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Carbon fibre, that bewitching black weave, is sure-fire to guarantee the street cred of any car it's used on (unless it's that fake stick-on stuff of course, but we won't go there). Lamborghini has been utilising the material on its road cars for thirty years now, and to celebrate it has opened an event entitled ''Excellence in Carbon Fibre'' at Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in Tokyo.
Interestingly, Japan is a leader in the production of raw carbon fibre, and Lambo's R&D department has forged links with numerous Nippon companies in the last few years in an attempt to grow its capabilities in the field. In return, Japanese concerns have paid visits to advanced composite centres in Italy and the US, which demonstrates the high regard that Lamborghini's work is held in. Italian Ambassador S.E. Dr. Domenico Giorgi was present at the launch of the event and stated: "Japan is an important market in the development and production of carbon fibre. The long experience of Automobili Lamborghini in the use of composite materials, and its collaboration with leading Japanese companies have led to the development of significant innovations in this area. This combination is one of the key aspects in the field of scientific and technological relations between the two countries and is therefore a source of great pride for both Italy and Japan."
The Italian manufacturer is committed to furthering developments in the manufacture and use of carbon fibre, and to that end it is co-operating with Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. in studies aimed at streamlining and increasing process automation in carbon fibre production, with the goal of maximising output and achieving greater process stability. As wondrous a material as carbon fibre is, it is very labour intensive and expensive to produce, so any improvements that will help drive down cost and make feasible for increased use in car construction are extremely welcome.
The super-rare Centenario was also on display at the launch, appropriately featuring lots and lots of the lightweight material. Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali reiterated the company's commitment to the cause, stating: "We are delighted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lamborghini's use of carbon fibre, with the opening of "Excellence in Carbon Fibre" in Japan. Carbon fibre is a material that Lamborghini has a long history with. It is one of the most important keys to our cars' success in the past, the present and the future''.