Unless they are previewing a production vehicle (and even sometimes in that case) concept cars are always a lot wilder than what is possible for production. That is because designers and engineers have a clean slate to do whatever they want.

Creative expression! Now production Lamborghinis are a lot more exotic and concept-like than just about anything on the road, but there are a few models that take that even further. Cars such as, the Sesto Elemento – Italian for sixth element, carbon fiber. In order to reduce weight, carbon fiber is something the Sesto Elemento uses a lot of, and that makes it pretty expensive. Too expensive and time consuming to ever be a mass production (by Lamborghini’s standards, anyway) model. Many thought the car would be relegated to the concept file, but at the Frankfurt Motor Show Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer Stephan Winkelmann confirmed a small production run.

Before it debuted, many were expecting the Sesto Elemento to preview the next-generation Gallardo. The Gallaro successor has still yet to debut but it shouldn’t be too far off. That can be witnessed by the endless special editions Lamborghinihas been trotting out.

The Sesto Elemento follows up on the Reventon as an exclusive, limited run top-range model. Autocar reports that Lamborghini intends to do this from time-to-time, offering up limited edition models based on concepts. The deciding factor is reception the company receives. Winkelmann says: “Once in a while we should do one-offs or special editions….in this case we made the concept and then got enough interest in it to make a limited run. If the car meets the image of Lamborghini and there is demand, we will build them…..the key is that every car we build meets the emotional standards of our company, and that it is profitable.”

That is a good standard to base decisions off. Hopefully it is something Lamborghini will apply when deciding to make an SUV or not as well. The Evoque seems to meet the company’s emotional standards a lot better than an SUV.

Related posts:

1. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Headed for Limited Production Run
2. Finalmente (At Last), The Lamborghini Concept is Here
3. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante Ups the Performance Ante

Presenting the most extreme Gallardo ever, says Lamborghini. Nothing less than top billing is what the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale receives. Wow, trying say that a couple times; it’s a mouthful. Lamborghini has been content to churn out numerous special editions of the Gallardo to keep up interest and increase profitability. All of this likely means a next-generation Gallardo isn’t too far around the corner, but for now we’re focusing on the latest Lamborghini to crop up.

As Lamborghini proclaimed, it really is the most extreme production Gallardo ever, bringing it ever-closer to Lamborghini’s race cars. The Super Trofeo Stradale makes its special edition status known with a gorgeous Rosso Mars red paint color inside and out. The color is designed to bring to mind the red used for Italian race cars. This status has been established for quite some time; dark green stands for Great Britain (what we all know as British Racing Green) blue was for France, white (and silver later on) represented Germany, white and blue stripes for USA.

Other colors are available however, and they include “Grigio Telesto” and “Bianco Monocerus.” The exterior has contrasting surfaces and colors; there is a matte black finish on the rear engine hood, spoiler and up front on the air intakes. The wheels are finished in high-gloss black and the roof can also be finished in that upon request. Interestingly, Lamborghini says the car has brake calipers accented in red for the first time. Really, on a Lamborghini? You learn something new everyday.

The Super Trofeo Stradale benefits from Lamborghini’s intense focus on reducing weight, coming in at an extremely impressive 2954 pounds. That figure is down by 154 pounds versus the LP 560-4s weight total. Power-to-weight ratio is about 5 pounds per horsepower and the Super Trofeo Stradale’s 570 horsepower V-10 launches it to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds.

Some changes include a rear spoiler that offers the capacity to handle a load 3 times that of the LP 560-4, offering increased stability in high-speed driving. Just 150 models of the LP 570-4 will be produced. No word on pricing yet.

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Built as a personification of limitless automotive expression, the supercar is an alluring creation built to encapsulate the finest engineering and technology. Unsurprisingly assembled with literally gloved hands, an auto manufacturer’s supercar is often characterized by limited production numbers and a high price tag. A cost that would be considered extremely outrageous for the majority of everyday motorists, supercars naturally cater to the social and financial elite. While these specialized vehicles often fill the extrinsic as well as intrinsic expectations for luxury and image, even the rare automotive supercar creations is not enough to fulfill their reality.

Making exclusive vehicles into even more limited pieces of motoring mastery, some companies wait on the individuals willing to acquire an enhanced performance luxury car. Often defined as small automotive constructors based on the level of vehicle modifications, almost any popular supercar can be ratcheted-up beyond the original factory.

STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition

Born on a V-10 powered Audi R8, West Virginia performance house STaSIS Engineering has turned the already feisty German supercar into a vehicle that can run circles around the Audi rings. A vehicle first presented at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the STaSIS Audi R8 5.2 Challenge Extreme Edition tests the widest boundaries for reengineering the mid-engined two-seater. Outfitted with a height adjustable suspension, Alcon brakes and forged 20-inch ultra-lightweight aluminum wheels, the STaSIS Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition vehicle attractive touches are all functional.

The most substantial improvement to the Audi R8 V-10 has major performance tweaks added to the 5.2 liter ten-cylinder powerplant. STaSIS Engineering modifications for the Audi R8 V-10 Challenge Extreme Edition engine is topped by an Eaton / Magnusson TVS 2300 supercharger generating 7.5 PSI of boost pressure. Coupled with engine electronic remapping and a CNC machined intake plenum, 525 horsepower of the factory Audi R8 V-10 is swelled to 710 horsepower through the Challenge Extreme Edition changes.

Netting a 35% greater power level than the stock supercar, the STaSIS Audi R8 Challenge Extreme Edition applies this extra momentum to 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration times of just 3.1 seconds. The Audi R8 5.2 Challenge Extreme Edition adds $55,995 up to the price of Audi R8 V-10 coupe or roadster.

BMW Alpina B7 BiTurbo

Alpina’s business relationship with BMW started in the 1970s when the eventual car manufacturer operated as a sports car race team. Fielding the BMW 3.0 CSL in competition, Alpina brought their collaboration with BMW to the streets in the 1980s.

While the BMW M division attracts the most attention among enthusiasts, the Alpina B7 BiTurbo supplements the absence of BMW 7 Series version in the M line-up. In its fourth-generation, the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is a super sedan balancing high-performance, electronic ingenuity and luxury comfort. Incorporating its own LAVALINA leather and available piano lacquer interior trim, the performance sedan features a loaded assortment of BMW 7 Series equipment. Parking Distance Control, navigation system, xenon headlamps and control display with iDrive are included on the Alpina B7 BiTurbo.

Distinguishing the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is unique front and rear spoiler pieces as well as some of the most beautiful 21-inch Alpina Classic lightweight wheels. Powered by a 504 horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 engine, an all-wheel drive version of the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is also available to move the sedan. In the United States, pricing for the 2011 Alpina B7 resides at $122,875 for the rear wheel drive or $126,775 for an all-wheel drive model.

Admirable to buyers, the Alpina B7 BiTurbo is also a vehicle appreciated by source company BMW. Sold through authorized BMW dealerships, the German auto company continues to protect 7 Series derivative.

RUF RGT-8

Though Porsche has never produced an eight-cylinder powered 911 sports car, the RUF RGT-8 presents a vehicle to those desiring such a supercar. A packing a lightweight 4.5 liter V-8 engine, the RUF RGT-8 burns pavement with 550 horsepower fed through the rear wheels. An automatic limited-slip differential insures Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires rotate the stylish 19-inch forged alloy wheels. While official performance figures have yet to be released on this 2012 model vehicle, the RUF RGT-8 has a forecasted top speed of 205 miles per hour.

The two-seat interior features a securing protection of a roll-cage structure. Auto racing-inspired interior touches; RUF has also conducted the honoured tradition of weight-savings through the application of aluminum door panels and a carbon fiber rear engine cover.

While the architecture of the RUF RGT-8 is clearly identified with the Porsche 911, RUF Automotive acknowledges themselves as a small auto manufacturer distinct from the German sports car company’s image.

Edo Competition LP750

Outfitting a wide range of vehicles, Edo Competition has modified BMW M5 Touring wagons, Porsche 997s and even Maserati MC12 supercars. From the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Edo Competition LP750 was created this past February. Meant to be the fastest Lamborghini Murcielago ever, the Edo Competition LP750 is shaped with specially-contoured aerodynamic panels. A redesigned rear spoiler and ultra lightweight alloy wheels are worn on the Edo Competition LP750 providing a stylish extension of Lamborghini performance.

Speaking of performance, the Edo Competition LP750 receives a healthy power boost to the 6.5 liter V-12 engine. Totalling 750 horsepower, the special Lamborghini supercar presented by Edo Competition soars from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.1 seconds. The Edo Competition LP750 takes just 24.5 seconds for a rush to 186 miles per hour from a standing stop.

As the Aventador replaces the Lamborghini Murcielago as the Italian sports car builder’s flagship, it only seems reasonable to believe an after-factory preparation of the new generation supercar is only a matter of months away.

Brabus 700 BiTurbo

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG immediately impressed with its late 2010 introduction as a spiritual recreation of the 1955 SL300 Gull Wing. The first Mercedes-Benz production vehicle to originate from the AMG speed lab, the supercar arrived with prime performance attributes. Despite the stock SLS AMG’s 563 horsepower and a 197-mile per hour top speed, aftermarket companies have found ways to further dress up the Mercedes-Benz supercar. Long-time Mercedes-Benz outfitter Brabus was one company that quickly issued their exploration of the SLS AMG peak performance.

Lifting horsepower to 700 horsepower by adding a twin-turbocharger system to the 6.3 liter V-8 engine, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is turned into the Brabus 700 BiTurbo. While the stock SLS AMG’s 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration of 3.7 seconds remains largely unchanged, the Brabus 700 BiTurbo’s enhancements come at the top end. Unlimited top speed potential of 700 horsepower allows this Brabus supercar to sail up to 213 miles per hour.

Besides the advantages of raw horsepower, the Brabus 700 BiTurbo supercar is suited for a dramatic motoring experience. Possessing a special high performance exhaust featuring a pneumatic flap, the driver can adjust the engine note for a more civilized purr or a full grunt roar. The Brabus 700 BiTurbo can also be opted with the WIDESTAR body conversion kit adding additional genuine carbon fiber pieces on the exterior and interior.

Priced at the equivalent of $349,690 in US money, the Brabus 700 BiTurbo is a rocket ride left affordable to only a few land-based pilots.

Information source: Alpina, Brabus, edo competition, RUF Automobile GmbH, STaSIS Engineering
Photo source: Alpina, BMW USA, edo competition, RUF Automobile GmbH, STaSIS Engineering

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Many enthusiasts have lamented the lack of manual transmissions in mainstream cars for quite some time. There are a few vehicles that still offer manuals, but for the most part they have been slowly disappearing from options lists.

This has been happening up and down the spectrum, in every vehicle type. Another company that is discontinuing traditional manual transmissions is Lamborghini. This follows in the footsteps of Ferrari in moving to F1-style paddle shifter transmissions and automated gearboxes. The new Aventador LP700-4 has an automated single-clutch seven-speed gearbox.

According to Motor Trend Lamborghini’s director of Research and Development Maurizio Reggiani says the reason is simply that customers aren’t buying them in large enough numbers to be viable. A paltry one to two percent of cars built by Lamborghini are equipped with traditional manual transmissions. The Gallardo is currently available with a manual, but when its replacement arrives it won’t include it. The Gallardo’s replacement is rumored to arrive next year, possibly called Cabrera.

Regianni says a reason is that the human involvement is a break in the chain of electronic systems that control everything about the latest supercars. That is the fact that many (well not too many apparently) will miss- the human involvement.

Also in the article is a tidbit about the Sesto Elemento Concept. Regianni says the company may decide to make the company’s decision whether to produce it public over the next few months. The Sesto Elemento would be a limited run new range-topper for Lamborghini. Some of the advanced construction methods used on the car to achieve extreme lightness are nearing production feasibility.

Despite many manufacturers ditching them, some continue to support the traditional manual – like Porsche. The company is rumored to be developing a seven-speed (!) manual for the next-generation Porsche 911. If buyers don’t opt for it though, the question is how long will it last?

Related posts:

1. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante Ups the Performance Ante
2. Lamborghini Teases New Murcielago Replacement
3. Can’t Afford a New Gallardo…How About a Lamborghini Laptop Instead?

You have made it to the top. Successful and in charge, you want to live life to the fullest. All the money you’ve made has allowed you to indulge in your favorite hobby, collecting cars, but now you find yourself stuck in the office all day. As far away from your obsession as possible. Have no fear, you are not alone. Car lovers dwell in office spaces the world over and the most artistic of us have designed everything a car lover would need to remodel that drab cubical into a high class gear head power office. What do you need in your office to keep you revved up and making that money? A desk, some chairs, adequate lighting, and a few other creature comforts, I’m sure.

So let’s start with a desk. This has to be the center piece of your office, the place where all the deals go down. For you F1 lovers, there’s the F1 inspired desk from PitStop Furniture. At a modest $450, you won’t be too over the top.

Formula racing isn’t for everyone. Some people like to keep a lower profile. If you want your desk to reflect that more subtle image, this desk may not be for you. A nearly complete Mini could be the place where you get all of your work done. For about $4,500 this desk would probably cost about the same as the real deal, but you can’t drive a real Mini into your office building, no matter how easy those guys on The Italian Job make it look.

   But, if you think the F1 desk looks like it was built from the Erector set you had as a kid and the Mini looks a tad worn for the wear, then perhaps you need the The Executive Desk from designer Dale Mathis. At the tune of $21,000, this clear top desk lets you become memorized by the daily gear grind. You can sit and stare straight down all day long as you see this functional piece of art at work, just don’t forget you need to work too.

Now that your desk situation is under control, you need to find your throne, the place at which you will sit for 8-12 hours a day. At Racechairs.com you can find any number of chairs that will fit your decor and your body.

The “12 Hours of Sebring” chair has to be the most ironic and my number one choice for a few reasons. First, unless you pay for it, there is no seating in Sebring, a fact that they neglect to mention when you buy passes or look on the website. Secondly, at about $400, it won’t break the budget.

Budget? What budget, you say. Money is no object? Then buckle up. You can enjoy the same seating as the owner of a Ferrari Scuderia 16M for the everyday low price of $25,000. Touted as one of the most comfortable seats from Ferrari, don’t expect it quick- each chair is custom made.

You now have a sweet chair to sit in behind that power desk, but what will you be working on? Why, a car inspired computer, naturally. Computer manufacturer ASUS has teamed up with Lamborghini to introduce the ASUS- Automobili Lamborghini VX7 laptop. Now, you can speed through the cyber world like it’s the Autobahn because this $2,200 laptop has the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processor that not only helps you get the job done, but gives you the best gaming performance out there. (Just don’t tell the boss…)

With the coolest desk, the sickest chair, and the fastest computer you now have a line of people waiting to see you. They know that you are the one who can make things happen, but what will you have them sit on? Carbon fiber sitting chairs are a great choice. GarageWorks Industries has a line of modest looking carbon fiber chairs, including a rocking chair for when your mom visits starting at about $1,400.

But, if the carbon fiber chair is just a tad to plain for your tastes, you can always step it up a notch or three. You can have your guests sit in style in a Porsche 917 1970′s inspired seat from Inspired Designs, while you run through the numbers. But at about $5,800, you may be a bit more picky who you give the green light too for a test sit.

If you’re after something a bit more elegant then look no further than Aston Martin Heritage Designs. They have handcrafted a love seat out of the boot of an Aston Martin DB6. The sofa is a custom order that may run you upwards of $7,300.

Every visitor to your office will more than likely have something they will need to set down. You want to give them another stylish and car inspired piece to do that with, a table. Different’ sizes and shapes, coffee tables and end tables can make or break a look. If you have gone with the F1 Inspired office with the carbon fiber chairs, why not keep with it by investing in carbon fiber tables? From $800 up, a carbon fiber table from Seibon will not only be indestructible, but also a sleek and chic way to impress.

If your tastes for the unique have won your designs over, then have no fear, I have the best coffee table for you, one made from an engine block. Many tables made from blocks are custom orders and can range in price from $500 to a couple of thousand. It’s best to not get one made from an inline formation, the wedge of a V engine will support a glass top better. Most will be made from a Chevrolet V-8, but a connoisseur can have anything, including an Aston Martin V-12 converted into usable work of art.

Now, you have all of the basics covered, desk, chair, computer, seating, and tables, but what about the accessories that will drive home the fact that you’d rather be racing than working? No problem. You can provide all the lighting you could ever want with a pair of Maserati inspired and Lumina produced lamps.

With the work day being stressful on a loyal servant such as yourself, you find that music in the background soothes your soul. But, not just any stereo system will do, oh no. You want the best, so you shell out $20,000 for a Ferrari speaker tower called the Art.Engine. It should pair up nicely with your Ferrari FMP160 MP3 player.

Ah, another tumultuous work day comes to a close. You made the numbers you needed to this month and you would like to pour a toast to the entire office to celebrate. You duck into your office and see what you have in the final piece in your office transformation, a Jaguar Etype V-12 engine block that has been transformed into a wine rack. Each cylinder now capable of holding a full 720mL bottle of bubbly, you’ll be looking for reasons to pop a cork at 5:00.

You have created your ultimate work space, a gear heads paradise away from the garage and you like it. Sure it’s set you back more than some people pay for houses, but your life is cars. You went to a lot of different places to get these goodies, and you are now basking in your stylistic glory. But, if you’re way too busy to do all of the digging and running around to find all of these pieces you’re in luck; LA Design Studios in Poland as developed a whole office furniture line inspired by the Shelby AC Cobra 427 from the mid-1960′s(pictured first). So, instead of each piece bringing it’s unique characteristics to the room, all the pieces will coordinate to make your space feel like it was designed by Shelby himself. This one stop shop won’t save in the budget however, but at least one check is easier to write than 15.

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The on again, off again rumors of a Lamborghini SUV now seem to be on again. And not just on again, but on again with a twist. It seems that Lamborghini’s parent company Volkswagen, has no problem raiding the whole corporate parts bin.

This, as you would expect, leaves me with mixed feelings.

On the one hand. There’s always been something charming about the old school, folded paper design of Lambo’s LM002. Back when it came out, there was a certain flair to having an off-road truck with a big V12 squeezed into the engine bay. But that was before SUVs from any automaker were as common as dirt and there was even a niche SUV market for high performance versions (Mercedes’ AMG stroked M and G class variants).

And even worse, if Lamborghini does go down this road, who do you think will be the primary buyers? They will no doubt be the sort of people who not only think they need and SUV, but also think they need an SUV from an exotic car manufacturer. Self-satisfied music moguls, half-talented movie stars, hedge fund managers, they’ll be lining up like drunken sailors at a brothel, waiting to get their egos stroked. Just what the world needs.

The nuts and bolts of the current rumor has this ersatz Lambo SUV being constructed on the chassis/platform of corporate sibling Porsche’s Cayenne SUV. I know the Porsche Cayenne has a lot of advocates in the gearhead world. They all seem to rave about the fact that it has a lot of performance for what is essentially a truck. To me, that’s damning with faint praise, sort of like saying “it’s got great handling for a station wagon”.

Luckily, the current rumors are this supposed Lambo SUV will feature an Italian V12, rather than either of the V6 and V8 engines used by Porsche. Auto Express says unnamed sources indicate the Lambo SUV is seen as a competitive advantage over rival Ferrari. Not sure who these “unnamed sources” are, but I’d bet they work as circus clowns in their spare time. I can’t see the logic they are advocating. Like someone in the market for a Ferrari 458 Italia will changer their minds and by a Lambo SUV instead.

On top of these disturbing SUV rumors, they come with side dish rumors of a production variant of the four-door Lamborghini Estoque, which would use a platform shared with the Porsche Panamera. Now, I’m not entirely opposed to the idea of a four-door Lamborghini, and from a business standpoint, building it on the Panamera platform will help to amortize the, a-hem, costs of the Panamera (i.e. Porsche sunk a lot of capital into their four door, and, so far, they haven’t made the money back).

But back to the problem at hand, which is, ultimately, spreading the corporate resources too thin. Sure, they can bring this off, and nobody has complained all that much about the cross-pollination between Lamborghini and Audi, but if Volkswagen does more and more what can only be seen as badge engineering, where will it lead?

VW is going on a big push to grab the number one spot of world automakers. They want more market share for every one of their divisions, from Skoda all the way up to the likes of Bentley and Lamborghini. Now, this was the standard operating procedure for General Motors for a long time, decades actually. Sometimes they were able to bring it off; keeping Corvette pure, even though Vette drivetrains ended up in a few Cadillac models, keeping Saturn as Saturn. But this mindset and approach also lead to a lot of derision and contempt from the gearhead set. Remember the Cadillac Cimarron? Remember when the difference between a Cadillac a Buick and a Chevy was the badge and the amount of leather available?

Eventually, if that is the road that Volkswagen goes down, and they start to get all bean counter about every division, then they might just face the same future that GM is only now digging themselves out of.

But who knows, since this is still in the rumor stage. And, on top of it all, VW and Lamborghini might just be able to pull this off. They might be able to design and build and sell a Lambo SUV that looks all right, is built well and will sell in sufficient quantities. Lord knows that sadly there’s enough self-satisfied music moguls, half-talented movie stars, hedge fund managers out there.

Source: Autoblog

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Lamborghini and Ferrari have always been long time rivals. The two have gone head-to-head with models like the previous generation Murcielago, Gallardo and the current Aventador.

As far as sales though Ferrari has a clear advantage with a diverse lineup that includes the 458 Italia, California, 599 GTO, 599 GTB Fiorano, and most recently, the Ferrari FF.

Lamborghini has just the mid-engined Gallardo and Aventador. One area Ferrari hasn’t dared to explore is that of four-door sedans. With the Estoque Concept shown off a few years ago, Lamborghini looks poised to enter the segment.

Speaking to reporters at a Reuters conference, Lamborghini Chief Executive Officer Stefan Winkelmann said a third model lineup is currently in the works.

Regarding a third lineup, he said “we want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis.” Lending further credibility to the Estoque production idea are comments that the car would benefit from synergies within the Volkswagen Group.

The Estoque will likely share a platform with VW Group models such as the Audi A8, a new Bentley four-door coupe, the next-generation Porsche Panamera and possibly the 16C Galibier super sedan from Bugatti. With such a widespread basis of pricey models on the platform, the possibilities for sales and high profits are tantalizing.

The comment from Winkelmann is just the latest in multiple ones made on the Estoque, the last of which came in December. At the time he said the company was debating options for the addition of a third model lineup.

Telling Autocar he said “We really have a choice when it comes to an additional model: an SUV or a four-seat, four-door….and for me, the SUV is a no-go. It doesn’t even exist in our price segment and it’s not a real luxury car.” With strong comments like that, it seems as if the Estoque is heading for production. Stay tuned for an official announcement.

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As a manufacturer, no matter how amazing and high-end you make a car, there will always be someone who wants more. Or, just different….more exclusivity, personality, power, luxury – you name it. That’s what the aftermarket is for.

The Lamborghini Aventador hasn’t been around too long but Oakley Design is already taking their hand to it. And a pretty light hand at that too, at least cosmetically. Oakley isn’t about being outrageous and over-the-top – Mansory has that a corner on that section of the market.

Oakley Design’s Lamborghini Aventador is dubbed LP760-2. That designation differs from the standard car’s LP700-4. The standard car’s designation has a nice ring to it, but we digress. The LP760-2, as its name implies, gets increased power, to the tune of 60 ponies, for a result of 760 horsepower and 550 pound feet of torque.

Instead of being routed through four wheels, the Oakley-tuned Aventador sheds its front drive shaft for rear-wheel drive power. Normally we are fans of rear-wheel drive; with all that power though we think we’d want the stability of all-wheel drive. Removal of the front differential, drive shafts and associated front drivetrain parts reduces curb weight by around 187 pounds.

Boosts to the engine’s power output come by way of a new titanium exhaust system (which saves a further 66 pounds), bigger airbox and intake and a recalibrated Engine Control Unit (ECU).

On the exterior, the changes are few and serve to enhance the car’s appearance rather than change it dramatically. Front and rear bumpers are reworked to aid cooling, along with larger side sills that house redesigned vents. Customers can chose the sills to be body color, or left exposed in carbon fiber. Other carbon fiber bits are added on the side mirrors, roof and engine bay.

Topping it off, new black Signature Design wheels feature, and they are said to save 8.8 pounds at each wheel over their production counterparts. As far as exclusivity, just 5 Oakley Design LP760-2s will be produced, each with (of course) a numbered plaque. Three of the five unit run have already been sold. Oakley says individual pieces from this limited edition will be sold in the future, but not in a complete package.

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The cross-exploration of technologies has been a building block to some of the most imaginative creativity shown in cars. In particularly with automobiles, the aircraft related to winning the Second World War directly inspired the tail fin designs of the 1950s era American cars. Though tail fins is viewed as a controversial automotive design touch even back then, more popular innovations borrowed from aircraft includes fuel injection, drive-by-wire electronics and heads-up display systems.

Just as the automobile has been the product of the lessons of other industries, cars and trucks have been instrumental in the development partners in advancing the technology as well as image of other industries. Announced last September, Italian-based supercar builder Lamborghini entered into a deal with Callaway Golf that seems somewhat a mismatched coupling on the surface. In actuality, the premium golf supplier and exotic automobile company is realized as a sensible pooling of resources.

More than the simple promotional ploy across brands that might see a logo shared between products, the partnership between Lamborghini and Callaway Golf has netted a new lightweight composite material. Called Forged Composite, the engineered material features a sophisticated micro structure within fibers. In the Forged Composite material, 500,000 of these short fibers are weaved together per inch creating a new combination of strength and lightness. The end material is one-third the density of titanium but capable of greater load carrying stress. Providing construction benefits for products manufactured by both Lamborghini and Callaway Golf, the stability of Forged Composite material opens new possibilities where standard composites were not previously suited.

Forged Composite was first shown to the public at the 2010 Paris Motor Show where Lamborghini unveiled their aggressive supercar design study. Exhibiting widespread use of carbon fiber, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento concept car revealed a lightweight package offering no compromises in durability. Lamborghini used the Forged Composite material in the construction Sesto Elemento’s underside as well as in the suspension control arms. Confident on the material’s use in future automobiles, Lamborghini confesses that work still needs to be done so Forged Composite can be incorporated in production cars.

Callaway Golf is the first of the two companies to turn Forged Composites into a sales product. For 2011, the Forged Composite technology is introduced to the clubheads of Callaway Golf’s Diablo Octane drivers as well as the Razr Hawk drivers and fairway woods. The lightness of the golf club enables a potentially faster swing with the Callaway clubs while the Forged Composite construction insures what the company calls a high point of inertia. At the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, I can personally confirm the super light weigh feel of the Callaway Forged Composite driver club (though I also admit I am perhaps the less than ideal golfer to accurately define the club’s performance). At the Toronto display, which included a concept Lamborghini, the spokesperson described the Forged Composite golf club as “80% stronger than the equivalent weight of titanium.” To acquire the exoticness of Forged Composite construction, the Razr Hawk driver retails for $449.00 online through Callaway.

If the combination of supercars and the Callaway name seems familiar, there is a good reason for this correlation. Reeves Callaway, the son of Callaway Golf‘s golf founder Ely Reeves Callaway, has created a lasting connection between the golf accessories company and automobiles. Earning a reputation through the 1980s as a producer of turbocharger units fitting many luxury vehicles BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, Callaway Cars migrated to full vehicle modifications with the America’s most famous sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette. Making an acquaintance with General Motors when testing a twin-turbo version Alfa Romeo GTV-6, Callaway’s magic was first worked on the Chevrolet Corvette in 1987. Offered through select Chevrolet dealers, a twin-turbo Callaway Corvette delighted American performance car fans wanting to exploit the full potential of the Corvette’s C4 platform.

Separate from the car company, Callaway Golf is swinging with a new rhythm while their Lamborghini partnership plans for some of the quickest drives thanks to the Forged Composite material.

Information source: Automobili Lamborghini, Callaway

Photo source: Automobili Lamborghini, Chris Nagy

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