Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

2011
Overview
Manufacturer	Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A
Production	2011 (20 units)
Assembly	Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	Mid-engine, all-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	5.2 L V10 570HP
Transmission	6-speed Transmission with paddle shift
Dimensions
Curb weight	999 kg (2,202 lb)

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento ("Sixth Element" in English) is a two-door, two-seater, V10 high-performance lightweight limited edition car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini, which debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The Sesto Elemento's name is a reference to the atomic number of carbon, in recognition of the car's extensive use of carbon fibre.

Design

The Sesto Elemento is equipped with a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shift and all wheel drive system, mated to a 5.2 litre V10 engine borrowed from the Gallardo, generating 578 PS (425 kW; 570 hp) and 540 N·m (400 lbf·ft) of torque. The chassis, body, drive shaft and suspension components are made of carbon fiber, reducing the overall weight to a mere 999 kilograms (2,202 lb), a weight comparable to subcompact cars such as a Honda Fit. It is 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 power combined with low overall weight translate to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.57 hp/kg (0.26 hp/lb) (with a weight-to-power ratio of 1.75 kg/hp and 3.85 lb/hp). Lamborghini claims a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds. Lamborghini sources said that "...they will sell it in very small numbers, in 2013."

The Sesto Elemento's interior is generally minimal with few vehicle comforts such as air-conditioning and car stereo. The seats are not exactly seats but shaped pads attached to the interior of the car. Top Gear's Richard Hammond praised the car and proclaimed it the poster car of now.

Limited release

Lamborghini announced plans to make 20 Sesto Elementos for track use only in mid-2013. All 20 have been sold. Reported prices range from US$2.2 million to US$2.9 million.