Host of new driver aids accompany new aerodynamic upgrades, plus the EVO retains Performante power. Bred to charge down the 488 Pista, 600LT and AMG GTR PRO.
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
The Lamborghini Huracan Performante did a 6 minute 52 second lap time around the Nürburgring – but that was in 2016. So, Lamborghini have launched the Huracan EVO; the Performante is now simply just way too slow.
As the name infers, the Huracan EVO is an evolution from the Performante - it has a host of new driver aids aimed at extracting more performance from Lambo’s smallest supercar. The first is rear-wheel steering meant to enhance cornering agility and aligning the rear of the car more sharply when cornering. Then there’s the torque vectoring system distributing power evenly to each of the Huracans wheels, depending on what corner needs most input.
These systems are regulated through Lambo’s Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) at the hub of the EVO Huracan; this features a new wildcard supplementing the Baby Bulls rampaging performance parameters. It is a Central Processing Unit, that Lambo say controls every aspect of the cars dynamic behaviour by integrating the cars dynamic systems.
The EVO essentially has an onboard race engineering technology team called the Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI). It is a network of gyroscope sensors positioned at the cars centre of gravity point that monitors the driving characteristics through lateral, longitudinal and vertical accelerations. It sounds like it is equipped for speeds so fast that it might actually take off like a bombastic Lambo rocket. The LDVI hub interprets the data in real time, sending it to the relevant systems where they covert that data into performance.
Lamborghini Huracan EVO
Price: £165,256
Engine: 5.204cc V10, 640bhp, 443 lb ft
Transmission: 7speed dual-cluth, AWD
Performance: 0-62mph in 2.9secs, 202mph
Economy: 13.9 mpg, 332 g/km CO2
Weight: 1422kg
This entire network of intelligence is in synergy to the actions of the driver; detection is through steering, brake and accelerator inputs as well as gear selection. The other defining parameter is through the ANIMA driving modes: Strada, Sport or Corsa. There’s also updated magneto rheological suspension, that will adjust the dampening in cohesion with specified modes and driving. Sounds like a serious bit of kit.
Honing upon the technical wizardry of the Huracan Evo, Lambo have also refined the aerodynamics. To improve drag co-efficiency, a new front bumper, front splitter and wing are hinged. At the back, the cannon shaped tailpipes of the new exhaust system are positioned higher to better utilise the space for airflow funnelled over an enlarged rear diffuser. A reshaped underbody completes the recrafting of contours making the Huracan EVO as least resistant to air flow as possible.
In this feature’s photos, the bodywork is a carbon fibre makeup coated in a new Arancio Xanto four-layer orange colour; a bold statement in keeping with Lambo’s wild side. It looks like an exotic tropical cocktail, a mixture of qualities shaken up to reflect the Huracan’s increasingly layered character. There is a taut visual flamboyance and excitement pinned on this Huracan EVO - just as a Lambo should have. It looks squat and ready to rampage like the Bull it was named after, called Huracan.
The interior has been fitted out with an 8.4-inch touchscreen in the centre console; it acts as the command centre of the Huracan EVO - this is where the LDVI driver aids are operated from. It also controls the infotainment systems, navigation and in car entertainment modes. And, so you can feel like Tony Stark talking to Jarvis in Iron Man, it will respond to voice commands. It just doesn’t talk in conversation with you… yet. Plus, a dual-camera telemetry system can be added, recording and analysing your driving through the touchscreen.
There is new upholstery from the EVO trim range; a selection of bi-colour options or Alcantara, with lightweight Carbon Forged Composites also available. You can go further than that with the tailoring: Style Packs can be chosen and Lamborghini’s Ad Personam programme is on offer for a more personal look. Whatever option is picked, it is sure to amp up the theatrical spectacle and give off an intoxicating vibe - a quality Lambo are getting increasingly specialised at.
The engine has been lifted straight from the Huracan Performante and bolted into the EVO. So that’s a 5.2 litre V10 naturally aspirated unit, something of a rare and dying breed in new generations of Supercar. It produces the same amount of stallion power, with 640bhp at your disposal; it propels a dry weight of 1422kg. The performance stats are virtually identical to the Performante: the 0-60mph dash being smashed in 2.9 seconds, with 124mph blitzed in 9 seconds flat. The top speed is ‘more than’ 202mph - quick enough for you?
Since Lamborghini were bought by Audi in 1998, they have transformed the reputation of the crazy Italian outfit, into a serious contender in performance supercars. With the Huracan EVO, Lambo have effectively genetically modified the Baby Bull with the eye candy appeal of a mad, desirable supercar and the competitive potential to challenge the established benchmarks. A compelling combination indeed.
It means Lamborghini remain on a different ladder to the conventional order and the Huracan EVO offers a certain appeal that its rivals struggle to match. But would you take one over: a McLaren 600LT, a Ferrari 488 Pista or a Mercedes AMG GTR Pro? A conflicting conundrum with a tricky decision. Let me know when you've made up your mind...
The Huracan EVO costs £165,256, with first deliveries taken in the Spring.
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
Photos: Lamborghini
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