"2015-03-08T15:08:52","slug":"lamborghini-sesto-elemento","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compositestoday.com\/2013\/01\/lamborghini-sesto-elemento\/","title":{"rendered":"Lamborghini Sesto Elemento"},"content":{"rendered":"

Back in 2010 at the Paris motor show Lamborghini unveiled the Sesto Elemento a unique concept car showcasing its innovative carbon fibre manufacturing technologies. Production of the Sesto Elemento is expected to commence later in the year at Lamborghini\u2019s new pre-production and prototyping center. The price tag is an estimated 2 million euros and we take a look at just what type of composite technologies go into Lamborghini’s new supercar.<\/p>\n

The name of this technology demonstrator is derived from the periodic table, where carbon is classified as the sixth element. The super sports car brand from Sant\u2019Agata Bolognese claims to be the only vehicle manufacturer in the world to have mastered the complete CFRP process across a range of technologies, from 3D design through simulation, validation, production and testing all in a state-of-the-art industrial process.<\/p>\n

Boasting an extremely lightweight construction thanks to its advanced carbon-fibre technology, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento has an overall curb weight of just 999 kilograms (2,202 lb) including V10 power unit and permanent all-wheel drive.<\/p>\n

Carbon fibre is visible everywhere on the car, the Sesto is finished in a new, matt-shimmer clear coat, meaning that the CFRP structure can be seen throughout. Yet the car is not just black, during the final stage of production the carbon fibre parts receive a newly developed and patented coat. Nano-Technology makes it possible to add fine crystals with a\ufffcred shimmer. Surfaces covered with this type of finish glow red and deliver an outstanding effect. Further, the surface is particularly robust.<\/p>\n

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini explains;<\/p>\n

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look \u2013 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 It is our abilities in carbon-fibre technology that have facilitated such a forward-thinking concept, and we of course also benefit from the undisputed lightweight expertise of AUDI AG. Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Lamborghini explain that a major strength of the carbon fibre technology is that complex structures can 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 \u201ccofango\u201d, created by combining the Italian word \u201ccofano\u201d (hood) with \u201cparafango\u201d (fender). The large components are attached by using easily removable fasteners, in order to have fast component disassembly. The \u201ccofango\u201d is also reminiscent of an icon from the brand\u2019s history: in 1966, the legendary Lamborghini Miura was unique as a mid-engine super sports car \u2013 and its rear cover, too, could be opened in one piece.<\/p>\n

Based on the form, function and operational demands of the individual Sesto Elemento components, engineers from Lamborghini\u2019s R&D selected largely from three CFRP manufacturing techniques;<\/p>\n