Aventador Twin-Turbo: Who Will Do It First?

The Aventador - an aggressive and powerful snapshot of what is to be the next generation of Lamborghini.
Revealed in early 2011, the Aventador received much praise in the performance automotive community. With an astonishing 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds, it's hard not to like it. Despite it's mighty ~700 hp, some members of the automotive community, myself included, would like to see what happens when someone goes and over-does it. I think we'll have our fun soon enough.

There are a few tuning companies that have a long history with twin-turbo systems, particularly Lambo's.
Those companies are Underground Racing, Heffner Performance and RSC (Racing Sport Concepts).
All 3 companies have pumped out some impressive horsepower numbers over the past few years, but with Lamborghini's change to focus on more power-to-weight ratio initiatives, it has quickly become a race to the next step.

There's room for a twin-turbo system in there somewhere.

Underground Racing currently offers the most performance packages for the Gallardo and Murcielago models. They also currently offer the most powerful twin-turbo Lamborghini's money can buy. This video should give you an idea of how much power is actually being pushed out of these TT Lambo's:



After seeing the almost scary horsepower figures coming from UGR, I have to assume that they will get to the Aventador first. According to the internet rumor-mill, a twin-turbo Aventador could easily be putting out more than 1200 horsepower. Yes, please!

Will Ferrari Go Hybrid? The Enzo Successor Might.

In the rapidly-changing performance automotive world, many cars have seen some “greener” improvements. Companies like Jaguar and BMW have showcased their performance hybrid intentions for the near future. While some people cringe when they hear the word “hybrid” coupled with the word “performance”, I think it’s a great idea.

With that said, it’s no surprise that Ferrari’s announcement about a possible hybrid replacement for the Enzo stirred up a lot of internet controversy.  Ferrari’s hybrid 599 HY-KERS concept back in 2010 was the first hint of Ferrari’s hybrid efforts. The F1 technology-inspired 599 Hybrid was intended to feature a 100-hp electric motor hooked up to the shaft for the car’s odd-numbered gears. Not many fans expected such a big overhaul of the Ferrari line-up upon its debut.

The questionably-colored 599 HY-KERS

(Kinetic Energy Recovery System)

The Enzo successor, due in 2012, will also utilize a carbon fiber chassis and receive its main power from a mid-mounted V12. There are no specific details of the hybrid portion of the project, but many speculate that something similar to the KERS technology with a bit more focus on efficiency. Ferrari also plans on introducing a replacement for the 599, which could potentially feature a hybrid model as well.

Until we hear more details on the hybrid portions of Ferrari’s new line-up, all we can do is speculate.  That, and get artists to design us their renditions of what the new Ferrari’s will look like.

Regardless of the Enzo replacement's design or engine configuration, I'm sure Ferrari won't disappoint their fans with their flagship supercar.

The Sesto Elemento: Lamborghini's $2.5 Million Track Car

After its much talked about debut at the 2010 Paris Autoshow, Lamborghini’s Sesto Elemento (Sixth Element in Italian) quickly became one of the most talked about concept cars in the supercar community. Lamborghini had seemingly turned taken the idea of the Reventon concept of 2007, and turned it into a Gallardo-V10-powered monster.

The Sesto Elemento weighs only 999kg (2,200 lbs), making it the lightest Lamborghini ever produced. It achieved this weight via a carbon fiber diet. The body, chassis, driveshaft and even suspension components are all made of carbon fiber. This 570 horsepower lightweight Lambo boasts an astonishing 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds! Coupled with a top speed of 186 mph (300km/h), this is one fast bull.

Carbon is the sixth element on the periodic table.

This concept car was originally made to kick off the next generation of Lamborghini, showcasing their impressive carbon fiber technology and even more aggressive body design. However, the concept model was so popular that Lamborghini has decided the Sesto Elemento will go down the path of the Reventon, and will receive a limited production of 20 cars. Before you go running to the Lamborghini dealer nearest you, you should know that this car is for track use only. At an estimated price of $2.5 million, the Sesto Elemento had better be one hell of a track car.