The new lightweight Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is the latest Lamborghini supercar to benefit from Zircotec’s advanced ceramic heat resistant coatings.
The use of Zircotec’s proprietary Diamond Black™ ceramic coating on the car’s tailpipe assemblies has allowed Lamborghini to increase the carbon composite content on the car to reduce weight and at the same time improve vehicle presentation. The coating helps to prevent exhaust heat from escaping from the tailpipe, and this has allowed Lamborghini to adopt a more lightweight composite bodywork that contributes to the 70kg weight saving.
Zircotec’s Diamond Black™ ceramic coating is applied to the exhaust at temperatures over 12,000°C using an adapted plasma spray process. This process ensures the ceramic is extremely durable, offering an aesthetically-pleasing finish that will outlast paint or untreated metals. “Zircotec’s technology not only protects sensitive composite finishes but also the exhaust itself,” says Zircotec’s sales director Peter Whyman. “Corroded or flaking exhaust finishes ruin the appearance of the rear of the car. Our technology ensures Lamborghini’s latest car will continue to look good for many years.”
The durable Diamond Black™ coating, for which a patent is pending, was tested to ensure that it met the rigorous requirements set down by Lamborghini. “Zircotec’s coating met the lifetime and temperature cycling tests set by Lamborghini including rapid cycling in temperature and pressure washing,” says Whyman. “The combination of our application method that effectively welds the ceramic to the exhaust, the proprietary ThermoHold® sub-layer formulation, and the unique Diamond BlackTM material make our coating viable for a range of OEM applications.”
Zircotec’s involvement with the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera follows the highly successful application of Zircotec’s thermal barriers on the Reventón and Murciélago LP640 supercars, where the use of the coating delivered both weight reductions through the removal of heatshields and added protection for the composites. For the latest Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, the coating allowed Lamborghini’s designers to specify carbon fibre for the diffuser venturi and upper element that surrounds the new quad tailpipe system.
“Our ThermoHold®-based coatings are used in F1 applications to protect delicate composite bodywork and suspension parts,” adds Whyman. “This is a good example of technology transfer from the track to the road.
Zircotec® coatings are are only available from Zircotec. All of our coating are applied in our purpose built facility in the UK at Abingdon, Oxfordshire. We are however increasingly working with customers and partner organisations to supply coatings worldwide. Zircotec is very pleased to be able to continue its close working relationship with Lamborghini through its involvement with the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera.
Zircotec
www.zircotec.com
::Design World::
Filed Under: Automotive, Materials • advanced
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