DOHA, QATAR – We took to the challenging Losail International Circuit in Doha to sample the new Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2.
What is it?
Having replaced the Gallardo last year, Lamborghini wasted little time in introducing a rear-wheel-drive version of the Huracán. But with the LP 580-2 the engineers at Sant’Agata Bolognese haven’t simply removed the driveshaft leading to the front – there are a host of other important technical updates both outside and in.
What else has changed?
Apart from a shaving 33 kg off the LP 610-4’s kerb weight (now 1 389 kg dry weight), the new car’s front-end has received a more pronounced, sharper-looking aspect. A series of subtle cosmetic changes have also been made to the rear of the car, although you need a pretty keen eye to spot them. More importantly, Lamborghini’s engineers have marginally softened the front suspension, increasing the percentage of roll through a corner from the AWD’s 1,5% to around 1,8%. That may not sound like much, but when combined with this model’s recalibrated electric power steering setup, it makes a palpable difference when travelling at full tilt.
New “Kari” wheels shod with Pirelli PZero tyres that have been exclusively developed for the RWD car round off the main changes.
What’s it like to drive?
At around 5,4 km long and offering no less than 16 corners, Losail circuit has been a much-vaunted fixture in MotoGP for more than 10 years, and if its smooth surface lends itself well to superbikes, it should be perfect for a car like the LP 580-2. The long opening straight is crowned by a dizzying series of high and low speed corners, all of which the Huracán should be happy to cover in 3rd and 4th gears.
Leaving the pits and heading towards the first turn there didn’t appear to be a marked difference compared with the AWD car, and even taking it relatively easy through the first few turns at a quick pace you’ll be hard-pressed to notice any significant digression. However, as I selected Sport mode on the steering wheel, the changes immediately presented themselves.
The minimal increase in body roll, together with the more relaxed parameters of the stability system in Sport mode (even more so in Corsa mode) allows you to become more in tune with the car’s weight transfer under hard cornering. Get off the throttle to trim your line, or give the accelerator a light prod, and you can sense how the nose is tucked into the corner. Gently feed in the power, especially at higher engine speeds, and the rev needle spins to just over 8 500 r/min and a tangible degree of push emanates from the tail. It definitely communicates the car’s current dynamic state in a clearer, and more enjoyable, manner than the LP 610-4. Meanwhile, all of this accompanied by that singing V10 engine, sitting just behind your seat’s back rest.
The swift, linear power delivery served up by that naturally aspirated engine adds to the LP580-2’s organic feel, allowing throttle input to have a direct affect on the car’s attitude – something that a turbocharged powerplant simply cannot replicate.
All of the cars at the international launch were fitted with Lamborghini’s carbon ceramic composite brakes. This setup not only provides a good level of feel through the pedal, and plenty of bite when needed, but only triggers the ABS when actually you brake too late – again adding to the car’s organic feel.
To add to the level of fun, Lamborghini has also developed a system called Power Oversteering. Calibrated for this model, it uses the ESC (electronic stability control) and TCS (traction control system) to allow drivers to momentarily oversteer to dramatic, but thankfully controllable, effect.
Verdict
Overall the RWD car feels light and nimble while also being more focused than the LP 610-4. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 0,2 seconds slower (3,2 versus 3,4 seconds), but once you’re off the line that figure is irrelevant. At maximum attack there is more to enjoy and learn behind the wheel of the “dash two”, and let us not forget that it will be more affordable than the LP 610-4, as well. It is as if the interior and exterior design of the Huracán now justifiably complement the expected handling behaviour and intensity of the experience perfectly. For me, this one is the pick of the Huracán litter.
