We’ve read reports about it, saw it testing in numerous occasions and witnessed it blow the Nurburgring lap record, and now it’s finally here – say hello to the hottest Lamborghini Huracan ever, the Performante.
Unveiled just a few hours ahead of its 2017 Geneva Motor Show premiere, the impressive supercar uses the same 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine as the rest of the Huracan family, but it haas been massaged to deliver 640 PS (631 HP) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque.
The extra 30 PS (30 HP) and 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) of torque developed on top of the LP610-4 Coupe, allow the Huracan Performante to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds, from a standstill, and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.9 seconds. The improvements are 0.3sec and 1.0sec, respectively, while top speed remains the same, at over 325 km/h (202 mph).
These numbers were achieved not just by upgraading the V10, which benefits from improved air intake, redesigned exhaust, new titanium valves and optimized fluid dynamics for the intake and exhaust, but also from a 40 kg (88 lbs) weight reduction.
Lamborghini also tweaked the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, revised the suspension by making it stiffer, recalibrated the electromechanical power steering, dynamic steering, and electronic stability control (ESC), and tuned the permanent four-wheel drive system to maximize traction in all situations.
The ANIMA system, which controls the driver modes that customize the setup of all systems, has been revised as well, and so has the braking system, as stopping the supercar completely from 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 31 meters (101.7 feet), or 0.9 meters (3 feet) less than the Huracan Coupe.
Re-engineering is the word we’re looking for when describing the new Lamborghini Huracan Performante, as it also benefits from a new carbon fiber composite materials, patented by the automaker, for the active aerodynamic elements. These include the front and rear spoiler, engine bonnet, and rear bumper with diffuser, in addition to the air ducts and active flaps.
There’s also a rear wing that improves high-speed cornering and full braking by a massive 750 percent, compared to a Huracan Coupe, as Lamborghini writes.
Designing the new Lamborghini Huracan Performante is said to have been inspired by the brand’s race cars, but it also pays tribute to the Diablo 30th Anniversary, by adding a new bronze manifold.
As a final touch, the Italian supercar comes with new digital cockpit displays that are configurable depending on the selected driving mode – Strada, Sport or Corsa, and it also supports Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. The dashboard display shows when and how the ALA is working.
Moreover, the interior also gets forged composite-made air vents, paddle shifters, door handles and center console, in addition to the dark colored Alcantara fabric used throughout, including on the sports seats, or comfort seats, which are available as an alternative.
Personalizing each unit of the new Huracan Performante can be done with the Lamborghini Ad Personam Program.
Customer deliveries will commence this summer, and prices start at $274,390 in the USA, €195,040 in Europe, £173,271 in the UK, YEN 31,638,800 in Japan, and RMB 3,850,000 in China. These are the suggested retail prices and do not include taxes.
Story has been updated with live images from Geneva and official videos
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