Case in point: The new Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera cuts 154 pounds from the LP 560-4 through significant use of carbon fiber. The supercar broke cover at a preview event in Geneva in March and performs 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds; it hits a top speed of 202 mph with a 570-hp V10. It also reduces carbon-dioxide emissions 20.5 percent compared with a preceeding model.

Lamborghini's fascination with carbon fiber dates to the 1980s and the legendary Countach. It continues in present-day models, with the Murciélago's body structure weighing just 668 pounds.

Some of the company's latest wares were on display last week at the JEC Composite Show in Paris, where Lamborghini was the “honored guest” (supercar makers get the royal treatment at trade shows). Lamborghini R&D director Maurizio Reggiani gave the opening address, and a Reventón was displayed at the show.

“It's about speed and power,” Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann had said earlier in Geneva.

Lamborghini has also set up a research lab at the University of Washington, where composite materials are studied for the aeronautic and automobile sectors.