Lamborghini Huracán Evo LP640-4
The bestselling Lamborghini of all time has been updated but thankfully retains its free-breathing V10 … and shatters records in the process
In an automotive world teeming with downsized engines guzzling chunks of the atmosphere through whirring turbochargers, Lamborghini’s thoroughly refreshed Huracán stands out as a beacon of hairy-chested, king-sized displacement, reminding anyone privileged enough to be within earshot of the wonders of natural aspiration. Yes, the free-breathing V10 is still alive … but only just.
Its supercar-building rivals may have accepted (surely with a healthy dose of resignation behind closed doors) that the path to meeting stringent emissions regulations lies in reducing cylinder counts and employing forced induction and even electri cation, however, the folks from Sant’agata Bolognese soldier on with atmospheric powerplants. The only concession thus far has come in the form of the VW Groupsourced twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 nestled beneath the bonnet of the volume-driving Urus we tested in May/june 2020.
So, Lamborghini perseveres with the naturally aspirated 10-cylinder – itself passed down from the Gallardo – in its smallest coupé, albeit with a pleasing twist. Wearing the Evo badge, the facelifted Huracán has gained the uprated version of the 5,2-litre V10 from the Nürburgring-obliterating Performante, complete with titanium intake valves and a new lightweight exhaust system. As a result, its peak outputs are 470 kw and 600 N.m (increases of 21 kw and 40 N.m, respectively).
And what a delightful racket it makes. The mid-rear-mounted unit – recipient of the Engine of the Year award at CAR Top 12 Best Buys 2020 and visible on our test car through an optional transparent cover – delivers a spine-tingling soundtrack that grows only sweeter as it increases 01 Lambo has added rear-wheel steering and torque-vectoring working at all four corners.
Revving past 8 000 r/min is the stuff of goose bumps
Ian Mclaren
Intoxicating, yet unintimidating. What the Huracán should have been from the start
Terence Steenkamp
As erce as you would expect it to be but surprisingly inviting to drive fast
Nikesh Kooverjee
A magni cent farewell to what is surely the last of the V10s
Ryan Bubear