2010 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento AUTOart - 54671 (diecast)
Published 05/01/20
Carbon is represented by the symbol “C”. It has an atomic number of 6, therefore it’s the sixth element in the periodic table. It’s a non-metallic chemical element and is one of the most abundant substances on Earth. While this may be true, Lamborghini’s Sesto Elemento (“sixth element”) is the diametrical opposite. Debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the Sesto Elemento is a dedicated track weapon – it’s not road legal anywhere. Produced from 2011 to 2012, only 20 units rolled out of Lamborghini’s factory at Sant’Agata Bolognese. Though costing a fortune (plus taxes), all sold before production even began. And it took me about 10 (!) years to get the 1:43 model…🤔
So, is it worth the price tag? Well, the car is absurdly light. Chassis, body, drive shaft and suspension components are all made of carbon fiber. Even the wheels are carbon fiber. That being so, the Sesto Elemento weighs only 999 kg. Just as a comparison, the simplest 2020 VW Polo weighs 1058 kg 😵.
But of course it’s not only the carbon fiber that makes the Sesto Elemento a hypercar. It has a semi-automatic 6-speed gearbox and 4×4 on-demand traction. What that means is that front traction is engaged automatically when the rear wheels start to slip. In terms of engine, it’s powered by a naturally-aspirated 5204 cm³ V10, derived from the Gallardo Superleggera. Counting on direct fuel injection, the V10 delivers 562 hp of power and massive 540 Nm of torque. Speaking in practical terms, all that allows a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of only 2.5 seconds. Top speed, according to Lamborghini, is 350 km/h.
At the time, it was the most expensive Lamborghini ever (until the 2013 Veneno). Without a doubt it will be futile to justify a car like this. It’s one of those cases where somebody thought “Wouldn’t it be cool if we made a car like this?” and the car actually happened. And then sold out even before production began. Just another case of Lamborghini going mental as we expect them to do. Well, my inner 12 year-old likes it. A LOT. And in scale AUTOart did a terrific job. I can’t say that the Veneno lost its place as my favorite Lambo, but this one gets close. Not for everyone, I know, but an awesome totally bonkers car.