OWNER / Lamborghini Huracan Performante

OWNER

Steve Loughton / Lamborghini Huracan Performante

Ipurchased this two year old car in February as the logical successor to a Gallardo Superleggera and it doesn’t disappoint. The Performante has the 5.2 litre V10 NA engine providing 640 bhp which equates to just over 2 kgs/bhp.

In true Lamborghini style the overall appearance is striking, aided by the Verde Mantis paintwork and the

imposing rear wing which is made out of Lamborghini’s Forged Composites which they say is easier to shape than regular carbon fibre. The wing is also an integral part of the ALA aerodynamic system which automatically adjusts downforce dependent on speed and conditions. Lockdown has prevented me from testing this feature yet.

What I will say is that all round visibility is very good including rearwards as the wing is high enough to allow an unrestricted view. It has parking sensors and an excellent rear camera system for close manoeuvering.

I generally rate fast road cars by how easy they are to drive slowly and this is exceptionally easy. The car defaults to auto gearbox and Strada setting on start up but the paddles can be engaged with the prod of a button and there are two more overall settings of Corsa and Sport, both of which change the instrumentation, general dynanics and

exhaust note. I have not yet had the opportunity to try Sport but in this mode the only information available, writ large, is the engine speed.

This model has the Sport seats which are, er, firm as opposed to the Comfort option which is apparently more padded. Satnav and Apple car play are included as is the upgraded Sensonum sound system but I must say that whatever that cost, it wasn’t worth it. Reproduction of speech or music is hopeless, enjoy the V10 instead.

There is sufficient luggage room in the front for a weekend away and as usual, soft bags work best although there is a carpeted shelf behind the seats for small items such as coats. It is a revelation after owning the Superleggera that there is also a small glove box and slim pockets in the doors. The original invoice tells me that these were a cost option (gulp) but they are perfect for sunglasses, hand sanitiser or a French toll road fob.

It is a very fast, very focused drivers’ car with exceptional 4WD road holding and superb stopping thanks to the carbon ceramic discs.

Steve Loughton

All photos: Del Gregory @b500magazine