The new Lamborghini Huracán Performante combines cutting-edge technology with the marque’s most powerful V10 engine to date.
Perfect for petrol heads looking for power and finesse in equal measure, the new Lamborghini Huracán Perfomante combines new lightweight technologies, active aerodynamics with aero vectoring, and a new chassis set-up with an all-wheel-drive system and improved powertrain and the result is a super sports car that offers best lap times on the circuit and the most engaging and dynamic road driving experience to date.
The Huracán Performante, which has already set a new production car lap record of 6:52.01 min on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, represents the powerhouse of Lamborghini DNA and innovation, and the pinnacle of Lamborghini V10 production car performance, on and off the track, thanks to state-of-the-art new composite materials and game-changing active aerodynamics.
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Based on a hybrid aluminum and carbon fiber frame, the Lamborghini Huracán Performante’s body is produced from aluminum in conjunction with the use of Lamborghini’s award-winning forged composite in front and rear spoilers, the engine bonnet, the rear bumper and aerodynamic diffuser. Using chopped carbon fibers in a resin, forged composite allows the creation of lightweight, complex geometrical shapes beyond what is possible with traditional carbon fiber composites, while maintaining optimum stiffness and allowing for a weight reduction of 40 kg.
Performance is also achieved through the adoption of Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA), a patented active aerodynamic system developed by Lamborghini for the Huracán Performante that provides an active variation of aero load for high downforce or low drag. When ALA is off, the active flaps inside the front spoiler are closed, generating the desired high downforce for high-speed cornering and full brake conditions. When ALA switches to on the front flaps are opened by the front electric motor, reducing air pressure on the front spoiler and directing air flow via an inner channel and through the specially shaped underside of the car.
This drastically reduces drag and optimizes conditions for maximum acceleration and top speed. Lamborghini’s Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) governs all the car’s electronic systems in ‘real-time’, activating the ALA system flaps in less than 500 milliseconds to ensure the best aerodynamic set-up of the car in every driving condition.
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In the rear of the Performante, four ducts are installed below the rear bonnet. The two central ducts are always open to allow underhood ventilation and exhaust cooling, while the two external ducts are connected to the inner channels of the rear wing. The air flow through the rear wing channels is controlled by two electro-actuated flaps. The entire system is 80 percent lighter than a traditional hydraulic system.
When ALA is off the rear flaps are closed, permitting the rear wing to act as a traditional fixed wing. Stability is enhanced in high speed cornering and full braking by creating maximum vertical downforce; a staggering 750 percent more than a Huracán coupé. The LPI turns on the ALA in high throttle conditions, opening the rear flaps to allow air through the rear wing’s inner channels and directing air flow through ridges underneath the wing. This reduces drag and maximizes the car’s acceleration and top speed capabilities.
The Huracán Performante contains the DNA of a true Lamborghini, with its design unmistakably describing and emphasizing the car’s purpose and inherent technologies, like a piece of technical art. Reflecting the pure lines and performance of Lamborghini Super Trofeo race cars, the design also takes inspiration, particularly at the rear, from naked performance motorcycles, with their exposed frames and ‘streetfighter’ structures expressing function and performance.
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Reflecting the pure lines and performance of Lamborghini Super Trofeo race cars, the design also takes inspiration, particularly at the rear, from naked performance motorcycles, with their exposed frames and ‘streetfighter’ structures expressing function and performance.
At the core of the design are the active aerodynamics (ALA) and lightweight build that are so integral to the car. Gloss, naked forged composite contrasts matt and gloss black carbon fibre features, which in turn contrast with the matt body colour, including a striking new matt.
The new front is sophisticated and razor-blade sharp like a race car, with the design of the air intakes and splitter giving the impression of incisors, reminiscent of a striking snake. The active aerodynamic front spoiler is clearly visible in forged composite. The front bumper has no grills emphasizing lightweight, efficiency and sportiveness.
The sportiness of the Performante’s design is exemplified by the high-mounted exhausts, similar to extreme sports motorcycles, which creates a more direct physical connection with the engine. The rear diffuser in matte black is directly inspired by Lamborghini Super Trofeo race cars, in both appearance and function. A trapezoid line from the bottom of the diffuser, also in forged composite, emphasizes the width of the car’s rear: technical and sporty with an immense presence.
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From the side, the design is characterized by the accelerating line of the rocker cover with air intakes in matt black, the Italian tricolours of the Performante’s Sant’Agata Bolognese birthplace on the doors, topped with wing mirrors in shiny black. The lightweight, Narvi 20-inch forged wheels, dedicated to the Huracán Performante, are painted in bronze.
Nestled within its sleek lines is the most powerful V10 produced to date by Lamborghini. Outputting 640 horsepower (470 kW) at 8,000 rpm and producing 600 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, it is distinguished by a new bronze manifold that draws on the heritage of previous special edition engines such as the Diablo 30th Anniversary power plant.
The car’s powerful engine produces an optimized torque curve, with more than 70% of torque already available at 1,000 rpm. Reflecting this, Lamborghini’s seven-speed dual clutch transmission has been also optimized in order to match the increased performance.
Electromechanical power steering is offered as standard with optional variable-ratio Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS). Both the Huracán Performante’s electronic power steering and LDS have been significantly recalibrated to provide highly responsive steering with maximum driver feedback in all three driver modes: Strada, Sport, and Corsa. In Corsa mode, designed for high performance and track environments, the steering offers a racing feeling with a significantly reduced steering ratio variation.
A permanent four-wheel drive system has been tuned to maximize traction in all situations, working in conjunction with the ALA system and exploiting the new P Zero Corsa tires. ESC has been calibrated to smooth intervention and be less intrusive.
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Lamborghini’s ANIMA system, controlling driver modes that customize the set-up of all the car’s systems, has also been revised to enhance the driving experience in each of the modes: Strada, Sport and Corsa. In Strada, traction and stability are prioritized. Sport offers a more rear-wheel drive orientation, with oversteer behaviour and easier drifting. The Corsa driving mode is focused on top performance and handling to maximise results on track.
But the Huracán Performante isn’t just muscle; the interior, with its air vents, paddles, door handles and centre console crafted from forged composite, reminds the driver of the car’s remarkable credentials. Referencing the brand’s racing heritage, lightweight, dark coloured Alcantara fabric is used throughout, including on the sports seats where an optional ‘Y’ graphic can be lasered. Comfort seats with the same trim are available as an alternative.
Inside, the driver is fully in touch with the active aerodynamics’ activities: not only through the car’s performance but from the special ALA graphic in the dashboard display which shows when and how ALA is working, including aero vectoring.
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Inside the Huracán Performante, the new digital cockpit displays are configurable depending on the driving mode selected: Strada, Sport, or Corsa, with a display dedicated to the ALA detailing data on downforce and drag. The new cockpit layout supports Apple CarPlay and its iPhone apps including the Lamborghini telemetry system, which allows the driver to record, replay, and study his (or her) own performance.
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