Lamborghini has worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to come up with a futuristic car that uses technology not even invented yet.
The Terzo Millennio concept was drawn up to look into how technology will shape the car of the distant future, with innovative concepts used to power and maintain the vehicle.
With the help of two labs at MIT that specialise in chemistry and mechanical engineering, Lamborghini has funded the project to lead the way in energy storage and material science.
The main leap forward seen with this model is its self-healing bodywork, which would use innovative energy systems to analyse if there is any damage in the carbon fibre structure and then use micro-channels in the fabric of the car to fix holes and cuts in the framework.
To move away from conventional batteries, the Terzo Millennio would use supercapacitors to recover and use electric power at the same time – streamlining the energy delivery process and lengthening the life of the powertrain.
Each of those supercapacitors will power an electric motor on each wheel for four-wheel drive that will simplify design and increase torque to deliver the power.
Lamborghini chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicalli said: “Exactly one year ago we have signed an agreement with the MIT-Italy Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which marked the start of a collaboration between two outstanding entities for the creation of a project that intends to write an important page in the future of super sports cars for the third millennium.
Collaborating with MIT for our R&D department is an exceptional opportunity to do what Lamborghini has always been very good at: rewriting the rules on super sports cars. Now we are presenting an exciting and progressive concept car. We are inspired by embracing what is impossible today to craft the realities of tomorrow: Lamborghini must always create the dreams of the next generation.”
It is very unlikely any of us will see some of the innovations on a road car in our lifetime, but it’s good to know car designers are looking far ahead to advance technologies.
