Lamborghini announce entry into this year’s FIA GT World Cup in Macau
As Lamborghini announce they will enter this year’s FIA GT World Cup as part of the Macau Grand Prix, we take a look behind the scenes at what really goes into the production of one of these luxury supersports cars
How much do you really know about Lamborghini? Perhaps you know it only as the brand behind the sleek, lean, mean driving machines you’ve seen in movies and occasionally on the street, or perhaps you can memorise each model’s stats with unerring precision and an obsessive amount of detail.
Whichever category you fall into, chances are you haven’t had the opportunity to step behind the scenes and see what really goes into the production of one of these luxury supersports cars.
From the first design sketch through to the final stitch on a seam, fastidious attention to detail is involved in the creation of each car. It is no surprise that one of the brand’s primary goals, according to president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, is that “a Lamborghini driver should be able to feel proud every day”.
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As much as Lamborghini cars are known for their streamlined beauty, nothing is designed purely for aesthetics’ sake. “Form follows function” is one of the fundamental principles at Lamborghini’s design facility, Centro Stile. Here, aerodynamics are key throughout the design process, and after extensive research and concept development, the designers then come up with a detailed design sketch.
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Safety is paramount. Lamborghini’s flagship Aventador is created with a full, single-piece carbon-fibre monocoque, a practice that differs from many of its competitors. This offers optimal torsional rigidity and exceptional precision while driving, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.
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The creation of these supersports cars is a perfect blend of technology and craftsmanship. Only highly trained employees – not robots – work at the facility’s assembly stations. Here, an employee clears away excess carbon-fibre resin from the monocoque after the patented Lamborghini Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process.
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Precision is key, and designers and engineers work hand-in-hand from the start for maximum efficiency and accuracy. At this stage, the front and rear spoilers are created to the exact specifications set by the brand. These movable bodyshell parts are integrated into the form and deployed only as required.
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All the bodyshell components are then hand-fitted onto the monocoque. After it passes inspection, the entire piece receives several layers of paint. Due to the high degree of individualisation, these colours can vary greatly. As an example, the limited edition Murciélago LP 670-4 Superveloce produced only 350 units, but they came in 29 different colours, many of which were one-offs.
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An employee inspects the car’s body, the reference points of which are built in accordance with computer-aided design (CAD) data. This ensures an optimal level of dimensional accuracy with regards the individual parts and allows their interaction within the whole vehicle unit to be analysed and adjusted to perfection.
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In addition to the high-technology processes necessary for the precise design of the car, expert craftsmanship is just as integral to the creation of each Lamborghini. Just as the bodyshell is built in accordance with CAD data, the smaller details of the car’s interior are inspected just as thoroughly. Seams must be in perfect lines, and every precise stitch is possible only through intensive training.
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Only premium materials are chosen for the brand’s luxury cars. Lamborghini sources its tanned hides from Europe’s top leather suppliers and its employees have extensive experience in working with leather. In addition to making the car seats, complete interiors are also made in the facility, designed and executed to meet the preferences of each client.
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The final steps involve fitting the dashboard, interior and drivetrain onto the main body of the vehicle. The car then undergoes a final inspection and stringent safety tests before delivery. The brand’s test drivers, the renowned Collaudatori, do a final test drive on each vehicle produced, and their attention to detail enables them to detect the smallest irregularity.
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The end result is the Lamborghini luxury car that you’ve come to know – a supersports car that offers functional reliability and awe-inspiring design.
