Lamborghini S.p.A. announces a new Advanced Composites Research Center (ACRC) at its headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

The new Lamborghini Advanced Composite Research Center comprises two facilities covering an area of more than 2,600 square meters which will undertake research on cutting-edge carbon fiber production and design processes. A team of 30 people, engineers and technicians, works here to develop vehicle components of all shapes and. They build prototypes and the associated tools, production tools, and develop optimized production technologies. They utilize the latest measuring devices, automated cutting and casting equipment, autoclaves, presses, and a Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).

"The consistent development of carbon-fiber technology is a key element of our strategy," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

By using carbon-fiber technology, cars become lighter, thus improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. A super sportscar built using composite materials in carbon fiber has improved acceleration and braking as well as superior handling.

Lamborghini ACRD's specialists have developed one new process which combines the benefits of existing methods. Lamborghini can use minimal pressure and relatively low temperatures to manufacture carbon-fiber components, achieving higher process speeds, lower costs, and extremely light tooling.

Lamborghini has many years of experience in composite elements. The Italian sportscar manufacturer unveiled the first carbon fiber based chassis prototype on the Countach in 1983 and has since employed the featherweight (and pricey) material in all of its vehicles.