Paris 2010: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

It isn't every day that a new supercar is unveiled. The nature of the low-volume exotic business and high cost of development requires longer life cycles.

That's why a new Lamborghini is a big deal. The company has been slowly teasing the new car to us for a while, and it today we get to see the whole thing.

The Sesto Elemento debuts a new approach for Lamborghini, and it begins with the name. Sesto Elemento is the Italian name for the sixth element in the periodic table - carbon fiber.

That is fitting then, because nearly every element of the entire vehicle is made from that material. It all comes as part of the company's new focus on lightness.

Lightness brings a different approach - more on 0-60 numbers and less on top speed. The Sesto Elemento delivers in that goal - checking in at only 2,200 pounds and achieving a 0-60 number of just 2.5 seconds.

Power comes from a 570 horsepower V-10 engine sourced from the Gallardo.

Stylistically, the Sesto Elemento appears to us more like a Gallardo-successor than Murcielago successor, but we'll have to see. The Sesto Elemento ditches the blocky style of the Gallardo and Murcielago for very detailed, angular body surfacing.

This has been made possible by Lamborghini's extensive composites development, taken place at its ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center) and the ACSL (Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory) through collaborations with organizations such as Boeing. Lamborghini says the development process has resulted in many new patents.

Whether or not the Sesto Elemento previews an actual Lamborghini production car, its philosophy will be applied across the entire lineup. The interior also displays a radical, minimalist carbon fiber approach.

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini says: "It is our abilities in carbon-fiber technology that have facilitated such a forward-thinking concept, and we of course also benefit from the undisputed lightweight expertise of AUDI AG.

Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento."

We look forward to seeing the benefits of Lamborghini's carbon fiber expertise in future products. Hopefully we'll get more hints in the near future (such as a second Lamborghini introduction) at the Paris Auto Show.