Lamborghini unleashes new Huracan Performante

The brand's junior supercar gets more power and less weight to beat the Ferrari 488 GTB in the 0-100kph acceleration time.

Shouldn’t it have been named Superleggera?

Probably it should have, if judging from the previous-generation Gallardo. But for today’s go-faster Huracan, Lamborghini has decided to use the Performante moniker instead.

Making its world debut at the Geneva motor show, the Huracan Performante features a racier exterior and interior design, increased power, less weight and more focused driving manners.

The appearance is enhanced with aero bits around the mid-engined supercar, particularly the active rear spoiler that can adjust its angle depending on speed. Note that the exhaust pipes now sit higher at the rear end for a more aggressive look.

How much more power does it get?

The 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 sees some modifications made to the intake system, valves, as well as the exhaust system to increase power from 610hp to 640hp, attained at 8,000rpm. 

And although the 650Nm of maximum torque is achieved at 6,500rpm, Lamborghini says 70% of it is already available from 1,000rpm to make it more drivable in real-world driving.

To cope with these higher outputs, Lamborghini has tweaked the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, revised some suspension bits and fitted the 20-inch bespoke alloys with sticky Pirelli P Zero tyres.

How much faster is it than the Ferrari 488 GTB?

If you take into consideration the 0-100kph time, the Huracan Performante is faster than the 488 GTB by a tenth of second, at 2.9sec. Although the Fezza has a more potent 670hp 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8, it is heavier in weight.

Lamborghini claims that the Huracan Performante is 40kg lighter, at 1,382kg, than the regular Huracan. The four-wheel-drive system of the Lambo also helps for optimum standing start acceleration.

Dietary measures in the Huracan Performante include the use of more lightweight materials, called Forged Composites, on the bonnet, rear bumper, aero parts and some interior parts like those on the console and fascia.

Expect the Huracan Performante to cost around 25 million baht when it is introduced in Thailand later this year.