RuNNiNg of tHe BuLL

Behind the wheel of the new Lamborghini Huracán Spyder, Amelia Hungerford drops the top and escapes the city for romance in New South Wales wine country.

it doesn’t matter if you’re a ‘car person’ or not; the mere sight of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder inspires some sort of reaction in everyone. each time we’re waiting at traffic lights - blissfully quiet thanks to the stop-start function to reduce emissions - people’s heads turn to admire this extraordinary creation, some snapping photos. Perhaps it’s the colour - Mantis Verde is a bright, shimmering green that would look lurid and alien on any other car - or the sound of the naturally aspirated V10 engine, or the otherworldly form, all angles and geometric grilles. Whatever it is, every passerby knows this car is light years from their daily drive.

this is what Lamborghini excels at. the soft-top Spyder version was unveiled just over a year ago at the frankfurt international Motor Show, hailed as a worthy successor to the best-selling gallardo Spyder, and already it’s on track to honour this heritage.

Strada to Sport it’s a sunny late-winter’s day in Sydney. in 17 seconds, the roof is folded away and the car, fondly known as Bullrun, has transformed from a serious coupé to an emotive drive designed for fun.

its 5.2-litre V10, producing 449 kilowatts (or 610 horsepower, hence the model name), can’t be contained by the narrow lanes of the city, so we’re heading north to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine country, twoand-a-half hours from Sydney.

it’s almost cruel how easily it reaches the speed limit; the Huracán is capable of a top speed of 324 kilometres per hour and i can feel the engine raring for more. in the city and on the freeway in automatic Strada programming mode, Bullrun is almost genteel (aside from the symphonic start-up that causes passersby to stare). But as soon as we turn off the highway and switch into manual and Sport, another side emerges.

this is the Lamborghini i had imagined, a snarling supercar that responds to every touch instantaneously. the handling is firmer, every turn tighter and more exhilarating, and the supporting soundtrack is lower, giving a glimpse into what i could do with all 8250 revs at the engine’s disposal.

Made for romance in complete contrast, our destination is all about serenity and peace. the Huracán is back in its refined city mode as we pull into the driveway of Spicers Vineyards estate, winding past the neat rows of vines to the 12-suite retreat on the ridge.

it is the quintessence of a romantic escape with dewy lawns frequented by kangaroos, lounges under garden pavilions and views of the Brokenback Range, violet in the afternoon sun. our Luxury Spa Suite exudes warmth and