The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept has been presented live at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Sesto Elemento is Italian for sixth element, which is where carbon sits on the periodic table. And while the design of the carbon fibre constructed show car will certainly influence the Murciélago and Gallardo replacements, it’s also a blueprint for the firm’s expanding expertise in the use of this strong, lightweight material.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept Cars Lamborghini Sport Car
“It is our abilities in carbon-fiber 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,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
The show car is powered by a 562bhp version of the V10 used in the current Gallardo. But thanks to the widespread use of carbon fibre, the concept tips the scales at only 999kg. Lamborghini claims the Sesto Elemento will sprint from 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 200mph.
The Sesto Elemento has a power-weight ratio of 1.75 kg/hp. It reaches 100 km/hr in just 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of “well over 300 km/hr”. It’s exactly the kind of supercar innovation that Lamborghini should be investing in and while carbon fibre has become famous, the company has also experimented with other modern materials, such as Pyrosic for the exhaust system (a new glass and ceramic composite material).
The Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory (ACSL) at the University of Washington in Seattle, USA, uses experimental tests to define the mechanical behaviour of the different materials and technologies using methodology from the aviation industry.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept Cars Lamborghini Sport Car
The design is inspired by the limited-edition Reventòn supercar, but makes more of a feature of its deep front end, while the V10 is open to the elements. The Sesto Elemento isn’t road legal, but it is a running prototype, so testing Lamborghini’s claims is a possibility.
Winkelmann added: 'This car shows how the future of the super sports car can look – lightweight engineering, combined with incredible performance, results in extreme driving fun.' Until now, Lamborghini has only used carbon fibre sparingly. However, the Sesto Elemento is made almost entirely from it.
Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept Cars Lamborghini Sport Car
