Exterior 2012 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

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.