The fact that the Huracan Spider has yet to arrive is far from surprising though; the Gallardo needed about three years to receive an open-top version. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait that long for the Huracan Roadster, which is reportedly slated to arrive in the first quarter of 2016, likely at the Geneva Motor Show.
But until that happens, let’s have a closer look at what we already know about Huracán LP 610-4 Roadster in my speculative review below.
Updated 09/09/2015: The new Huracan Spyder (which we now know it will be called) will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, 12:20 PM CET.
It seems as though the Chinese market is getting a lot of special attention lately, probably due to the fact that they are on their way to becoming one of the biggest automotive markets in the world. Ferrari already built them a special 458 Italia and now Lamborghini has just unveiled the new Gallardo LP560-4 Gold Edition - offered exclusively for the Chinese market. The model will be limited to only 10 units and will be priced at 3 million Yuan - or the equivalent of $600,000. That’s $200K more than a standard Gallardo.
The new Gallardo LP560-4 Gold Edition will be distinguished by a special gold metallic paint combined with a new set of special alloys and a new engine cover. The interior gets red stitching on the steering wheel and seats.
Other than that, everything else on the Gallardo is the same. It will still be powered by a 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 552 HP at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 398 lb-ft available at 6,500 rpm. This is enough power to sprint the supercar up to a top speed of 201mph.
We’re confident in saying that everyone has seen at least one video of a car being put up against a fighter jet, like our favorite, the Bugatti Veyron vs Eurofighter Typhoon Jet. Well, it was our favorite, until now. A Danish car magazine has put together a winning combination that has stolen the title of the best car vs fighter jet video by pinning a Lamborghini Aventador against an F16 Fighting Falcon. It was a race between a 700 HP supercar and a 125,000 HP jet; a top speed of 217 mph vs. 1,319 mph. It’s a pretty unbalanced match, but the much lighter Aventador still held its own. Besides, with videos like these, the race itself is more important than finding out the winner.
As evocative and downright exotic Wheelsandmore has been with their tuning projects, we can’t help but wonder if they end up running out of ideas at some point.
Apparently, their recent run of new programs for some of the most powerful cars on the planet is proving that notion to be completely untrue.
Every Wheelsandmore tuning program always carries a standard performance upgrade and the "Green Beret," as the company has called this baby, is no different. The German tuner went and combined a digitally program-able, remote-operated valve control with special carbon-frame airfilters and a remapped ECU unit with a handmade, stainless steel exhaust system, effectively giving the Gallardo Superleggera a sinister performance upgrade.
How sinister? Well, from the standard 570 horsepower coming out of the super car’s 5.2-liter V10 engine, Wheelsandmore managed to increase that to a powerful 620 horsepower, hence the LP620-4 designation.
But more than just the mechanical improvements, Wheelsandmore also gave the Italian supercar a new set of fancy 20" 6Sporz² handcrafted, multi-piece forged wheels that are rotating at the steering axle and wrapped in 5p Continental Sport Contact tires. Other improvements for the Green Beret include a new race established special coilover with adjustable rebound and compression, hydraulically liftable around 1.77 inch, and called LCS (level-control-system).
For a tuner that has made a living out of programs like this, the Green Beret is yet another feather in the hat of these guys.
Lamborghini’s have long been the favorites of tuning companies from all over the world. Whether it’s the exotic Italian heritage or the imposing power at its heart, Lamborghini’s are the equivalent to tuners as flames are to moths.
Calling it the Invidia 540, Amari Design took the task of building a comprehensive aerodynamic body kit that has been constructed from carbon fiber, fiber glass, and lightweight ABS plastic. The objective at hand? Turn the Gallardo into something akin to the LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale.
The task is easier said than done, but Amari Design’s new aero body kit is determined to give the Gallardo that oh-so desirable Super Trofeo look. The body kit comprises of a number of new components, including a wider and deeper front front fender and rear arch extensions with vented bumper pieces. It also has wider wings and arches on both the front and rear, a wider rear bumper, a custom rear diffuser, and, need we explain any further, a large carbon effect, a Performante-inspired rear wing, and a new set of 20" alloy wheels finished in matte black.
Inside, the modifications include plenty of soft leather and Alcantara trim on the seats to go with the Invidia logo embroidered on the headrests. There are also custom carbon fiber panels, custom mats, and an modified hi-fi and sat nav system.
Last but certainly not least is the addition of a new high-performance Tubi exhaust system that helps increase the car’s output from 520 horsepower to 540 horsepower. It’s not a huge boost, but a boost nonetheless.
The Lamborghini Marzal is a concept car unveiled by Lamborghini at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show. It was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, and like any other Lamborghini models, it was named after a strain of fighting bull. The Marzal was never put into production, but some of its design cues were used in the future Espada. As this is a one-of model it should not surprise you the fact that it was auctioned for an impressive €1.512.000, or about $2,100,000 at the current exchange rates.
The Marzal is powered by a transversely mounted 175 HP in-line six-cylinder which was essentially half of the Miura engine, the V-12 was cut in half lengthwise, and was mated to a standard five-speed transmission. The concept was built on a modified Miura chassis, extended by 120 mm in order to accommodate the extra two passengers.
A very impressive feature of the concept is a pair of long gullwing doors that were used instead of the usual four-door layout. But Ferruccio Lamborghini wasn’t very pleased about this kind of doors: "offer no privacy: a lady’s legs would be there for all to see."This feature offered the possibility of using windows which, combined with a lightly smoked glass roof, helped create a very airy feeling inside the cabin. The interior features a a hexagonal honeycomb theme on the dashboard and center console housing most instruments and controls.
What happens when people want a car so bad, but don’t have enough money to buy it? Well, they start building replicas. Sometimes these things go well, but most of the time they go horribly, horribly wrong. This Lamborghini Reventon is probably one of the more severe cases of instances when the result is one of the ugliest and most unsuccessful builds to date.
There’s a man over in China that drives an old Nissan A31, but his dream car has always been a Lamborghini Reventon. He eye-balled his Nissan and found ways to convert his daily driver into his version of a Reventon. We say his version because there was no way his $13,800 and his homemade parts could ever match the precision and quality of a true $2.3 million Lamborghini.
He started by buying a scale model of a Reventon and day by day, his 1995 Nissan A31 took on some replica parts and some homemade parts resembling the pieces from one of the most exclusive cars on Earth. He dropped in a Lamborghini RB25 engine and 12 days later, had himself what he calls his Lamborghini Reventon.
Just because Lamborghini has a new toy in the Aventador, it doesn’t mean that tuning firms are beginning to turn a blind eye on the Italian automaker’s other models.
One such aftermarket company is DMC, which is on tap to introduce their latest styling package for the Murcielago LP580 GT. The overall design make-up of the Murcielago includes fitting the Italian supercar with a full carbon fiber body kit that comes with an all-new carbon fiber front fascia and a new rear bumper on the exterior of the car. Inside the Murcielago, DMC continued with the carbon fiber treatment, outfitting it with the same material to go with new custom leather upholstery.
Not one to leave behind improvements on the performance department, DMC also gave the Murcielago a little engine tweaking with the inclusion of a new stainless steel sport exhaust system and a remapped ECU unit, boosting the output of the supercar’s 6.2-liter V12 engine to 600 horsepower and a 365 lb/ft of torque, a jump up of 28 ponies and 12 lb/ft of torque from the standard model.
It’s not the biggest performance upgrade we’ve seen for a Murcielago, but combined with all the carbon fiber goodies given to the exterior and interior of the car, the overall package looks mighty impressive on our end.
We have tremendous respect for tuning firms that are able to make a car like the Lamborghini Aventador that much more amazing. Not many have been able to pull it off, but after Oakley Design’s work on the Ferrari 458 Italia, we knew they’d be one of the few to make it happen. To illustrate just how fantastic this package fits with the Aventador, Oakley Design will only be producing five units, and three of them have already been sold.
Focusing on the looks alone, anyone can see the sportier appearance given by the addition of a larger airbox, an intake feed pipe diameter, a titanium exhaust system, and a new set of lighter and wider wheels. Those additions only hint at what’s going on under the hood. Oakley Design worked up the Aventador so that it became 253 lbs lighter than the standard model and, with the help of an ECU remap, 60 HP stronger. The V12 engine now delivers a whopping 760 HP, up from the standard 700 HP. Another impressive feature for this package is that the power will be sent to the rear wheels; no all-wheel drive for this baby. No word yet on how these extra 60 ponies and their delivery will affect the car’s performance, but expect to see a slightly better 0-60 mph time than the 2.9 seconds provided from the factory model.
Back in 2003, Lamborghini was unveiling the Gallardo supercar, a model that would soon become the most produced model to date. Now, eight years later, Lamborghini is introducing the world to the Murcielago replacement - the Aventador - and making plans for the model set to replace that ever-so-popular Gallardo. That replacement is already rumored to be called the Cabrera and we have learned may feature a supercharged V10 engine that will deliver 600 HP.
With the task of taking on Ferrari’s current 458 Italia, the Lamborghini Cabrera will surely need the 600 powerful bulls charging under the hood. The Gallardo already comes packing a V10 engine with 552 HP, so getting a supercharger in there and bumping that up to 600 HP should be a simple task for Lamborghini to undertake. Next to this killer power output, the Cabrera will also feature carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts that will help to reduce the car’s total weight. Four wheel drive is also still being considered.
Expect the new Lamborghini Cabrera to show up sometime next year, just in time for the 2013 model year.
The wait is over ladies and gentlemen: Lamborghini’s next hypercar has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and dare we say what a hypercar it is! The new Bull God will feature an earth shattering 700hp V12 and the highest power to weight ratio of any car in its class. Yes, this is the new, long waited Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.
Lamborghini is really good at creating sinister super sports cars, but it is equally as talented at naming them. According to the company, "Aventador" was the name of a bull that entered into battle on October 1993 at the Saragossa Arena, earning the "Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera" for its outstanding courage. Having the courage to go up against a new world of super sports cars will be the name of the game for the new Lamborghini flagship. Today’s world is extremely high-tech and many new players have entered the arena. Lamborghini has been promoting its carbon-fiber monocoque technology and the Aventador’s 2.9 second 0-62mph, but will that be enough?
According to Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "The Aventador is a jump of two generations in terms of design and technology, it’s the result of an entirely new project, but at the same time it’s a direct and consistent continuation of Lamborghini’s brand values. It is extreme in its design and its performance, uncompromising in its standards and technology, and unmistakably Italian in its style and perfection. Overall, the dynamics and technical excellence of the Aventador LP 700-4 makes it unrivaled in the worldwide super sports car arena."
UPDATE 03/04/2011: Lamborghini has placed an online configurator up for our greedy little consumption. We’d talk more about it, but we’re on our way over to build ourselves an Aventador!
UPDATE 04/29/2011:Shortly after the Aventador’s official debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini was pleased to announce that the super car had been sold out for the 2011 model year. Now, the company can puff out its chest that much more since the Aventador is now sold out for the next 18 months!
UPDATE 05/12/2011: Ever wonder what it would be like to watch a car be built inside a museum? We didn’t think so, but the folks over at Lamborghini decided to bring the Aventador to the Chiostro del Bramante for the viewing of the "La Forza del Toro". Knowing that bringing the supercar inside the museum would be difficult, the engineers of the Aventador decided to bring the materials inside and build the car right then and there...without the benefits of any machinery at the production facility. Impressive indeed.
Exterior
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the new Aventador LP700-4 follows the same design language as with the latest Reventon and Sesto Elemento concept. The model has been designed at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant’Agata Bolognese and takes its inspiration from modern aeronautics and from the world’s fastest and most agile aircraft.
The supercar is 4.78 meters long, 2.26 meters wide, and only 1,136 meters high. The proportions and body parts have been calculated to improve the car’s aerodynamics as much as possible. All of the aerodynamic elements are integrated into the body shell form, from the front spoiler to the rear diffuser, while the rear spoiler is deployable and controlled electronically. The 4 degree approach angle is optimized for high speed and assists directional stability at the very top end of the spectrum. The 11 degree tilt, on the other hand, delivers considerably greater downforce at mid-range speeds, helping to optimize handling and stability.
Up front the Aventador gets an air guide further emphasized by glossy, black frames, and bi-xenon headlamps. These headlights are more than just a simple bulb behind a casing, they are an exercise in further design. The Y shaped lights spread out from the middle and a different set of LED lights within creates the turn signal. The side of the car have two sweeping strokes – the first emphasizes the front wheel arch; the second is a very sharply drawn line beginning at the front wheel arch. Lamborghini describes it as a tensed muscle running along the entire side of the car and over the rear wheel. Also, two large air intakes behind the upward-opening doors are used for a better cooling engine. Finally the rear gets a lower diffuser and rear LED lights that create the same shape as the ones out front.
In what has become one of the most distinctive features for any Lamborghini, the passenger doors will open upwards towards the sky. This feature has been used on every major Lamborghini supercar since the Countach. Few companies have been able to create a specific design element that they are able to carry through various decades with such poise. The nearest competitor may be Mercedes Benz and the 300SL Gullwing of the past and SLS AMG of today.
Customers will have the ability to choose from 13 exterior colors in pastel metallic, pearlescent, or matte. These include the newest shades of Grigio Estoque, Arancio Argos, AD Personam, Nero Nemesis, Bianco Canopus, and Marrone Apus. Automobili Lamborghini has really taken notice of the aftermarket world with their new paint options. Matte paint has become all the rage in high-end cars and can look especially striking on something as svelte as a Lamborghini. Three specific Matte tones will be available from the factory and should increase the curb appeal of these machines even further.
Interior
If you are one of the lucky few to have sat in a Reventon than you would know how Lamborghini was attempting to create a cockpit out of a dashboard. The revolutionary gauges that acted like the instruments of a jet plane were the first in a line of new technologies that would evolve into the Aventador. Instrumentation for the Aventador is displayed on a large LCD screen while a completely independent system and LCD screen controls stereo and navigation functions. The press release makes the center console of the car sound like your car is a robot by calling it the, “Human-Machine Interface.”
The full leather single-color interior is available in either Nero Alde (black) or in Marrone Elpis, with the contrasting stitching offered in a range of colors. The two-tone leather interiors are offered in two style lines. For Bicolor Sportivo, the base color is black, with the contrast in orange, white, yellow or green, while Bicolor Elegante presents a harmonious blend of brown tones. A virtually inexhaustible array of variants is also offered by the Ad Personam individualization program.
The Aventador will be offered with ABS, electronic brake distribution, anti-slip control, speed-dependent servo-tronic steering, hill start assist and, of course, ESP stability control. The rear spoiler and the side air intakes are electronically controlled. The Drive Select System enables vehicle characteristics (engine, transmission, differential, stability control, steering) to be set in accordance with individual driver preferences in one of three modes – Strada (road), Sport and Corsa (track).
Interior Shots
Performance
Lamborghini has made it clear that a V12 engine will be the only thing to ever power their supercar, but it was time to develop a new and modern version of the legendary V12 of yesteryear. The Aventador will come with a new 6.5-liter V12 engine with an AWD layout that produces 700 HP 8,250 rpm and 509 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. It is the first all-new Lamborghini developed engine since the Countach. This engine will be able to get from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds while blasting off a top speed of 217 mph. With a total weight of 1,575 kilograms (3,472 lb) it will deliver a power to weight ratio of 2.25 Kg/hp. These figures are astounding, but not out of this world. Lamborghini has surely created a super car, but until we can get it on a track with its competition we will not know if the Bull can reign King.
Design of the engine was simple in theory. The car needed a powerplant that was lighter than the old one and more powerful. That tends to be the problem with just about every iteration of a new sports car, but Lamborghini was able to develop several new ways of solving it. They made the engine lighter by using an aluminum-silicon alloy to lower the overall weight to just 235kg. Parts that are more readily exposed to high heat were still forged from steel, but the overall engine weight is equal to 3.0hp per kilogram.
The Aventador’s engine is mated to an all-new “Lamborghini ISR” – the ISR stands for Independent Shifting Rod - seven-speed single clutch automated manual gearbox that combines quick shift time with manual shifting, which proves to be quite useful when a car has a low weight and compact dimensions.
The ISR gearbox allows the Aventador to shift gears almost simultaneously. It comes with two modes and 50 millisecond shifts that works in such fashion that when one of the shifting rods is moving out of one gear, the second rod is already shifting on to the next. Another important aspect of the new Lamborghini transmission fits perfectly with the company’s new goal of making its supercars more lightweight: the ISR transmission weighs in at only 79 kilos – about 174 pounds – significantly lighter than any other DSG transmission out on the market.
the new Lamborghini powertrain is a revolutionary new technology that will set apart the Aventador – and all its future models - from its supercar contemporaries.
Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann explains that the new Lamborghini powertrain is a revolutionary new technology that will set apart the Aventador – and all its future models - from it’s supercar contemporaries. “This new power unit is not only the crowning glory of our product range, it is also part of our enormous investment in the future of the Lamborghini brand,” he said.
The Aventador’s monocoque will also be made solely of carbon fiber. When using this lightweight material it is possible to create structures that are much stronger than steel and also many times lighter. Until recently this material was used very little and few companies had the technology to create entire tubs out of it. Ferrari was one of the first manufacturers to take its carbon-fiber technology from the racetrack and incorporate it into the Ferrari F50 road car which had an entirely carbon-fiber tub. The newest one, designed by Lamborghini, puts the entire shell of the car from roof to floor in one component. Overall the part of the car where you will be sitting while hurtling over 200mph will only weigh 325.18lbs.
The body and chassis will be entirely constructed from carbon fiber. In collaboration with Boeing Corp. and the University of Washington, The tub and body that boasts stiffness calculated as 35,000 Newton-meters per degree of deflection. By comparison of stiffness, the Koenigsegg CCR is 28,100 Nm, the Ferrari F50 is 34,600 Nm, and the existing Murcielago is 20,000 Nm.
"Systematic lightweight engineering and an optimum power-to-weight ratio are absolutely crucial to the super sports cars of the future, for both the highest levels of driving pleasure and lower emissions," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "Lamborghini has put a lot of hard work into growing its expertise in the application of CFRP, attaining the leadership position we hold today. With its innovative carbon-fiber monocoque, the successor to the Murciélago displays the full competence of our brand and starts a new chapter in the history of Lamborghini."
It is clear to see that Lamborghini engineers and designers truly started from scratch when creating the Aventador. This car will have an entirely new suspension concept that comes straight from Formula 1 racing. It will also utilize a more typical double-wishbone setup and a supercar standard carbon-ceramic brake system. Also at the front axle are shock absorbers that come equipped with a hydraulic lifting system enabling the front end of the super sports car to be lifted by 40 millimeters at the touch of a button. When driving a Lamborghini through any parking lot with speed-bumps you will immediately recognize the convenience and need for a system that lifts the front end.
A new and innovative steering wheel system will also make it into the Aventador. The system has the ability to think its way through a bend adhering to the perfect line. This could be similar to the McLaren MP 4-12C brake steer system that will debut this month. It, in conjunction with a dozen computer systems, analyzes how the driver has entered a curve and adjusts steering inputs and braking to help the car maintain a more efficient line.
Engine Sounds
Drivetrain
Next to the impressive 700 HP V12 engine, the new supercar will also feature an innovative and highly sophisticated suspension concept. The first details of the concept reveal that the pushrod spring and damper was inspired by Formula 1 and adapted to a high-performance road-going vehicle, allowing it to handle better and be much more responsive. Next to this, the Aventador will also get an aluminum double wishbone suspension and a carbon ceramic brake system. The spring elements are not located on the wheel mounts, but connected inboard to the bodyshell structure. They are transversely positioned: under the windscreen in the front and close to the engine in the rear. Also at the front axle are shock absorbers that come equipped with a hydraulic lifting system enabling the front end of the super sports car to be lifted by 40 millimeters at the touch of a button. When driving a Lamborghini through any parking lot with speed-bumps you will immediately recognize the convenience and need for a system that lifts the front end.
A new and innovative steering wheel system will also make it into the Aventador. The system has the ability to think its way through a bend adhering to the perfect line. This could be similar to the McLaren MP 4-12C brake steer system that will debut this month. It, in conjunction with a dozen computer systems, analyzes how the driver has entered a curve and adjusts steering inputs and braking to help the car maintain a more efficient line.
Pricing
The new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 will go on sale in late summer 2011 at a price of $379,700. Don’t expect to see many of these exotic beauties at the nearest dealership. Lamborghini has been taking orders for years and will have to fill those sales requests before one just sits on a dealer’s lot. In total, only 4000 units of the supercar will be produced, which is 99 units less than the Murcielago. If any more than that were produced, the Aventador would not be profitable. According to Autocar, "the carbon fiber molds that are used to construct the car’s monocoque can be used as many as 500 times before they have to be replaced." The Aventador’s price is equivalent to eight sets of monocoque molds.
If you are truly in the market for one, there are far too many bespoke options to choose from – we would certainly want to go through the design process ourselves and order one from the factory in Italy.
Competition
If and when the Lamborghini Aventador is released – teaser images have pointed to a 2012 launch date – it’s a pretty safe bet that it’s going to go head-to-head with a number of other new exotics, with the most notable of which being the Ferrari 599 GTO. Numbers aren’t too far from each other with the Aventador’s 700 horsepower, 2.9-second 0-60 mph time, and 217 mph top speed going up against the 599 GTO’s 670 horsepower, 3.3-second 0-60 mph time, and 208 mph top speed time.
With the specs of these two Italian thoroughbreds closely similar to each other, it should make for a nice comparison test between the two. Sure, we’re going to have to wait until Lamborghini officially introduces the Aventador for that to happen, but we’re pretty confident that at some point, it’s going to.
Lamborghinis and Ferraris will always be interlinked with each other so bragging rights between the 599 GTO and the soon-to-be-released Aventador LP700-4 should still make for a very interesting comparison test. Other companies will be having there chance to take a shot at this raging bull including Pagani and McLaren. Many people know little about these companies, but they produce some of the baddest sports cars on the planet. Their most recent models have pushed the limits of engineering and manufacturing and the newest models will be more than light competition for the Lamborghini. The McLaren already promises similar performance from a smaller and more economical twin-turbo V8 engine. The Pagani will be utilizing an AMG V12 like the past models and have a peak output close to the new Lamborghini. In a perfect world, we would love to see these four new cars on one track at the same time to duel it out for bragging rights.
Lamborghini is preparing to replace the current Gallardo in 2013 with an even more powerful car rumored to be called the Cabrera, but until that happens, we’ll be seeing tons of tuning packages for the current model. In fact, a lot of them will probably come from SR Auto Group who seem to gravitate towards the vehicle in every other project they undertake. Their latest kit is called the Devastator and, contrary to its title, doesn’t offer any additional power to disintegrate the competition.
The new Gallardo Devastator features a simplistic design approach that is displayed with a matte black exterior finish to go along with the matte black PUR 2WO wheels. The whole darkened look is highlighted by massive golden brakes.
That’s about it for the package and honestly, if this were any other car than this Gallardo or even an Audi R8, we’d be thoroughly disappointed. Of course, a vehicle that comes rocking a 560 HP V10 engine can get away with not getting its power boosted.
SR Auto Group gets its kicks from transforming luxury exotics into more aggressive and beastly machines like the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 ’Erebos’ and the Audi R8 V10 Project Valkyrie. Their newest project launched "with the idea of going all out with no restraints" and they used this philosophy to transform the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 under the ’Ballistic’ project.
The Murcielago ’Ballistic’ received its edgy styling from the Premier 4509 package that includes a new front bumper, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. SR Auto Group then finished off the look with a matte black exterior finish and a new set of 20" PUR 2WO design wheels. The tuning firm isn’t about challenging the power outputs provided by Lamborghini so the ’Ballistic" utilizes the Murcielago’s 6.5L V12 engine cranking out 631 HP at 8000 rpm and 487 lb-ft at 6000 rpm.
"Adapting our minimalistic approach with an out of the park kit that redefines the look of Project Ballistic was not a easy task to accomplish. The Premiere 4509 kit was the perfect way to complete this task. A mix of carbon fiber flowing with the glimmering gloss black exterior was definitely a sight of beauty."
Branching out to merchandising has long been a source of cash flow for some automakers. It’s really not a complicated pie to figure out since fans of luxury automakers like Ferrari and Lamborghini who have no resources to purchase their own supercars can still buy a piece of these brands through other items, specifically t-shirts, bags, shoes, and even laptops.
Whereas other brands, especially Ferrari, have already stamped their iconic brand names on a number of laptops. Lamborghini’s already got their partnership with Asus in producing a range of laptops, but that trend seems to have triggered an exception as Tonino Lamborghini, the son of Lamborghini founder Feruccio Lamborghini, has released it’s very own variation on a laptop that will bear the iconic Italian brand’s raging bull badge.
Now, if you’re looking for something as exotic as the cars that are produced in Sant’ Agata, this laptop isn’t one of them. The laptop’s tech specs aren’t anything to go crazy about and the design is relatively simple, at best. But if those aren’t the things that worry you, then at 650 euros, it’s a pretty good bargain deal compared to other auto-branded laptops out on the market.
Specifications Slim Series Notebook 13.4 "
Processor: Intel Ultra Low Voltage Processor: Intel Ultra Low Voltage Screen: 13.4 "Wide Screen WXGA 1366 x 768 LED ultrashort Display: 13.4" Wide Screen WXGA 1366 x 768 LED ultrashort Hard Disk S-ATA 2.5 "160, 320 or 500GB Hard Disk S-ATA 2.5" 160, 320 or 500GB Audio: High Definition Audio Audio High Definition Audio Graphics Card: Intel UMA Videos GMAX4500 Card: Intel UMA GMAX4500 Connectivity: Wireless LAN 802.11 b / g, Ethernet LAN, Bluetooth Connectivity: Wireless LAN 802.11 b / g, Ethernet LAN, Bluetooth Ports: VGA, HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0, headphone jack / microphone Ports: VGA, HDMI output 2 x USB 2.0, headphone jack / microphone, Extension: Extension Multi Card Reader Multi-Card Reader Operating System: Windows 7 Operating System: Windows 7 Battery: 4 Cell Lithium Ion Battery: 4 cell Lithium Ion Dimensions: 330 [L] x 224 [P] x 6-19.8 [H] Dimensions: 330 [L] x 224 [P] x 6-19.8 [H] Weight: 1.3 kg Weight: 1.3 Kg Warranty: 2 years pick up and return Warranty: 2 years pick up & return
Lamborghini has already confirmed that the Sesto Elemento will indeed be headed to the production line, albeit in a very limited run. With such a minute number being produced, anyone would be hard-pressed to get know when Lamborghini is even actively selling it, let alone be able to grab hold of one of those units. The task of purchasing an Elemento got even harder as a high-end dealership in La Jolla, just north of San Diego, confirmed that Lamborghini was already accepting orders for the car and that only three units were headed over to the United States.
The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento will be offered at a princely sum and rumors suggest that payment will be taken Reventon-style, which means three equal payments of $300,000 or higher with the remainder being paid at the end of the deal. That kind of price tag will bring its owner a 570 HP V10 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kilograms per HP. This allows the Sesto Elemento to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a sensational 2.5 seconds, while top speed will be higher than 186 mph.
Anyone willing and able to pay that incredible price tag better have their phone in hand and their bank account numbers handy.
UPDATE 05/05/2011: The German magazine Auto Motor Und Sport reports that the production version Sesto Elemento will arrive in October 2011. Lamborghini will produce only 20 units of the supercar each carrying a price tag of 1.9 million euro, or about $2.8 million at the current exchange rates.
Exterior
The main component of the new Sesto Elemento is carbon fiber and more specifically carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Lamborghini has been able to successfully develop a process that takes the material from 3D design through simulation, validation, testing, and finally into production. Its collaboration with the Boeing company is perhaps one of the most important to the development of this vehicle. The two companies have been able to develop the CFRP design much further than ever before thanks to their ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center). Two of the most unique parts designed for the exterior are the wheels made entirely out of carbon fiber and the exhaust system which is made out of a material called Pyrosic. This is a glass ceramic composite that can withstand high heat.
“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. “
Nearly every panel of the vehicle is graced with this carbon fiber material including the monocoque passenger cell, front frame, exterior panels, and crash boxes. One of the coolest aspects of the car is that it remains unpainted in the traditional sense. The panels shine through in a matte finish, but Lamborghini has added one last piece of magic to their carbon-fiber. Towards the end of the development process fine crystals are added to the mixture and in the end a red glow is added to the entire exterior. The surface is not only stunning, but actually much stronger than a normal paint job.
Cool air is able to flow through two red triangular openings in the hood beneath the front windscreen and through large outlets in the side panels behind the front wheels. Sharply cut headlamp units complete the front end. Alongside the bi-xenon lamps, there are four LEDs in each unit. The low front end looks incredibly dominant, with the partially double-lipped front spoiler pushed way out front and distinctively formed air intakes. A powerful 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 shape is used extensively – and can be seen everywhere from the door handles to the points of the air outlet triangles in the hood that are carried through into lines along the roof. The aerodynamic elements of the Sesto Elemento are unmatched in today’s world and the design is absolutely stunning.
Interior
Lamborghini has been able to take a standard car interior and completely turn it on its head. The design of the Sesto Elemento circles around function rather than form and the first defines the latter. The interior is exclusively shaped by the carbon fiber monocoque tub which provides a minimalist yet purely Lamborghini feeling. The most unique feature is the fact that the Sesto Elemento does not have seats. Quite literally the cushioning is fixed to the carbon fiber tub giving the driver an unparalled sense of road feel. In order to adapt drivers of differing stature the steering wheel is completely adjustable for height and reach. Furthermore, the pedals can be adjusted longitudinally.
As for the use of leather, wood grain, or any other typical luxury material, they are non-existent. This car gives the feel of a race car once inside. The CFRP material is exposed everywhere and even major components of the engine management system are visible. Controls are just as simple and include a starter button, reverse gear button, and a final switch for the lights. The weight reduction inside and out has led to a major savings when compared to other lightweight Lamborghini models. The Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera has a dry weight of only 1,340 kilograms. Compared with the already extremely lean Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé, this represents a further reduction of 70 kilograms, or 154 lbs, which would easily make it the lightest of any sports car.
Performance
With the Elemento having an overall curb weight of just 2,202 lbs and a massive V10 power unit feeding a permanent all-wheel drive system, this car is sure to impress on the track. Output is 570hp giving the lightweight bull a power to weight ratio of 1.75 kilograms per horsepower. What that statistic really comes down to is the car being able to accelerate from a standstill through 60mph in 2.5 seconds.
The V10 offers 5,204 cm3 of displacement, delivering a specific output of 80.5 kW (109.6 hp) per liter of displacement. The engine utilizes an aluminum crankcase including 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 has taken its carbon fiber knowledge and expanded it to the suspension as well. Carbon-fiber control arms help reduce weight while the rear subframe with the engine mount and rear axle suspension points are made from aluminum which is another lightweight material that is used extensively in high performance vehicle design. The glass composite material used for the tailpipes on the exhaust system, which is composed of ceramic powder and synthetic resin, makes this carbon material extremely heat resistant.
The Sesto will use an e-gear transmission controlled by paddle shifters on the steering column. It uses a six gear setup and is automated to complete shifts faster than a human is able to. The final piece of the equation for the Sesto Elemento was the use of its partner company Audi and their knowledge of all-wheel drive systems.
Pricing
The production Sesto Elemento is rumored to be priced at 1.9 million euro, or about $2.8 million at the current exchange rates, with units arriving in October 2011. Apparently, only 20 units of this supercar will be built, with three headed over to stateside.
Competition
In the $2-3 million dollar category, there is quite literally no competition for this car. Nothing on today’s market exhibits the use of carbon fiber to the same extent that the Sesto Elemento has and in the near future don’t look for any rivals. The Koenigsegg Agera R is close in some respects, but goes about things completely differently. It and the Bugatti Veyron are more concerned with using brute force to reach high speeds, where the Lamborghini was initially a testbed for CFRP technology. Koenigsegg is a company that has a lot of experience with carbon fiber as well, but has nowhere near the resources that Lamborghini can pull from thanks to the help from Boeing. Overall, this car will go down in the history books as one of the most radical design concepts to ever come from Sant’Agata Bolognese – and that is not something said every day.
the 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 has already received a couple of race-ready versions: the 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP620-2 Super Trofeo 
Processor: Intel Ultra Low Voltage Processor: Intel Ultra Low Voltage 
