Sesto Elemento (Italy, 2010)

The Sesto Elemento is a concept car that was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

With this study vehicle Lamborghini seems to be redefining the future of the super sports car with a unique technology demonstrator.

The extremely light Sesto Elemento benefits from the advanced carbon-fiber technology to have an overall curb weight of just 999 kilograms, including V10 power unit and permanent all-wheel drive. In a unique demonstration of the technological expertise of Automobili Lamborghini, the brand is using for the first time in an automotive application some innovative carbon-fiber technologies.

The Sesto Elemento has a power output of 570 hp, with a power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kilograms per hp. The concept car is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. According to Lamborghini, the fuel consumption has dropped when compared to previous models because lightweight engineering applied in its construction.

The Sesto Elemento receives its name from the periodic table, where carbon is classified as the sixth element. The car is demonstrates the worldwide leading expertise of Lamborghini in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology.

In terms of Design the Sesto Elemento continues to express the values of super cars that run out of Lamborghini as well as the performance and power. Its whole design has been integrated with the use of carbon-fiber technology, bringing the design DNA of the Lamborghini brand to a new level. This techonology enables the reduction and integration of the different components.

 The Sesto Elemento concept has a new matt-shimmer clear coat finish, which means that the CFRP structure can be seen throughout the whole car. But the car is not just black. Thanks to the use of Nano-Technology some parts of the Sesto Elemento were covered with a fine crystals with a red shimmer finish.

At the front Lamborghini concept features two vertical ribs, whixh are used to improve the stiffness of the component and guide the cooling air directly to the radiator behind them and to the brakes. Its low front features a partially double-lipped front spoiler pushed way out front, giving the car a visual impact. The front end look is completed by the two red triangular openings in the hood beneath the front windscreenand the strangely shaped headlamp units.

The power centre of the Sesto Elemento is located just before the rear axle, with the car showing a sharped wedge profile. It has distintive line starting in the front wheel arches, rising along the door towards the rear and ending at the broad shoulders above the rear wheel. The use of the triangle is a consistent feature in the Sesto Elemento design and has been used also in the door handles.

The Sesto Elemento feature a very short rear overhang is extremely short and, again, characterized by optimized aerodynamics. It features a spoiler that is matched by the diffuser and a further air deflector in the center. They all guarantee maximum downforce for cornering speeds and high-speed directional stability.

The Pyrosic tailpipes  in the concept car are directed upwards through the engine cover panel, which also incorporates ten hexagonal openings and two air scoops behind the roof in order to deliver fresh air to the V10 power plant.

On the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, the front and rear of the body-shell are each manufactured in a single piece. The integration of complex structures into one single component is one of the advantages of the use of carbon-fibre technology. Engineers call this “cofango”, created by combining the Italian word “cofano” (hood) with “parafango” (fender).

The Lamborghini concept car is powered by a rear longitudinal V10 engine with a 5,204 cc of displacement. The unit delivers 570 hp, all of which is available at 8,000 rpm, and has a maximum torque of 540 Nm at 6500 rpm.

The dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees are the main highlight of this powertrain, which are an integral part of the lightweight engineering approach and lower the centre of gravity.

The Sesto Elemento is fitted with the e.gear transmission, controlled in race car fashion via shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. It has an automated system with electronic management which shifts smoothly through all six gears faster than a human being would be able to.