Car Review

HURACÁN

Reviewed by Ted Macauley

I have beenrocketed back downMemory Lane with theexcitingrevelation that the legendary Lamborghini makers of stand-out extra-special cars are in the process of raiding the super-car market witha breathtaking 200mph LamboHuracan.

Wow-wee! The latest model, priced at £180,840,will definitely glamourise my garage ifI win top prize on the pools or benefit from an inheritance from a long lost millionaire relative. Okay it’s a whopping price - but measured against rivals in the mind-blowing supercar range it is, in my humble opinion, great value for your lolly. The model I owned in the 70’s was the Espada, a vividly scarlet four-seat GT Coupe, a target for the gawpers and the envy of all my pals - and plenty of strangers, too. It was my transport to Europe’s F1 venues, when I was covering Grand Prix racing for a national newspaper. And it made light work of the autoroutes, in utter comfort and blistering responses to my right foot demands, and as steady and safe as houses. Thirsty, though! ButIdidn’t care. It was too much ofa pleasure to worry about its gulping ways. The latest version, the Huracan, is a jaw dropper. 202 mph, 0-62 in 3.3 seconds, its 602 bhp engine and a real wail of noise from its 5.2_litre power unit at 8,000 rpm. Fuel consumption, should you be bothered to worry about, varies between 20mpg and 11.5mpg when you hoof it on the motorways, or free-to-go-for it stretches on the Continent. If you are not satisfied with its pace, all you have to do is drop down a gear or two in its seven-speed box and withstand being forced back into your seat, as the beast rears it head and roars away- but with complete steadiness and sureness. A real confidence boost. There are front and rear parking sensors to dodge any bumps during parking and keep the scratches at bay, priced at £1,350 and because you can’t see much out of the backyou can buya rear view camera for £1,440. ButIwould not bother with the £2520 sound package because when the car is on the go, and the decibles are high, it is a waste of money. Oh, and bythe way, the H uracan’s pretty and eyecatching spectacular, but extraordinary paint job with a matt-blue finish and blindingly bright red hood, would set you back £11,250. All in all, ifyou go along with every one of the considerable number of extras offered you could run up a final bill of £229,536..... From a practical viewpoint the car is superbly turned out with a perfectly balanced chassis, which tightens its line ifyou lift off the accelerator, but it still gives you enough grip at the rear end to boost your confidence and trust in its behaviour. I don’t know what his response was, if ever he drove it, but Pope Francis was given one as a prezzie. But I would bet he would enjoyahymn or two on the car’s ultra-wonderful sound system. There was a spell when Lambos left a bit to be desired in contrast with rival supercars - but not any more. Not with this beauty... Happy Motoring!