Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

…Pure lab created frenzy! Mamma Mia!

The year was 2010…the vehicle…is the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento concept car. Lamborghini redefined the future of supercars with a unique one-off design. Its carbon-fibre construction made it extremely lightweight at 2,012 pounds. This was the first time carbon-fibre was used in an automotive application. This new technology combined with permanent all-wheel drive and V10 power made the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento a unique demonstration of technological expertise from Automobili Lamborghini. 

The Sesto Elemento’s V10 engine produces an astounding 570 hp with 540 Nm of peak torque. Longitudinal acceleration is rated as 0-62 mph in just 2.5 seconds with a top speed in the 210 mph range. The engine is mated to a 6-speed paddle-shift transmission. Fuel consumption drops because of the extreme lightweight engineering.

The Sesto Elemento is a synthesis of an extremely low curb weight, enormous horsepower output, the sensitive and prompt responsiveness from the high-revving naturally aspirated V10 engine, and the superior traction and stability of permanent all-wheel drive. Sant’ Agata Bolognese and their Centro Stile designed a vehicle light-years ahead of the industry…again. The Sesto Elemento is a track only vehicle.

The name of this technology demonstrator is derived from the periodic table where carbon is classified as the sixth element. Automobili Lamborghini is the only vehicle manufacturer in the world to have mastered the complete CFRP process, that is ‘Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Plastics’ technology to be politically correct. From 3-D design through simulation, validation, production and testing, Lamborghini stands alone in this extremely rare arena…You-Go…Lambo!

Technology is also in the Sesto Elemento’s paint finish. It is a new matte shimmer clear coat displaying the carbon-fibre construction proudly. Lamborghini used Nano Technology to add fine crystals with a red dazzle. Surfaces with this type of finish glow red. This is applied using a patented process during the final stage of the vehicle’s production. And there you were thinking it was just a pretty car…it is a rolling showcase of Lamborghini technology. When Sant’ Agata Bolognese creates a concept car…the rest of the industry takes note…

Did you know that every single line in a Lamborghini’s design serves a purpose? The two vertical ribs in the front improve the stiffness of the component while funneling cooling air directly to the radiator and brakes. The cooling air is routed through the red triangular intakes in the hood beneath the front windscreen and also through large vents in the side panels behind the front wheels. This sophisticated network guarantees all component’s airflow even at extreme driving conditions. The entire car is an aerodynamic wedge slicing through the atmosphere using the forces such as crosswinds as cooling air…

Now here is an awesome combination. The engine is mounted just in front of the rear axle, the rear overhang is extremely short, and that big rear spoiler, all network to create greater downforce. This optimizes stability and traction especially during high-speed cornering. The chiseled sides of the Sesto Elemento are cut like a sharp wedge to aid its overall aerodynamic efficiency.

To improve quality and reduce weight complex structures can be integrated into one single component. This is one of the advantages of the carbon-fibre technology. It is such a versatile material, one day soon all cars will be made completely of this space-aged stuff! The Sesto Elemento has a front and rear of the bodyshell made into a single piece.

The Engineers call this “cofango”, a word created by combining the Italian word “cofano” or hood with “parafango” or fender. The large components are attached by easily removable fasteners to disassemble a component quickly. This is like the race cars at the track. But then, a Lamborghini is a racing car in everyday attire. The cofango is reminiscent of the Lamborghini Miura from the sixties; the unique mid-engine supercar…with its rear cover opening in one piece…Lamborghini is a pioneer!

Lamborghini Centro Stile designed the cabin with simplicity. It’s conservative yielding weight reduction. The entire internal structure is a Forged Composite tub. The seats are ergonomically designed and upholstered in high-tech fabric and mounted directly to the carbon-fibre monocoque. The steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach. The pedals are electronically adjustable longitudinally. Sant’ Agata Bolognese dispensed with the “20th Century” interior cosmetics to opt for the visual feature of the carbon-fibre construction. In layman’s terms, “they are struttin’ their stuff for all to view!” Even the electronic engine management system control is mounted in plain view. They are showing-off their technological superiority aesthetically…You-Go…Lambo!

The main feature of the CFRP technology is the maximum integration of functions, aka, reducing weight. The bodyshell is made up of only the roof section which is part of the monocoque, the two cofango covers front & rear, and the doors. Each door is made from only two pieces, the exterior skin and the interior cladding are both fused together as a single component.

The Sesto Elemento is more than just a pretty car. It is a sophisticated network of high-tech engineering. The powerful 570 hp V10 engine, fast shifting e-gear transmission, and permanent all-wheel drive make the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento a super sports car well suited for the 21st Century. Leave it to Lamborghini to “tease” the world with their sumptuous technological concept delights…they really know how to leave the audience wanting a command performance after their standing ovation…

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is another extreme exercise in design superiority. This unique automobile went into production in 2013 and was produced at an extremely restricted pace of only 20 vehicles. The price was a staggering $2.2 Million USD. Every car built was sold before it went into production.