Bolognese, Italy — The Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 is the first car on the market with a carbon fibre roll cage homologated according to the FIA Hypercar safety standards.
The Essenza SCV12 and its full-carbon chassis have undergone complete impact testing of the carbon fibre chassis and roll cage and are ready to hit the race track.
The testing required by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile for chassis homologation is extremely rigorous, involving both static and dynamic tests. During these tests, the carbon fibre monocoque endured forces of over 12 tons without presenting significant deformations. The dynamic crash tests involved impacts at speeds of up to 14 meters/second, during which no external elements are permitted to come in contact with the driver, and the fuel tank cannot leak.
The decision of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians to maintain the carbon fibre structure not only makes for a lightweight vehicle, but it also allows more room in the cabin.
The driver sits on an OMP FIA 8862 homologated seat, mounted on carbon fibre cradles, that is lower than road models. The driver and passenger are protected by two side-impact guards, also made of composite material, which replaces the classic steel tubes found in racing cars.
Lamborghini plans to start the Essenza SCV12’s dedicated track event series this month.
