Lamborghini Debuts Sixth Element Lightweight Concept Car in Paris
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Lamborghini Debuts Sixth Element Lightweight Concept Car in Paris
Lamborghini is showing off its "Sesto Elemento" (Sixth Element) concept car at the Paris Auto Show, an extreme example of lightweight carbon fiber construction that may point the way towards lighter construction techniques for future automobiles. The concept car is named after the sixth element from the periodic table (Carbon), as it makes extensive use of the ingredient. Weighing in at only 2,202 pounds -- including its V10 powerplant and all-wheel-drive system -- the Sixth Element should make good use of its 570 horsepower.
Lamborghini claims the supercar will accelerate to 62 mph in only 2.5 seconds, but far more pertinent to consumers is the research the company (which is part of the Volkswagen corporate family) has initiated with alternative materials. This includes the Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory (ACSL) at the University of Washington, which tests the mechanical behavior of lightweight technologies from the aviation industry.
The research engineers in Seattle work in close cooperation with the Lamborghini Advanced Composites Research Center (ACRC) at the company's Italian headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese. The goal is to create innovative construction and production methods for carbon-fiber elements in automobile design. The exotic materials in the Sixth Element concept car could soon make it into your next Volkswagen. More pix and info from the release below.
PRESS RELEASE
Sept. 29, 2010 -- Lamborghini is redefining the future of the super sports car with a unique technology demonstrator. Boasting an extremely lightweight construction thanks to advanced carbon-fiber 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. This makes the Sesto Elemento a unique demonstration of the technological expertise of Automobili Lamborghini. Innovative carbon-fiber technologies are being used here for the first time in an automotive application. As a 100 percent subsidiary of AUDI AG, the Italian carmaker also benefits from the undisputed expertise of the German manufacturer when it comes to lightweight construction.
With its amazing output of 570 hp, sensational power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kilograms per hp and 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of only 2.5 seconds, the Sesto Elemento guarantees unparalleled driving fun. At the same time, fuel consumption also drops because of the extreme lightweight engineering applied throughout.
The name of this technology demonstrator is derived from the periodic table, where carbon is classified as the sixth element. Thus, the Sesto Elemento demonstrates the worldwide leading expertise of Lamborghini in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology. The super sports car brand from Sant'Agata Bolognese is 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 that stands for the very highest quality standards.
Lamborghini drives the technology development in its two research centers the ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center) and the ACSL (Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory) through collaborations with organizations such as Boeing, with the resulting technology secured under a host of patents.
"The Lamborghini 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. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento," comments Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
"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."
http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/...-in-paris.html
More pics at the link
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From: SeVa
from the undisputed expertise of the German manufacturer when it comes to lightweight construction.
I guess it paves the way for future supercars, I dont see any trickle down tech here for common vehicles at least in my lifetime. I know Mullaly has gone on record about using carbon fiber in the average car by pretty much saying "LMFAO"
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From: TX Med Ctr
There is a Nova from a few years back that had Click and Clack trying to see the future of automobiles. They went to a place here in the states that was investigating cheaper ways to manufacture carbon fiber... and they were developing a prototype that was made with a bonded CF monocoque instead of traditional steel unibody or frame setup. The overall goal was to get to mainstream lightweight vehicles for the efficiency benefit without sacrificing structural integrity.
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From: SeVa
Right now the biggest stumbling block for regular production is getting CF in the quanities and quality needed for that level of volume.
Its a neat idea, but another question that has to be asked is what about recylclability/sustainability?
Just look at he problem tires represent, imagine having whole car chassis pile up while we figure out what to do with instead of being able to cheaply and easily recylce them.
Its a neat idea, but another question that has to be asked is what about recylclability/sustainability?
Just look at he problem tires represent, imagine having whole car chassis pile up while we figure out what to do with instead of being able to cheaply and easily recylce them.
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From: Philaduhphia
There is a Nova from a few years back that had Click and Clack trying to see the future of automobiles. They went to a place here in the states that was investigating cheaper ways to manufacture carbon fiber... and they were developing a prototype that was made with a bonded CF monocoque instead of traditional steel unibody or frame setup. The overall goal was to get to mainstream lightweight vehicles for the efficiency benefit without sacrificing structural integrity.
we need standard sized appliance mobiles, like mid 90s' Corollas, they can hold 5 people, slighlty uncomfortably, but they can do it efficiently, affordably, and can be fuel efficient enough for a single person in college to use. plus the tendency to not kill you like a smart car.
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From: North of Cincy
That car is so sexy just from a looks stand point. Add the "Weighing in at only 2,202 pounds -- including its V10 powerplant and all-wheel-drive system -- the Sixth Element should make good use of its 570 horsepower." and I think I want to get married to her.
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