Lamborghini Insecta Concept

Motoring Channel Staff - 10/March/2009

Geneva, Switzerland – It's not an official Lamborghini and it's not as powerful as the Murciélago LP 670-4 SV, but that doesn't make the Insecta concept any less appealing.

The design of this concept study includes the typical Lambo styling cues but also adds a foreign element.

Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo model, the sharp headlight design, aggressively low stance and angular front apron all help to communicate its European heritage, ensuring that most people who see it will recognise its Italian inspiration.

However, it is the rear end design and the curvaceousness of the vehicle that represent a foreign element to this 'Lamborghini'. 

It's almost like the rear end of a Ferrari has been cross-pollinated with the front end of a Lamborghini.

The back of the car boasts a more curvy theme, especially in areas such as the roof line and the roundedness of the rear wheel arches, whereas the front of the car is quite angular with hard creases and sharp edges.

Most of the people we showed the design to were positive in their feedback, even some of the usually non-plussed female staffers from the Lifestyle Channel, but not everyone thought it was a Lamborghini, which is understandable.

The Lamborghini Insecta Concept was dreampt up by Iulian Bumbu, a Romanian industrial design enthusiast who has no official ties with Lamborghini. 

Bumbu is an ardent fan of Lamborghini and this was how he expresses his appreciation of the brand.

The name 'Insecta' comes the insect world, and the car is meant to represent the exoskeleton that insects grow to protect themselves.

Iulian Bumbu is a young Romanian designer who has worked as an intern at the Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile design centre.

He told carbodydesign.com that he wanted to create something that was both extreme and smooth.

"The idea was to create an extreme race-oriented supercar with a style that introduces softer and more organic lines and integrate them into the geometrical style of Lamborghini," said Bumbu.

"I tried to apply these types of organic movements and translate them into Lamborghini's style so that when you see the car, you can immediately recognize it as a Lambo," added Bumbu.

Based on the Gallardo, which has a V10 engine that outputs 412kW @ 8000rpm, the concept design would probably be faster than its donor car because it's body shell is made exclusively from carbon fibre.

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, so if this unofficial concept was ever built it may achieve the same speed in 3.6 seconds.

Peak torque from the Gallardo's V10 engine pumps out 540Nm of torque and is an all-wheel drive sports car.

Like the Gallardo, the Lamborghini Insecta Concept is a 2-seater sports car. It sits very low to the ground and is just 100cm tall.

The Insecta measures 4.3 metres long and 2.0 metres wide and has a wheelbase of 2.65 metres.

We think the name needs a little work, but the design is impressive. 

Will Lamborghini take notice, and will we see this car in the future? 

Probably not, but there's something alluring about well-executed dream cars and the way they stoke the imagination.

Related Links:
- Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV (2009)
- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
- Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster
- Lamborghini Murcielago (Road Test)
- Lamborghini Gallardo LP 540-4 Spyder (2009)
- Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Police Car (2008)
- Lamborghini Estoque (2008)
- Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (2008)
- Lamborghini Reventón (2008)
- Lamborghini Reventón vs Tornado Jet Fighter (2007)
- Lamborghini Gallardo
- Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
- Lamborghini Miura (concept)