NOTABLE
Tech for >200 mph
The Huracán Performante:
really fast technology.
"The Huracán Performante is the convergence of techno-
logical developments to produce a car delivering perfect
performance," says Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali.
So let's take a look.
The vehicle is based on a hybrid aluminum and carbon
fiber frame. Lamborghini has developed a material that
it calls "Forged Composite," which is essentially chopped
carbon fibers bonded in a resin so that they are able to
produce complex shapes that provide high levels of stiffness.
They're using the material in the front and rear spoiler,
engine bonnet (with integrated air intakes), rear bumper and
aerodynamic diffuser. All in, they calculate a weight save of
40 kg. (The vehicle has a total weight of 3,040 lb.)
And because the material has aesthetic value as well as
functional, there is use of the Forged Composite on the interior
of the vehicle, for air vents, shift paddles (for the seven-speed
dual-clutch transmission), door handles and the center console.
The car is powered by a naturally aspirated V10 that produces
640 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 443 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, with
more than 70 percent of the torque being available at 1,000
rpm. Because this is a special engine, they're using a bronze
manifold. There are titanium valves.
Composite
structure
surrounding
the 640-hp V10.
The car features Lamborghini's permanent four-wheel-
drive Haldex fifth-generation system, which is electronically
controlled and deploys a rear mechanical self-locking
differential.
A key consideration overall: aerodynamics. The vehicle fea-
tures what's called "Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva" (ALA).
And it so happens that ala is the Italian word for wing.
ALA is an active aerodynamic system that provides adjust-
ment for both high down force and low drag, depending on
requirements.
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