Geneva show: Lamborghini unveils hot Huracan

LAMBORGHINI has lifted the covers off its Nurburgring-conquering Huracan Performante ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show, revealing a bump in power, more aggressive styling and tweaks to ride and handling.

The Italian supercar maker caused a big stir on the internet last week by releasing a video showing the Performante lapping Germany’s infamous Nurburgring circuit in 6:52.01, setting a new record for a production car by nearly five seconds.

The record-setting time was achieved by upgrading the Huracan over the regular version in a number of ways, including power, weight, handling and tyres.

Under the hood the Huracan’s 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 received a 21kW increase in power up to 470kW at 8000rpm, while torque is increased by 40Nm, up to 600Nm at 6500rpm.

The performance increases are thanks to new titanium valves, improved air intake and optimised intake and exhaust engine fluid dynamics. It still employs a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Lamborghini reduced the Performante’s weight by 40kg through the liberal application of carbon fibre in the front and rear spoiler, engine bonnet, rear bumper and diffuser.

This helps the 1382kg Huracan Performante hurtle from zero to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0-200km/h in 8.9s, and on to a top speed of 325km/h.

The Raging Bull brand put a big emphasis on improving the aerodynamics of the Performante, adopting the active aerodynamic system internally known as Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) which uses a series of adjustable wings and flaps to optimise air flow at any given point.

The flaps are located inside the front spoiler and on two ducts connected to the rear wing spoiler.

Depending on conditions the flaps can be opened or closed to optimise air flow and downforce at the right moments, and can even help optimise cornering stability.

The most obvious visual change made to the Performante is the monumental forged composite carbon fibre rear wing spoiler, which is not just for show – Lamborghini claims it can increase maximum vertical downforce by as much as 750 per cent over the Huracan coupe.

Other visual enhancements include an aggressive front spoiler, black side skirts with stripes to match the Italian flag, black side mirrors, a far more aggressive rear diffuser, centrally-mounted twin exhaust tips, and lightweight 20-inch Narvi bronze rims.

Lamborghini says the new exhaust set-up is designed to reduce weight and deliver a more aggressive sound when the engine is being pushed.

Suspension on the Performante has been revised, increasing vertical stiffness by ten per cent, roll stiffness by 15 per cent, and radial and axial arm bushings are now 50 per cent stiffer than the coupe.

The electric power steering and optional Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) have both been revised for optimal driver feedback in any of the Huracan’s three modes – Strada, Sport and Corsa.

High-performance Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres help further improve grip and handling, and carbon ceramic discs with six-pot front and four-pot rear brake callipers help the Performante take just 31 metres to go from 100km.h to standstill.

The interior continues the forged composite carbon fibre theme, with the air vents, paddles, door handles and centre console featuring the lightweight material.

Alcantara is used liberally including on the sports seats, dash and steering wheel, with contrasts stitching throughout the cabin.

The digital cockpit display integrated into the instrument cluster can be configured to different driving modes, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay.

Deliveries commence in mid-2017, with the Performante retailing in Europe for €195,040 before on roads (A$270,986), while American customers will have to hand over US$274,390 (A$360,139).

Given the Australian Huracan Coupe currently retails for $428,000 before on roads, expect that price to jump even further for the fastest production car to lap the Nurburgring.