Soft touch

With the soft-top version of the Huracán unveiled, Sean Li goes to Miami to see if the Spyder changes the essence of Lamborghini’s most accessible supercar

amborghini this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ferruccio Lamborghini, the Italian industrialist and car enthusiast who founded the marque in 1963 because he found Ferraris wanting. Since then, classics such as the Miura (1966–73), Countach (1974–90) and Diablo (1990–2001) have rolled off the production line in Sant’agata Bolognese and set enthusiasts’ hearts on fire.

Given a smaller output than rivals, Lamborghinis remained a relatively rare sight—until Audi acquired the company in 1998. The marque has gone from strength to strength since, particularly over the past decade under Stephan Winkelmann. The German-born, Italian-raised CEO has overseen the transition from the Murciélago (2001–10), the Diablo’s immediate successor, to today’s flagship, the Aventador, and from the entry-level Gallardo (2003–13) to the Huracán. The foundation has also been laid for a third car to join the family in 2018, the Urus, Lamborghini’s entry into the SUV market.

I have a certain fondness for Lamborghini because it is one of the last bastions of normally aspirated engines. Modern environmental regulations have led to the resurgence of the turbocharged engine in recent years. Technological advances have made such engines more manageable and driveable. Gone is the turbo lag of yesteryear, that frustrating pause between pressing the accelerator and feeling the response. Unfortunately, the downside of modern turbos is that because the power kicks in earlier, the engine doesn’t need to spin as fast, which affects the sound it makes under acceleration. Lamborghini, however, is well aware of the importance of the exhaust note and is steadfastly remaining committed to the normally aspirated engine.

There is little doubt that turbocharging will make an appearance in Lamborghini’s future, but the newly released Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder, which I recently tested in Miami, Florida, is most definitely a normally aspirated sports car. And in a convertible like the Spyder, it’s all the more important, as having the top down brings you and your passenger that much closer to the exhaust note.