Since its introduction, the mission for the Gallardo commonly referred to as the “baby Lamborghini,” was to maintain the style and attitude of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder cars but be more liveable in everyday use. It’s been a successful strategy, as there’s been no shortage of takers who rightly lust after such a usable and alluring sports car. In fact, the Gallardo has become this Italian automaker’s best-selling model ever, with units numbering 14,022. The Lamborghini Gallardo’s 10 year life span recently came to the end when the last unit, the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, rolled off the factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese.
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| Lamborghini Huracan |
Succeeding the Lamborghini Gallardo is a much improved and more aggressively designed Huracan. Every new Lamborghini derives its name from the world of bullfighting. The ‘original’ Huracan was a great bull of the Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed. The bull was known for his outstanding courage and strong sense of attack. He fought in Alicante in August 1879, showing his unrelenting character, and remaining defiant and invincible. Years later his name has been reincarnated in a ‘bull,’ which seems bear his characteristics.
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| Name inspired by the world of bullfighting |
Looks
The new Lamborghini Huracan revolutionizes the design language of the Gallardo. The Lamborghini Huracan’s general look features an audacious design with sharp edges, sculptured volumes, and precise surfaces. The starting point is the silhouette of the Huracan whose profile is defined by only one line that merges the front with the cockpit and the rear of the car. The profile’s design seems to be influenced by the 2010 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento concept. The lateral windows come together to create a hexagonal form inserted like a glass jewel in the car’s profile. The Lamborghini Huracan features LED illumination on the front and rear which give the sports car an unmistakable look at night. Both the front and rear LED lights are fitted as standard.
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| Sesto Elemento Concept inspired profile |
Performance
Just like its predecessor, the Lamborghini Huracan features a 5.2-litre V10 power unit. However, this particular V10 churns out 448 kW / 610 hp, which is 40 hp more than the outgoing LP 560-4. Maximum torque is recorded at 560 Nm. The Lamborghini Huracan sprints from 0 to 100 in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Top speed is more than 325km/h. The overall fuel consumption figure has been lowered to a more reasonable 12.5 litres per 100 km. The extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium components in the Huracan’s chassis enables not only the excellent power-to-weight ratio of just 2.33 kilograms per horse power, but also guarantees race-car precision with outstanding stiffness. The power of the V10 engine is brought to the road via the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission “Lamborghini Doppia Frizione” (LDF) and fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. The different driving modes of the Lamborghini Huracan can be selected via a driving dynamics selector switch in the steering wheel: STRADA, SPORT and CORSA. The different modes ensure extensive modification in road behaviour of the Huracan. Braking is catered by standard carbon-ceramic brakes.
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| Innovative cockpit |
Interior
The interior is dominated by an innovative cockpit. A 12.3 inch full-colour TFT instrument panel delivers all car information to the driver, from rev counter to navigation maps and infotainment functions, and can be configured by the driver in different setups. Fine Nappa leather and Alcantara distinguish the interior, with several colour combinations offered to ensure broad individualization options. The design of dashboard and central tunnel underline a new lightness in the interior. Superb craftsmanship guarantees the highest quality and sense of luxury throughout. Just like its bigger sibling, the Aventador, the Huracan gets a fighter jet inspired starter button.
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| The LED adorned rear |
Verdict
The outgoing Lamborghini Gallardo lacked the outrageous spirit and flair associated with the company’s more expensive or legendary offerings. But with the Huracan, Lamborghini have edged the ‘baby Lamborghini’ character closer to its bigger siblings. The bull has some big shoes to fill when it comes to sales volumes. However, with its radical design that stands out more than its predecessor, the Lamborghini Huracan will surely out pace the Gallardo in sales volume. There’s no doubt that the Lamborghini Huracan is a true, world-class exotic.