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[May 2009]
Lamborghini Selects Zircotec Coating For LP670-4 Murciélago SuperVeloce
Automobili Lamborghini has selected Zircotec to supply a high performance thermal barrier coating for use on the lightweight Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. Zircotec's high performance Thermohold® based coating has helped Automobili Lamborghini reduce the weight of its new Murciélago supercar. The proprietary ceramic based coating is applied to the car exhaust system to reduce the need for heat shields whilst still allowing heat sensitive lightweight materials to be used in close proximity to the exhaust pipe. The technology also protects other heat sensitive components from damage.
"Lamborghini previously used Zircotec for its Reventón where a durable solution to protect the composite bodywork and components around the exhaust was required," said Zircotec's Sales and Marketing Director Peter Whyman. "This time our coating has helped contribute to an overall weight saving of 100kg over the normal Murciélago, with 33kg of the reduction coming from the new powertrain and exhaust system."
"Zircotec helped us in achieving the attention to detail in weight reduction on this programme," explained Luca Meschiari, head of exhausts at Lamborghini. "Their coating helps save weight yet is also durable, and meets our requirements in terms of performance and quality more than other solutions we have seen."
Zircotec's Thermohold based ceramic coatings offer OEMs a robust, easily packaged solution that can dramatically inhibit the transfer of heat from exhausts and catalysts, retaining the heat inside the system to protect surrounding components.
The coating is plasma-sprayed, in effect welding it to the base material, making it more resilient during heat cycling, abrasion and life testing. The whole process eradicates the need for heatshields and wraps that add weight and complexity. Learning from its experience in F1, Zircotec can ‘tune' the coating's thickness to cope with ‘hot spots', applying the optimum amount to minimise weight (as low as 0.03g/cm² for some applications).
"The Murciélago SV is a growing testament that Zircotec's coatings help weight reduction, reduce complexity and keep the car cool," concluded Peter Whyman.
ENDS