Lamborghini Confirms Limited Production Run of the Sesto Elemento

The Gallardo Super Trofeo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale may have been the center of attention at Lamborghini's press event in Frankfurt, but the Italian company had another surprise under its sleeve as it announced that the stunning Sesto Elemento concept would enter a limited production.

The Sesto Elemento was unveiled at last year’s Paris Motor Show as a showcase for Lamborghini’s technological innovations. The automaker had then denied speculation that it was the Gallardo’s replacement or a new addition to its range.

It was a plausible denial: the outrageously designed, carbon fiber prototype was seemingly too radical for production.

The Sesto Elemento was Lamborghini's first supercar after the 1986 Countach Evoluzione that weighed less than 1,000 kg – even by a mere kilogram. This, combined with the motorsport-sourced 570HP V10 (the same engine as the Gallardo Superleggera and Stradale) gave the Sesto Elemento a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.75 kg per HP and a 2.5 seconds time for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint.

Winkelmann explained Lamborghini’s change of heart: “The excellent feedback and the numerous requests we’ve had from our customers have really convinced us to embark on the challenge of producing a vehicle with unique characteristics. We are proud that what a year ago was a technology demonstrator of future super sports cars, even though in working order, will become a small series reality.”

Exactly how small? Well, lets’ just say that it will make the 150 units of the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale seem too common in comparison: the Sesto Elemento’s production run will be a mere 20 units, with deliveries starting in 2013.

 

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IAA 2011: Ford Introduces New Focus ST in Both Hatchback and Station Wagon Flavors

Almost a year after appearing at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in concept form, Ford has lifted the covers off the production version of its new global performance model, the Focus ST. If you remember the showcar's looks and specifications, there is nothing surprising about the production version of the five-door hatchback.

What comes as a surprise though is the introduction of a station wagon body style of the Focus ST. However, unlike the hatch that will be sold across the globe, the Focus ST Wagon will be offered exclusively in Europe - at least for now.

Both the Focus ST hatch and Wagon sport the same 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivering a maximum output of 250-horsepower and a peak torque of 360Nm (265.5 lb-ft), matched to a 6-speed manual transmission that delivers power to the front wheels only.

Ford claims that the four-banger is more potent as well as more fuel efficient than the previous ST's Volvo-sourced five-cylinder unit, while Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles, says the it will deliver an equally exciting sound.

“People loved the sound of the previous Focus ST,” said Capito. “The physics and acoustics of a 5-cylinder engine compared to a 4-cylinder are very different, but like Beethoven and Mozart – both of whom created fantastic yet very different music – we believe the engine note of the new Focus ST will delight enthusiasts in the same way.”

Ford's engineers have uprated the ST's suspension and brake bits while the performance model also comes equipped with a more aggressive tuning of Ford’s Torque Steer Compensation (TSC) system and an enhanced version of the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with three modes to choose from.

The ST rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels shod in high performance 235/40R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires. ST customers will also be able to opt for a ‘Performance Pack’ which offers the wheels in black with a high contrast red finish on the performance brake calipers.

On the outside, the ST gains a different front grille and an aero package with a front apron, side skirts, roof spoiler and a rear apron/diffuser, while interior parts include a set of Recaro sport seats and bespoke trim.

 

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