Lamborghini Shows Off Murcielago Replacement’s High-tech Carbon Fiber Composite Monocoque

Over the past few months, Lamborghini has released several teasers displaying components of the Murcielago's replacement, rumored to be called either Aventador or Jota and set for a world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The Italians first showed us the all-new 700HP 6.5-liter V12 engine, followed by a preview of the Formula 1-inspired pushrod suspension. Now, new information is available on the supercar’s monocoque, built entirely from carbon fiber using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) technology.

Although touted as a “single shell” design, the monocoque that also has its roots in F1 racing is actually made from various individual parts, which, once joined, physically function as one component.

Known for its extreme durability, carbon fiber is also lighter compared to conventional materials, which makes it an excellent choice for building performance car components. In the case of the Murcielago successor, the monocoque only weighs 147.5 kg or 324 lbs and has excellent torsional rigidity, according to Lamborghini.

To build the different elements needed, engineers used three CFRP manufacturing methods that not only differ as processes, but use different types of carbon fiber as well. The monocoque also contains epoxy foam pieces to further increase stiffness and aluminum inserts, which facilitate the connection of the front and rear sub-frame elements.

It’s evident that the building process is not what one would call simple, therefore Lamborghini chose to do everything in-house, thus making sure that every piece is made according to specifications.

By Csaba Daradics

[From Lamborghini Press Release] CFRP manufacturing methods

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM): In this process the carbon fiber mats are preformed and impregnated with an exact amount of resin. Afterwards, they are cured under heat while the part is in the mold. Lamborghini has achieved a major breakthrough by further developmening this method. Using the patented “RTM-Lambo” process, the final mold is no longer a heavy, complex metal piece, but is made instead from lightweight carbon-fiber parts, thus making the manufacturing process faster, more flexible and more efficient.

An additional benefit of the RTM-Lambo process is the low injection pressure that doesn’t require expensive equipment.

Prepreg – The carbon fiber mats used in this method, commonly known as prepreg, are pre-injected by the supplier with a thermosetting liquid resin and must be stored at a low temperature. The mats are then laminated in molds and cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave. Prepreg components are complex to make, but have an extremely high-quality surface finish (Class-A surface quality) and are therefore the preferred option for use in visible locations.

Braiding – These components are manufactured by using RTM technology. This carbon fiber weave technology is derived from the textile industry and used to make tubular components for special applications such as structural roof pillars and rocker panels. The woven components are made by diagonally interweaving the fiber in several layers.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Man Amasses Ridiculously Awesome Gulf Oil-Liveried Racing Car Collection

The ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton is one man's dream of assembling the largest assortment of racing cars ever to compete in the legendary colors of Gulf Oil. The collection comprises 14 of the most prominent Gulf Oil-liveried competition cars and has been created by Duncan Hamilton & Co.’s Chairman, Adrian Hamilton, for an unnamed but obviously passionate and extremely wealthy client.

All 14 cars were tracked down and acquired in just two years. The collection includes a variety of models ranging in age from the 1967 Mirage, which was the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans, to the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo that competed in the GT2 Championship.

Commenting on the collection, Adrian Hamilton said: “My career has been punctuated by many remarkable cars – eg the one and only Mercedes-Benz 196 Grand Prix car in private hands, some nine Ferrari 250 GT0s, 20 GT40s, seven Porsche 917s and numerous Jaguar C and D-Types etc – but few projects have been as enjoyable and satisfying as this one. Like all racing enthusiasts I’ve grown up with the Gulf brand and it is a tremendous privilege to be able to build such a unique and lasting tribute to one of the greatest names in our sport. I am extremely indebted to my client for the opportunity.”

A total of 12 cars from the ROFGO Gulf Collection by Duncan Hamilton will get their first public outing for all to see at Retromobile, an annual show of classic road and racing cars, which takes place at Porte de Versailles in Paris, from February 2 to 6.

In chronological order the 14 cars are:

• 1967 Mirage

Chassis No.10002 – the first Gulf-liveried car to run at Le Mans

• 1968 Ford GT40

Chassis No.1084 – 4^th, SPA 1000 km, Hawkins/Hobbs

• 1969 Brabham BT26

Chassis No.BT26/4 - 1^st German GP, Ickx

• 1970 McLaren M14

Chassis No.M14/A2 – 2^nd South African GP, Hulme

• 1971 Porsche 917

Chassis No.026 – 2^nd, Le Mans 24 Hours, Attwood/Muller

• 1970 Porsche 908/3

Chassis No.12 – Nürburgring 1000 km, Siffert, DNF

• 1972 McLaren M20

Chassis No.M20/3 – 1^st, Watkins Glen, Hulme

• 1974 Mirage

Chassis No.704 – 4^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Hailwood

• 1994 Kremer K8

Chassis No.K8/07/SP – 6^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Bell/Lassig/Donovan

• 1996 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail

Chassis No.022 – 3^rd, Hockenheim 4 Hours, Bscher/Nielson

• 2006 Courage C65 LMP2

Chassis No.07 – 7^th, Le Mans 24 Hours, Gosselin/Ojeh/Ragues

• 2008 Aston Martin DBR9

Chassis No.007 – 4^th in GT1, Le Mans 24 Hours, Frentzen/Piccili/Wendlinger

• 2009 Aston Martin LMP1

Chassis No.DBR1-2/2 – 1^st, Asian Le Mans series, Okayama, Mucke/Primat

• 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo

GT2 Championship, Giroix/Goethe

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore Special Launched at Qatar Motor Show

The 2011 Qatar Motor Show that runs from January 26 to 29 appears to have captured the attention of the VW Group as a whole. Following yesterday's unveiling of the VW XL1 hybrid coupe concept, the German familia's sportiest brand, Lamborghini, lifted the wraps off a special edition version of the Gallardo called Bicolore.

The limited run model will be produced for the European and Asian-Pacific markets in the LP 560-4 guise, which means it gets a 560HP V10 and all-wheel drive, while for the American market it will be only available in the version LP 550-2 featuring a 550HP V10 and rear-wheel drive configuration.

As its name implies, the special series features a unique two-tone finish with a matching interior. On the outside, the pillars, roof, engine hood and rear spoiler are painted in a pastel black that contrasts perfectly with the lower area of the body, available in a choice of five shades (Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum).

The Gallardo's exterior appearance is further enhanced by the 15-spoke forged alloy wheels finished in titanium gray enamel, and the gloss black finish air-intakes, front spoiler and upper section of the rear diffuser.

The two-tone theme is repeated inside, but in a more understated manner. The instrument panel, seats, door panels and other elements in the passenger compartment are upholstered in black leather with contrast stitching colored to match the exterior paintwork (yellow, orange, blue or gray). The black bezel of the e-gear transmission on the center console completes the look.

Pricing is to be announced at a later date.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Lamborghini Murcielago Successor gets F1-inspired Pushrod Suspension, Debut Confirmed for Geneva Show

It’s official: the much-awaited successor to the Lamborghini Murcielago (named either Aventador or Jota, depending on who you ask), will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in early March. As well as officially confirming the supercar's show debut, Lamborghini also revealed details on the suspension.

The Murcielago's replacement will come with an F1-inspired pushrod spring and damper concept, tuned to "meet the needs of a high-performance road-going vehicle." Mores specifically, Lamborghini said that instead of linking to the wheel mounts, the spring/damper elements are connected to the body shell structure, in a transverse position. Pushrods and relay levers/rockers transmit the forces from the wheel mounts to the spring/damper elements, offering a series of benefits.

Because of this setup, wheel control and damper are separate units, improving handling and the reaction of the springs/dampers. This allowed engineers to use less stiff springs, increasing comfort. Last but not least, the shock absorbers are equipped with a hydraulic lifting system, capable of raising the front end of the car by 4 centimeters (1.57 inches) at the push of a button. Thus, small obstacles can be negotiated without causing damage to the front bumper.

All suspension parts are made from a forged aluminum alloy.

As previously reported, the Lambo is motivated by a newly developed 700HP 6.5-liter V12 engine, while stopping power comes from 400mm 6-pot caliper ventilated front and 380mm 4-pot caliper rear carbon ceramic brakes. The LP700-4 runs on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, shod in 255/35 and 335/30 tires respectively.

The steering system is hydraulic with three different servotronic settings, ranging from the hardcore “corsa” racetrack mode to less demanding setups.

There’s no official information on pricing yet, but one German dealer has already listed the car as the “Aventador LP700-4” for €309,900 (US$423,757) with 19% tax.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

Lamborghini Indomable Concept was developed by Daniel Ochoa and Alberto Fernandez de Chinchilla Scuola Politecnica di Design Master Albilares collaboration with Lamborghini, under the control of Filipo Périne, head of the Centro Stile and designer Alessandro SALVAGNINI.

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

Unlike other concepts, this one has the validity and go ahead from it's parent company that the design language thesis is borrowed from. The entire project was conducted under the supervision of the head of the Centro Stile, Filipo Perini and designer Alessandro Salvagnin.

The Lamborghini Indomable is a study of a production sportscar based on the Gallardo and with a design inspired by modern jetfighters, this has got to be one of the most contemporary designs to come out of Sant’Agata Bolognese in years, so let’s just hope they build it. The Lamborghini Indomable Concept was inspired by the exterior is a new generation of stealth fighter jets like the F22 Raptor. It is of course not the first car drove the design was inspired by Jet.

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

The front end is a futuristic take on the Lamborghini brand design, with the radiators located in the middle and the two angular intakes are designed to feed cool air to the brakes. The engine cover is inspired by the functional system of the F22 which features invisible weapons bay doors and the typical zig zag assembly pattern. The “Y” shape at the center leaves the V10 engine visible through a glass surface.

The designer of the Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept, Daniel Chinchilla Ochoa, has been working in transport design for the last 4 years, developing urban buses, OEM accessories and special editions for VW, GM, Ford, Peugeot and Seat in Mexico. Today, he fulfills the role of freelance Transport and Product designer.

When he speaks about his work, the designer of the Lamborghini Indomable Concept, Daniel Chinchilla Ochoa said: “Soft transitions between the surfaces with hard cuts are the main design cues. These create the functional elements of the car. Side view shows a composite wing of abstraction, giving the impression that the car waiting to act as a jet since the start of the carrier.”

Lamborghini Indomable Sports Cars Concept

eBay Find: Luigi Colani’s 1970 Lamborghini Miura Le Mans Concept Car

Unveiled in 1970, the Lamborghini Miura Le Mans was an out-of-this-world concept car, envisioned by legendary Italian designer, Luigi Colani. According to Colani’s website, the design study was a “two-part hybrid car”, with a Miura chassis rear section and front passenger cabin designed “like the cockpit of a glider”.

It was used as a show car for about four years, when it suddenly went under the radar, only to be discovered 30+ years later by Bad Influence Hot Rods (BIHR), at an estate auction in Indiana. The new owner put it up for sale last October for $79,000, but the reserve wasn’t met. Now it re-surfaced on eBay for a starting bid of $74,999.

Unfortunately, the Miura Le Mans hasn’t aged very well, as the canopy is broken into several pieces and the engine is gone. However, many parts are still there, including the rear and front suspension, golden rear alloys with blue knockoffs, double nose wheels, brakes, calipers and steering.

While BIHR says that this should be an easy car to restore, we’re not that convinced, but whoever decides to pick it up for this kind of money might as well go all the way. Otherwise, it could make for an interesting coffee table…

By Csaba Daradics

Link: eBay

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________