Raging bull unleashed: Lamborghini supercar that matches Bugatti Veyron for speed WILL go into production

By Sadie Whitelocks and Ted Thornhill
Updated: 07:59 EDT, 13 September 2011

For several months there have been rumours that Lamborghini's lightning quick Sesto Elemento would go into production - now it's been confirmed.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelman announced at the Frankfurt motor show today that 20 of the ridiculously rapid carbon-fibre cars would be made - and they will be UK road legal.

It can accelerate from 0-62mph (100kph) in less than 2.5 seconds and boasts a top speed of more than 200mph.

Light idea: The Elemento weights less than a tonne, thanks to its carbon fibre bodywork

The Bugatti Veyron has met its match: The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento on display at the Paris car show in 2010

First displayed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, it boasts a revolutionary design. The chassis is made almost entirely from carbon fibre - hence the name, which translates as 'sixth element', the atomic number for carbon.

Mark Tisshaw from Autocar, said: 'The Sesto Elemento is a fantastic technical showcase and it's going to cost an awful lot of money, but Lamborghini will have no shortage of interest.'

The car's performance figures are so extreme that it even gives the Bugatti Veyron a run for its money.

The German designed supercar is officially the fastest production car in the world - but Lamborghini, which uses a bull as its emblem, has produced something that could change that.

All 20 of the Elementos have been snapped up by super-rich enthusiasts, who can expect to fork out over £1.5million for the privilege of owning one.

THE LAMBORGHINI VERSUS THE BUGATTI

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

MANUFACTURER: Bugatti Automobiles and Volkswagen Group

PRODUCTION: 2003 - present

PRICE: £1.45m to £1.62m

ASSEMBLY: Molsheim, Alsace, France

TOP SPEED 258mph

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 2.5sec

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

MANUFACTURER: Lamborghini

PRODUCTION: 2011

PRICE: £1.77 million

ASSEMBLY: Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy

TOP SPEED: 200mph +

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 2.5sec

Power for the Sesto Elemento will be delivered by a highly-tuned 5.2-litre V10 engine, which will develop about 600bhp in a car that weighs less than one tonne.

This makes it 550kg less than a Lamborghini Gallardo and 850kg less than the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

The chassis, body, driveshaft and suspension components are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), a material that the Italian firm has been refining with other companies, including Boeing. 

Engineering chief Maurizio ReggianiIn told Autocar: 'The structure of this car is at the centre of its function.

Expensive: The Sesto Elemento will cost upwards of £1.5million

Unveiled: The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento was shown at the Paris motor show last October and now Lamborghini's bosses have given limited production the go-ahead

'It represents a revolutionary way of building a car. This method is a true breakthrough, and we are extremely excited about what it means for our future.'

In addition to the cutting-edge design the tailpipes are made from Pyrosic, a glass and ceramic composite that can withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees celsius.

When the Italian car maker announced plans to build its £1 million Reventon concept in 2007, they sold the 35-strong batch in less than one week.

CEO Stephan Winkelmann added: 'Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of Sesto Elemento.'