Multimaterial collaboration

Composites and aluminum are at the heart of Audi and Lamborghini's multimaterial approach to R&D, production.

For years, weight saving has been a subject to which the auto industry in general has paid lip service but achieved relatively little progress. But now, for reasons that span international political uncertainty, energy supply, plus environmental and legislative pressure, that progress has to be made-and quickly.

“Until just a few years ago at Lamborghini when the talk was of performance, it was top speed that was most important, followed by acceleration, and then handling. Now the order has changed: today it is handling first, then acceleration, with top speed last. The future will be less about increasing power, more about reducing weight,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobil Lamborghini, as he revealed the secrets of the company's new Aventador LP 700-4, with its advanced technology carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) monocoque.