Lamborghini Future: Hybrid, Biofuel, Photovoltaic

Italian manufacturer Lamborghini plans a shift in direction when it comes to designing their cars, at least as CO2 emissions are concerned. Caught up in between the need for performance and the ever tougher emission laws, Lamborghini has announced a bone breaking environmental program.

The company plans to reduce CO2 emissions in two stages: 30 percent of the CO2 produced by its factory by 2010 and a 35 percent reduction in CO2 levels produced by its vehicles by 2015. To achieve these goals, Lamborghini will first have to refit its factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese with a large photovoltaic system by the end of this year.

For the vehicles, Lamborghini is taking inspiration from its Gallardo LP 560-4, who's technology allowed it to achieve a 18 percent decrease in CO2 levels. For the future, the company plans to reduce the vehicles' weight, improve combustion and reduce friction.

And since hybrids are no longer regarded as a sports car "no-no", a hybrid drive train solution is not ruled out by the company. The use of biofuels, as well as the now common start-stop system are also being considered by Lamborghini.

The photovoltaic systems to be used on its production plant, built by Sinergia Sistemi, will have a total installed power rating of 1,4 Megawatts and will extend over 17,000 square meters throughout the entire industrial area. It will produce 1,582 Mwh energy per year, accounting for a 20 percent reduction in CO2 levels by 2010.

The remaining 10 percent required to meet its self imposed target will come from insulating the production facility’s whole roof, improving lighting and heating and introducing destratification systems for heated air.

“Despite the difficult situation in today’s global economy, Lamborghini is committed to its policy of environmental management, since we are well aware of the great opportunities that derive from it. We have an objective to reduce CO2 emissions to the greatest possible degree," Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini CEO said.