Lamborghini Murcielago replacement
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Lamborghini
11th February, 2011
- Monocoque forms a single shell in carbon fibre
- Built entirely in-house by Lamborghini with patented process
Lamborghini's Geneva Motor Show launch of its Murciélago replacement promises an extraordinary new
technology-driven super sports car. One significant feature will be the extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced
polymer (CFRP) technology throughout the car, and in particular, in the entirely carbon fibre composite
monocoque.
The cell of the future Lamborghini flagship super sports car is made entirely from carbon fibre and has been
designed as a monocoque structure. The load-bearing structure of the vehicle is engineered as a 'single shell'
that functions physically as one component, thus taking full advantage of the extreme rigidity of CFRP. Formula 1
race cars have been built using CFRP monocoques for many years - and have proven their crash worthiness time and
again. The same applies to road-going sports cars featuring monocoque technology - the carbon fibre occupant cell
functions like an extremely safe roll cage.
Construction offer many advantages
Of course, the term 'single shell' applies only in the descriptive sense - the new Lamborghini monocoque is
made from a series of individual parts with specific functions, such as stiffening elements made from Braiding
technology, that is one of the best technology to manage energy adsorption in case of crash. After the curing
process, however, this structure functions as a single component - including the base section known as the tub
and the complete roof.
The full monocoque solution offers advantages which other processes, like a tub where a metal roof structure
is attached in a conventional manner, cannot realise. That's why Lamborghini made the no compromise choice of the
full monocoque, which weighs only 147.5 kilogrammes (324.5 lbs).
Extremely rigid construction
Superior passive safety is only one benefit of the extreme rigidity of a full carbon fibre monocoque - very
high torsional rigidity is another. The monocoque is connected at the front and rear with equally rigid aluminium
sub-frames, on which the suspension, engine and transmission are mounted.
The entire body-in-white of the future V12 model weighs only 229.5 kilogrammes (505 lbs) and boasts phenomenal
torsional rigidity of 35,000 Newton meters per degree of twist. This guarantees a superb feeling of solidity,
but, more importantly, extremely exact wheel control with excellent steering precision and sensitive feedback.
For the dedicated driver, both are essential for truly enticing driving pleasure. The new Lamborghini flagship
responds to the most minute steering input with the stunning precision of a perfectly balanced race car.
Depending on the form, function and requirements of the individual elements, the Lamborghini development team
selected from three main CFRP manufacturing methods within its technology tool kit. They differ not only in their
production processes, but also in the type of carbon fibre and its weave and, most importantly, in the chemical
composition of the synthetic resin used.
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Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM): In this process the carbon fibre mats are preformed and impregnated with an
exact amount of resin. Afterwards, they are cured under heat while the part is in the mould. Lamborghini has
achieved a major breakthrough by further developing this method. Using the patented 'RTM-Lambo' process, the
final mould is no longer a heavy, complex metal piece, but is made instead from lightweight carbon-fibre 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 fibre 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 moulds 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 fibre 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 fibre
in several layers.
The monocoque of the new V12 super sports car is constructed using these technologies applied in a series
of special processes. One significant advancement Lamborghini realised is the ability to use already-assembled
monocoque elements as the mould for the next step in the process. This makes for a considerable simplification
of the manufacturing process compared with conventional methods.
Epoxy foam components are also used within the monocoque. They are placed in strategic points to increase
the stiffness of the monocoque by working as spacers between the composite layers while also dampening noise
and vibration. In addition, aluminium inserts are laminated into the front and rear surfaces to facilitate
connection with the aluminium front and rear sub-frame elements.
Because of the complexity of the materials and process outlined above, Lamborghini decided to produce its
new monocoque completely in-house, managing one strategic step in the production process.
Quality control is an absolutely crucial factor - every single monocoque is measured to exacting tolerances
of only 0.1 millimetres, facilitating the extreme precision of the overall vehicle. Quality control starts
with the purchase of the carbon fibre parts. Every delivery of carbon fibre is certified and the material is
checked regularly for compliance with quality standards. Lamborghini worked together with its suppliers to
develop a world-exclusive fibre and resin system for its RTM technology. Ultimately, these materials and
processes constitute an important part of Lamborghini's worldwide leading expertise in the field.
Carbon composite materials
These materials made from CFRP combine the lowest possible weight with excellent material characteristics -
they are very light, extremely rigid and exceptionally precise.
Furthermore, CFRP materials can also be formed into highly complex components with integrated functions.
This reduces the number of individual parts when compared to traditional metal construction - thus enabling
further weight reduction. Lighter cars have lower fuel consumption and fewer CO2 emissions. Most significantly,
however, it improves the power-to-weight ratio - the deciding factor in the overall feel and performance of a
sports car. A super sports car built using CFRP accelerates faster, has superior handling and better
braking.
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