Lambo’s lightweight champ roars in
Stunning Sesto Elemento concept car previews Lamborghini's lightweight future.
Sesto Elemento doesn’t make much sense as a concept car name… until you understand the translation (Issue 1,134).
It’s Italian for ‘sixth element’ and chemistry boffins will know that’s carbon. Lamborghini’s stunner was created by the firm’s Centro Stile design studio, and it highlights the firm’s expertise in the use of this strong lightweight material.
The monocoque chassis, body panels, front crash structure, suspension, steering, exhaust and even the wheels are all made from carbon fibre, and the whole vehicle weighs 999kg, which is only slightly more than a Fiat 500!
Under the engine cover is a 562bhp version of the V10 from the Gallardo, so the Sesto Elemento can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 200mph.
As well as being a showcase for Lamborghini’s plans to use carbon fibre construction in its range, the car’s styling gives an indication of how the next-generation Gallardo will look. That model is still in the pipeline, but Lambo will reveal an all-new Murciélago in 2011.
