Paris Motor Show 2010: Lamborghini reveals the Sesto Elemento

Along with the rest of the industry, Lamborghini has identified lighter weight as a
way to increase the efficiency of its cars. But unlike parent company Audi, which as been working with aluminium platforms, the Italian supercar manufacturer has gone for carbon-fibre. Everywhere.
Its Sesto Elemento “technology demonstartor” on show at Paris is based on the V10-engined Gallardo platform with four-wheel drive. Although it’s not planned as a production model Lamborghini says the concept previews the patented carbon-fibre-reinford plastic (CFRP) technologies that will be highly evident in the next new models to emerge from the Sant’ Agata factory – which means the replacement for the spectacular but long-in-the-tooth Murcielago.
The Sesto Elemento weighs only 999kg (2,202lb) and has a startling power to weight ratio – with a 570bhp V10 engine, 0-62mph acceleration takes only 2.5 seconds.
Its body consists of a carbon-fibre monocoque, with CFRP front subframe, exterior panels and crumple zones. Likewise the major supsension components and even the wheel rims. What’s not CFRP, such as the subframe, engine mountings and rear suspension, is aluminium.
The bodywork is finished in a new, matt-shimmer clear coat, meaning that the CFRP structure can be seen throughout. Yet the Sesto Elemento is not black; during the final stage of production the carbon-fibre panels receive a newly developed and patented coat of fine crystals with a red shimmer.
For the interior, Lamborghini has ditched the conventional seat frame, with the contours of the composite “tub” defining the shape of the cabin and seats in the manner of contemporary racing cars. The instruments and facia also follow a minimalist theme.
“The 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,” said Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “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.”

source

Lamborghini Super Trofeo

Lamborghini is creating a single make race series. The automaker will be showcasing the competition specification Gallardo LP560-4 or the Super Trofeo. Each of the races will feature 30 cars that will be driven by private owners, dealer teams, and a single “celebrity driver” that is being sponsored by Lamborghini.

The Trofeo weighs 2866 pounds and is equipped with all of the necessary safety equipment which include; ABS brakes and wheels, race-specific chassis adjustments, Pirelli slicks, aero tweaks, and new instrumentation.

Under the hood is a 5.2 liter direct-injected V10 engine that can push out 570 horsepower through Lamborghini’s six-speed sequential gearbox. The buy-in fee for anyone who is interested is €200,000. Each race offers trackside support and parts sales. It all begins next year in May at Silverstone.

source

Street Legal Murcielago R-GT Racer From Reiter

Sometimes we get to see the perks of engineering used on cars in motorsports being used on a few everyday road supercars. Reiter Engineering is a factory backed motorsports company that will compete during the FIA GT1 and GT3. They recently revealed a street legal version of the Murcielago R-GT racer during the Essen Motor Show.

This supercar will feature some of the best in race-oriented modifications that will include carbon fiber front spoilers and rear wings as well as upgraded brakes, suspension components, and OZ racing wheels. The company also added on a brand new rear fascia and was able to move the exhaust system up to the rear deck lid.

There is only one model that was made. For the right amount of money you can have it for yourself – but you might have to fight for it. If you don’t want the whole thing you can always purchase the special components separate.

Lamborghini Gallardo by BF-performance

Swiss tuners BF Performance have completed work on a new tuning kit for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Called the GT600, their package can be used on either the coupe or the Spyder.

The company says their inspiration was driven by their perception that "the Gallardo is too innocent and neither dynamic nor individual enough." To that end, they designed a set of aerodynamics that gives the car an even more aggressive look, while cutting down on weight.

New body parts are made entirely of carbon fiber, and include new side skirts, rear diffuser, and a rear wing. A set of wing doors is also a part of the package.

BF Performance claims that they have tuned the engine of the Gallardo, though they provide no specifications. They do say that, between the mods and the 43 kg reduced weight, their GT600 has better acceleration than the LP640-4 SV. Carbon-ceramic brakes were used to better control speed.

Inside, the company installed five-point belts and sport seats. Carbon was used on the handles, vents, switch casings, and steering wheel to further reduce weight. A rollover cage was also fitted to better protect passengers.

The BF Performance GT600 is now available for order. The company says they can reconfigure the car from a four-wheel drive to a rear-wheel drive, if desired.

source

Lamborghini Countach Made of Steel Rods

When artist and designer Benedict Radcliffe was a child he would wander around the paddocks of racetracks and clubs, finding himself increasingly fascinated with Lamborghini. It is a fascination that continues to this day.

It is the reason Radcliffe decided to make the Lamborghini Countach his second full-scale wireframe project. "With the Lamborghini I made it because I just knew the wireframe technique would suit it and it is the most iconic supercar of all time," Radcliffe told Jalopnik.com.

"I had to make it to get it out of my system."

Dubbed the "Koenig Countach," the artist used welded 10mm steel rods to form the vehicle. Once completed, the intricate piece was painted in flourescent orange. Radcliffe says the color is equally as "uncompromising" as the car itself.

Koenig Countach was completed in 2008, and is currently on display at the Classic Car Club on London's famed old Street. The installation is also available for purchase.

The mid-engined Lamborghini Countach was assembled from 1974 to 1990 with 4.0-, 5.0-, and 5.2-liter V12 engines. Nearly 2,050 units were produced over the car's 16 years in production.

source