Lamborghini Huracan Evolution for one last Hurrah

Photo by Christian Bazzani (@christianbazzani)

The throaty exhaust sound of 640 fine-bred horses (or err-‘bulls’), galloping mile after mile with the perceived intention to leapfrog time and breach the gates of another universe with inexorable levels of thrust and fervour, eyes seeming to be squinting in a demeanour as if the mean machine is ready to pounce on something with brute-force and ultimately, a scathing highlight of a raging bull-inspired design so ferocious and palpable, that it feels like the hooligan and nothing else on the tarmac which has prepared for its slaughter. This is the description for cars which come from one of the most dexterous Italian brands on the planet, Lamborghini. It’s the paradigm of brands which provide exclusivity, manic performance, frisson and engagement which a few others can match.

Photo by Christian Bazzani (@christianbazzani)

The case in question for this review is one of the finest examples to roll out from the land of Sant’Agata Bolognese. It is a highly re-engineered form of the Huracan Performante and seeks to set the benchmark in its class with several mechanical revamps which elevate its appeal and try to make for a compelling business case for the car, even after 7 years of production during which it not only succeeded the Gallardo, but even paid homage to it in the best way possible. However, with continuous action and activity from the likes of Ferrari and Maserati, should you be interested to tinker with one? Let’s find out.

Photo by Christian Bazzani (@christianbazzani)

To appetise the crowd, it gets state of the art electronic aids to augment its agility and aerodynamic efficiency. It all starts with a rear-wheel steering which provides tighter turns around the cambers and a torque vectoring system which divides the torque between the wheels to optimise the car’s traction. Software christened Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) manages this beast’s locomotion fathoming the needs of the driver. Another software called Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) parades the car’s horizontal and vertical movements and distractions by being placed at the car’s centre of gravity to ensure poise over any kind of road surface. It extemporaneously alters the suspension settings and can harness all the torque to just one wheel as required.

Photo by Christian Bazzani (@christianbazzani)

LDVI tweaks the behaviour of the car through steering wheel, accelerator, brake and gear shift inputs. There are various drive modes which can be controlled through the ANIMA controller-STRADA, SPORT and CORSA. In the STRADA mode, the car isn’t hustled a lot but moves with ease and composure. In the SPORT mode, the wave of intensity starts and the various parts become sharper in terms of their responses. In the latter most mode, the car can be put through its paces and extreme scenarios such as racetracks. Here, it becomes a mean machine offering the best of everything it’s got.

Photo by Christian Bazzani (@christianbazzani)

Not only the technology, even the vehement output figures are something to write home about. It’s powerplant is a manufacturing marvel being loaned by the bigger daddy, Aventador. The big block of 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 configuration churns out 640 hp and 600 Nm of torque. While these figures might have the car annihilated by its competition, it features a compendium of distinct personality traits such as Titanium intake valves and refined exhaust system for sporty growl from the pipes. This increases its acceleration to such an extent that it propels from nought to 100 Km/h in just 2.9 seconds and to 200 km/h from a standstill in 9.0 seconds flat. It shoots like a javelin throw to 325 km/h! Just perusing these figures are likely to set the pulse racing fast.

Photo by Christian Bazzani (@christianbazzani)

While performance is definitely the key aspect and the most momentous update, it doesn’t shy away from providing convenience. As a result, it sports multi-finger gesture control, seating position cosseted to provide the best driving position, Apple CarPlay and built-in navigation system to guide when driving at almost illicit speeds. To prevent everything from intruding into your driving experience, it features voice commands and now even Siri application taking connectivity a notch above. The 8.4” touchscreen interface allows telemetry through which recording and analysis is possible. 

Part of its Ad Personam program, it gets a new 4-layer colour and 20” Aesir rims supplemented by Pirelli P Zero tires. The interior is adorned in a new blend of Alcantara and leather for a sporty and expensive appeal. Featherweight materials such as carbon-fibre elements form part of the standard package and awe-inspiring Lamborghini patented Carbon Skin are optional which can be experienced with bespoke ambient lighting. There are other refulgence packs on offer also for the exterior and interior to let your bull stand out in the crowd.

With a base price of AED 1.2 million, the Huracan Evo costs staggering amounts of money. For the same price however, there are coupes offering a more enriching experience with novelty factor, better aura spouted by mesmerising looks, more grunt on the move and nifty engineering which can outclass the Huracan Evo. That said, it might be the last of the naturally-aspirated ICE cars on sale right now and no matter how far the competition surges ahead, the Huracan Evo manages to encroach on a special place in one’s heart; an emotion which is inexplicable. It is certainly not for those wanting the best of all worlds, but a perfect heart over head decision.