A thoroughly modern, naturally-aspirated mid-engine rear-driver with old-school charm, the Lamborghini Huracan LP580-2 offers a uniquely thrilling driving experience.
By Ghaith Madadha
Proving that sometimes the means are more important than the ends, the Lamborghini Huracan LP580-2 is the fabled and extrovert Sant’Agata supercar manufacturer’s most junior offering. But being its only rear-drive car, it’s arguably the purest and most desirable of the breed.
Powered by the same scintillating naturally-aspirated V10 engine, the LP580-2 yields 30 BHP and two-driven wheels to its four-wheel-drive LP610-4 sister. It is a brutal and bona fide mid-engine supercar that employs a more delicately involving and visceral experience over the more sure-footed and ultimately more user-friendly LP610-4.
Sharing the same sharp lines, pouncing silhouette and menacing demeanor, the LP580-2 is aesthetically identical to the regular LP610-4, but for new base 19-inch alloy wheels, revised rear bumper and tailpipes, and wider front intakes providing more front down-force. The Huracan is built on a rigid and lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum platform with double wishbone suspension. However, with four-wheel-drive components deleted, the 1,398 kg LP580-2 tips the scales at 33 kg less, with a 2 percent greater rear weighting bias at 40:60, front-to-rear.
If without the LP610-4’s outright traction and grip, the rear-drive LP580-2 is a sharper, more eager drive, with revised steering and suspension set-up, including springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Re-calibrated stability, traction and power management systems include altered damper rates to emphasize rear-drive character and balance in ‘Sport’ driving mode.
The LP580-2’s naturally-aspirated direct injection 5.2-liter V10 engine, which sits deep below slatted cover and between cabin and rear axle, is viciously potent and startlingly responsive, letting slip 572 BHP at 8,000 rpm and 398 lb/ft at 6,500 rpm.
Pulling hard from low-end with mechanical staccato, it digs deep as delivery coalesces to a muscular versatility and resonant metallic mid-range snarl. Salaciously sonorous with a wailing and howling high-strung soundtrack at full-tilt, a torrent of searing intensity is unleashed as the rear-drive Huracan stretches towards a stratospheric rev limit.
The LP580-2 blasts through 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and 0-200 km/h in 10.1 seconds, with massive sticky 305/30R20 rear tires generating tenacious traction.
With long-legged rev-limit and reach within each gear, and pinpoint precise throttle control dialing in exact and immediate power increments, the LP580-2 provides fluent handling and management of grip versus slip through corners. It is developed for more driver-involvement and cornering adjustability rather than outright grip, and is in its element through fast winding hill-climbs.
The LP580-2 features recalibrated steering and slightly softer front damping. Meanwhile, altered weighting and nuanced chassis lend a more balanced feel and facilitate intuitive on-throttle adjustability.
Set-up to accommodate progressive sideways slides, the LP580-2 nevertheless develops reassuringly sticky lateral grip to prevent sudden oversteer, while stability is unflinching at speed. It is lighter and purer with more agility, steering and chassis feel. It also carves through switchbacks with scalpel-like precision, connected composure, intuitive involvement, and progressive clarity of lateral weight shifts and dynamic limits. Optional adjustable adaptive magnetic dampers, however, tailor dynamic character through selectable driving modes. In default ‘Strada’ mode, slight at-the-limit understeer is predictable while a firm and focused ride becomes more supple and fluent. ‘Sport’ mode shifts balance for oversteer, while the ‘Corsa’ mode sharpens reflexes for maximum attack.
Its 7-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox is seamlessly swift, with incrementally more aggressive shift modes and engaging steering column mounted manual mode paddle shifters.
But for driver involvement and visceral thrills, an optional manual gearbox would have made it truly unique. Well-crafted, well-equipped, with improved ergonomics and front visibility, the Huracan’s supportive seats provide a focused driving position. However, slightly lower seat mounts would further improve headroom.
Specifications
Engine: 5.2-liter, mid-mounted, dry sump, V10-cylinders
Gearbox: 7-speed automated dual-clutch
Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 572 (580) [426] @8000 rpm
Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 398 (540) @6500 rpm
0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds
Top speed: 320 km/h
Length: 4459 mm
Width: 1924 mm
Height: 1165 mm
Weight (distribution, F/R): 1389kg (40:60)
Suspension: Double wishbones, adaptive magnetic dampers
Brakes, F/R: Ventilated, perforated discs 365/356mm
Tires: 245/30R20 / 305/30R20
