DRIVE: Lamborghini pairs theatrics with comfort in the Huracán Tecnica

1. DRIVE 631

Horsepower 417 lb-ft Torque

201 mph

Top Speed

DESERT STORM

With the Huracán Tecnica, Lamborghini delivers STO theatrics in a softer package.

WORDS : Gabriel Vega Cortés

It’s nearly 100 degrees in the California desert at The Thermal Club, just outside Palm Springs, as I ready myself to step into a Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica for the first time. I settle into the bolstered sport seat, adjust the wheel, and lift my eyes to see a matte gray STO ahead — it’s piloted by a racing driver. As I fire up the car, a warning sounds over the radio, reminding me that even R-compound tires get squirmy at these temperatures.

The Huracán STO is one of the most memorable cars I’ve tested, and my first stint in the Tecnica felt like revisiting an old friend. Powered by a 5.2-liter NA V10, the Tecnica delivers 631 horsepower and 417 pound feet of torque, which hammers to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Like the STO, it has standard Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires, a rear-wheel steering system, and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Unlike the STO, however, the Tecnica sports softer springs, more interior options, and Sian-inspired styling. It’s meant to be the sweet spot between the Huracán EVO and its trackready sibling, delivering an experience that is raw but more comfortable around town. On track, it sounds, shifts, and steers like an STO, meaning it’s loud, quick, and precise. Like the rest of the Huracan family, the Tecnica is easy to hustle around at speed, and despite its softer suspension setup, it’s neutral through the corners and stable at triple-digit speeds.

My second stint was much hotter, and the Potenzas were barely clinging on. Retaining neutrality required very calculated steering and throttle inputs. Even the slightest hint of lead-footed driving caused the rear to dance. Lamborghini re-tuned the Tecnica’s drive modes, with Sport now allowing

••• The Tecnica rewards smooth inputs. Get it right, and it is blazingly quick around a track. Its lively rear proved more exciting than terrifying, even in high temperatures.

2023 LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN TECNICA

ENGINE 5.2-Liter V10

TRANSMISSION 7-Speed dual-clutch

DRIVE Rear-wheel drive

0–62 MPH 3.2 Seconds

DRY WEIGHT 3,040 lb

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION 41% front, 59% rear

controlled oversteer while Corsa focuses on setting the best lap times. I switched to the latter as I tried to cling to the STO in front, and the Tecnica settled considerably. It still rotates under power, but clever stability control systems pointed me the right way.

This latest Huracán barely resembles the car that debuted in 2013 and looked much better in the metal than in photos. Its fixed rear wing also helps: Despite a small size, it improves rear downforce by more than 35 percent over a Huracán EVO. The rest of the Tecnica’s styling is sleek and angular. It takes a close look to appreciate its many ducts, intakes, and angled surfaces.

Inside, the Tecnica’s interior largely resembles the STO’s, although new customization options, such as Alcantara door panels, level up the ambiance. Redesigned digital gauge cluster graphics complement the evolution in drive modes and make the Tecnica feel more like a new product.

The Tecnica nails its role as a sweet spot. It delivers STO-level drama behind the wheel while retaining passenger comfort. While its soft suspension makes it eager to rotate on track, most of these cars will live on public roads, where the benefits far outweigh the losses. The STO remains one of the best cars I’ve ever driven, but the Tecnica is the one I’d want to own.

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2. DRIVE

WINTER PROOF

A few simple steps will prepare you for any driving conditions.

WORDS : Jordan Aquistapace

With seemingly limitless options when it comes to buying a car, automotive enthusiasts naturally gravitate toward brands and models that showcase track-inspired design, performance, and technology. While early-model sports cars o er seasonal enjoyment, most owners go through the painstaking task of storing their pride and joy when winter hits. Innovative milestones within the industry have led manufacturers to evolve performance models into everyday commuters without weather being a worry, fitting supercars and super-SUVs with sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems that easily trek through snowy surfaces. Whatever your ride, you need not hide it in storage all season. Just follow these simple tips and tricks to enhance wintertime driving capabilities.

The cold creates hazardous conditions, so first and foremost, it’s crucial to keep your car serviced to ensure safety and security while traveling on the road. Scheduling an annual vehicle check at your local dealership before the seasonal change proves to be the perfect solution. The precautionary measure maintains appropriate fluid levels, tire tread depth, battery life, and other wearable items (belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, and cables). It’s also the right time to shift attention onto other areas of safety, such as the cooling system and brakes.

Next to an up-to-date service, the most important way to stay safe is with a reputable set of traction-grabbing winter tires. Tire configurations like Pirelli’s P-Zero Winter enable ultra-high performance using a complex tread pattern that provides greater control in emergency situations.

Now that your car is mechanically in check with a fresh

••• With styling by Pininfarina, the sleek four-wheel- drive Ferrari FF was designed to navigate the most extreme driving conditions, even the harsh winter snow.

set of rubber, it’s time to protect that paint and interior with a pre-season deep clean. Whether you choose to take on the challenge or outsource to a professional detailer, a thorough wash and paint-protection service will prevent exterior damage. Regularly keeping up with winter washes deflects salt, sand, and other ice-melting chemicals used to control the season’s harsh weather conditions.

Once all of these necessary steps are in order, the last thing to worry about is covering your car from the outside environment. For those who don’t have the luxury of parking in climate-controlled garages, professionals like CarCapsule specialize in o ering at-home vehicle storage solutions in the form of an easy-to-use indoor setup. The CarCapsule protects your treasured vehicle from dust, dirt, dings, corrosion, mildew, musty odors, and pests while presenting it in a show-quality display.

Applying these steps to your seasonal checklist will keep your car on the road, even in the most treacherous weather conditions.

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DRIVE

2.

REIGNING CHAMP

Mad Max has done it again. Let’s all forget about that cost cap breach and enjoy the moment.

WORDS : Ed Jones PHOTOGRAPHS : Motorsport Images

SWEET VICTORY Max Wins at Suzuka

With the rain pouring down at the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, there was a lengthy stoppage in the race, as drivers couldn’t see their competitors ahead. No matter the vision, nothing stood in the way of Max Verstappen seeing his chance to become a two-time world champion. When he crossed the finish line, Super Max took first place in the race. However, it wasn’t until points were settled very quickly after the race that Max was crowned champion.

REIGNING CHAMP

AHEAD OF THE PACK The Legendary RB18

With so many technical changes required of teams in 2022, everyone knew this year would be quite the show. Still, Red Bull Racing has managed to stay on top of the World Constructors’ Championship standings. Nobody can truly pinpoint one reason as to why the team’s RB18 car has been so dominant this year. From the suspension to the bodywork and, of course, the floor, Red Bull’s RB18 has been ahead of the pack in terms of capabilities. And it shows.

REIGNING CHAMP

THE ROAD AHEAD Teamwork Prevails

Looking forward to 2023, Max is expected to dominate once again, for good reason. First, let’s just get it out of the way and say that the Flying Dutchman is a downright incredible driver. Secondly, Red Bull has proven itself capable of creating a car that’s not only competitive but dominant. Another crucial reason for Max’s success is his long history with Red Bull. While experience is paramount, teamwork is also critical, and the relationships he’s built with the team go a long way.

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