One of the more critical recent developments for Lamborghini in carbon fiber is the Forged Composite technology, developed in collaboration with Callaway Golf and the University of Washington. Forged Composite is an advanced compression molding technique that utilizes carbon fiber sheet molding compounds.

The process, which uses high pressures but conventional temperatures, is used to manufacture parts with complex geometries and subject to combined loadings, which were typically manufactured as aluminum and titanium forgings.

The technology made its debut in 2010 with the Sesto Elemento limited series supercar at the Paris Autoshow, where it served in a structural capacity and as proof of how capable the rapid-formed material is. The technology employed a CFSMC (carbon fiber sheet molded composite) discontinuous carbon fiber reinforced vinylester supplied by Quantum Composites.

All eight suspension control arms made using this process for the Sesto Elemento composite technology demonstrator met the same static and durability requirements of the forged aluminum ones they replace.

The suspension control arms were supplied by the University of Washington to Automobili Lamborghini as finished and certified parts.

Continued refinements in the carbon fiber manufacturing process have allowed Lamborghini to enhance its finished product for structural and aesthetic applications.

By continuing to develop our patented Forged Composite materials, we are able to create a product that can enhance Lamborghini super sports cars in both their performance and their appearance. The ability to leverage this kind of lightweight material gives Lamborghini an advantage that will benefit our cars—as well as production process—in the future.

—Maurizio Reggiani, Board Member, R&D

Lamborghini debuted the latest car to showcase its mastery of carbon fiber during the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The Centenario (marking what would have been company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s 100^th birthday) is available in a body made of fully exposed carbon fiber. It is only available in a very limited production run of 20 coupes and 20 Roadsters.

Resources

• Paolo Feraboli, Federico Gasco, Bonnie Wade, Steve Maier, Roger Kwan, Attilio Masini, Luciano DeOto, Maurizio Reggiani (2011) “Lamborghini “Forged Composite” Technology For The Suspension Arms Of The Sesto Elemento”, 26^th Annual ASC Technical Conference