(continued from the previous page)
Groundbreaking Technology Package
With the Sesto Elemento,
Lamborghini's R&D engineers have put together a groundbreaking package. As a
pure and radical concept, the Sesto Elemento is the unique synthesis of an
extremely low curb weight of 2,020 lbs, enormous 570 hp output, the sensitive
and prompt responsiveness of the high-revving, naturally-aspirated V10 engine
and the superior traction and stability of permanent all-wheel drive - there has
never been a super sports car as thoroughbred as this. Sesto Elemento delivers
an unbelievable degree of driving fun, concentrated on absolutely sensational
dynamics.
Systematic Use of Carbon Fiber
The basis is an
extremely solid, stiff, safe and lightweight carbon-fiber structure: the
monocoque cell of the Sesto Elemento. The entire front frame, the exterior
panels and crash boxes are also made from CFRP. The Sesto Elemento's major
suspension components and the rims are made from carbon fiber. The tailpipes are
made from Pyrosic, which is an advanced glass-ceramic matrix composite, able to
reach and stand very high temperatures up to 900° Celsius. Even the propeller
shaft is made of CFRP.
Amazing Power-to-Weight Ratio
The
Sesto Elemento demonstrates the outstanding expertise of Automobili Lamborghini
in all areas of carbon-fiber technology. Carbon composite materials are a key
technology for the automotive engineering of tomorrow, especially for
high-performance sports cars. These materials made from carbon-fiber reinforced
plastics combine the lowest weight with excellent characteristics - they are
extremely stiff and highly precise. Lighter cars improve fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions: above all, however, it improves the power-to-weight ratio - the
crucial factor for a sports car - and thus the performance. A super sports car
built using CFRP accelerates faster, has outstanding handling and better
braking.
Design: Technology in a Progressive Form
Uncompromising dynamics from the very first glance: the design of the
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento displays the sensuality of high
performance and possesses the elegance of pure, unadulterated power. The Sesto
Elemento lifts the design DNA of the Lamborghini brand to a new level and
integrates the functional consistency of carbon-fiber technology into its design
language. A clear strength of the CFRP technology is the reduction and
integration of components - something that has been used to its full extent in
this innovative technology concept.
The hi-tech material is visible
everywhere. The Sesto Elemento is finished in a new, matt-shimmer clear coat,
meaning that the CFRP structure can be seen throughout. Yet the Sesto Elemento
is not just black; during the final stage of production the carbon fiber parts
receive a newly developed and patented coat. Nano-Technology makes it possible
to add fine crystals with a red shimmer. Surfaces covered with this type of
finish glow red and deliver an outstanding effect. Further, the surface is
particularly robust.
The entire side profile is cut like a sharp wedge,
with the power center of the car unmistakably just in front of the rear axle. A
distinctive 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 - like the one around the door handle - is a recurring design theme,
defined by the precise contour edges in the Sesto Elemento's CFRP body. The
points of the air outlet triangles in the hood are carried through into lines
along the roof.
The extremely wide sills form a connection between the
air outlets behind the front wheels and the large air inlets in front of the
rear wheels. These compartments house components such as 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 clear view of the
high-performance brakes with carbon-ceramic discs.
Perfect
Aerodynamics
The Sesto Elemento's rear overhang is extremely short
and, again, defined by optimum aerodynamics. The generously dimensioned spoiler
is perfectly matched to the diffuser and a further air deflector in the center,
thus guaranteeing maximum downforce for extreme cornering speeds and excellent
high-speed directional stability. The Pyrosic tailpipes are directed upwards
through the engine cover panel, which also incorporates ten hexagonal openings
and two air scoops behind the roof for delivering fresh air to the V10 power
plant.
Interior: Pared to the Bone
The minimalist approach
has also been applied to the interior, starting with the seats. Lamborghini has
dispensed completely with the conventional seat frame. In fact, the whole
internal structure is obtained and defined directly from the Forged Composite
tub, that on one side plays a functional role and on the other side is the base
for the optimally formed seat cushions, upholstered in hi-tech fabric, which are
affixed directly to the carbon-fiber monocoque. The correct ergonomics are provided by
the steering wheel, which can be adjusted for height and reach, and by the
pedals, which can be electrically adjusted longitudinally. Of course, the
designers of Lamborghini Centro Stile also dispensed with interior trim in the
classic sense. The dominant visual feature throughout is the functional CFRP
material - on the floor and roof of the monocoque, on the doors and also on the
cockpit and center console. Even the electronic control unit for the engine is
mounted in plain sight - a very special kind of hi-tech aesthetic. The
triangular cut-out is also evident as a design feature - wherever material can
be removed in the interest of weight reduction.
The controls are
presented in a highly concentrated format. The instruments provide information
primarily on engine and road speed, as well as all parameters relating to engine
condition. Only three piezoelectric buttons grace the center console - one to
start the engine, one to shift into reverse gear and another one for the lights.
Drivetrain: Concentrated Power and Amazing Sound
The
fascinating heart of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is familiar from the
Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. In the Sesto Elemento too, the V10 unit is
mounted "longitudinale posteriore" - longitudinally behind the driver. The 570
hp output is available at 8,000 rpm. The pulling power is just as impressive -
with the torque curve peaking at 398 lb-ft and 6,500 rpm.
The V10 offers
5,204 cc of displacement, delivering a specific output of 109.6 hp per liter of
displacement. The highlights of this long-stroke engine with an aluminum
crankcase include 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 Sesto Elemento Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications