The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
(literally "Sixth Element" in Italian) is a two-seater, V10
high-performance concept car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini,
which debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The Sesto Elemento is
equipped with a 6-speed paddle-shift, semi-automatic transmission and
all-wheel-drive system, mated to a 5.2-litre V10 engine borrowed from
the Lamborghini Gallardo, generating 570 horsepower and 540 Nm (398)
lb·ft of torque. The chassis, body, driveshaft and suspension components
are made of carbon fiber, reducing the overall weight to a mere 999
kilograms (2,200 lb), making it the lightest car Lamborghini has ever
produced. Air is released through 10 distinctive hexagonal holes in the
engine cover, while two intakes funnel cool air into the mid-mounted
engine compartment. The Sesto Elemento's high amount of horsepower
combined with low overall weight translate to a power-to-weight ratio of
0.57 hp/kg (0.26 hp/lb). Lamborghini claims a 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)
acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 350 km/h (217
mph). Lamborghini sources said "...It will never be road legal".
AutoWeek magazine said a "...A stratospheric price tag, perhaps about
$1.7 million..." The Sesto Elemento's name stems from the car's
extensive use of carbon fiber. Lamborghini plans to make 20 Sesto
Elementos for track use only.
The car was originally planned in 2006, when Lamborghini planned to end the production of the Lamborghini Murcielago and then replace that with the Lamborghini Aventador. Lamborghini needed to create an upgraded version of their lesser sports car, the Lamborghini Gallardo, and that's what the Sesto Elemento achieved.
