VITALE
Model: Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD Spyder
Engine: 5.2-liter, naturally aspirated V-10
Force: 602 pk
Torque: 413 feet lbs
Transmission: Seven-speed LDF dual clutch
Wheelbase: 103.15 inches
Dynasties are divisive. Whether it’s politics or sport, continued success usually cultivates an equal amount of admiration and criticism. (New England Patriots, anyone?) The Robb report The car of the year competition apparently has a contender for that role with Automobili Lamborghini. The difference, however, is that most critics tend to repent as soon as they climb into the driver’s seat.
In recent years, models from the Sant’Agata Bolognese carmaker have been a leading figure at the top of our list, and judges have been placed who would not even like the car, let alone the praise. The latest disruption: Lamborghini’s Huracán Evo RWD Spyder, the 2021 Robb report Sports Car of the Year.
The Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD Spyder.
Photo by Robin Trajano, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
It’s no secret that Lamborghinis have been considered by many to be supercars for the unfavorable for many decades – just as loud, showy and temperamental as their owners. But the reputation has been strongly rehabilitated since the Volkswagen group took control and brought the brand under Audi’s umbrella, eventually creating cars that offer not only exclamation points, but also a civil, even refined driving experience.
The change of sea for Lamborghini took place in 2014 with the launch of the Huracán coupe, followed by more striking variants that include the Performante, with its innovative active aerodynamics, and the four-wheel drive (AWD) Evo – equipped for “Evolution”. . with a game-changing super-processor that apparently knows what you want to do a second before you.
A cockpit that is comfortable enough for the daily commute.
Photo by Robin Trajano, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
It is referred to as Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI), the original AWD Evo’s leading technology, constantly analyzes the driver’s input towards vehicle focus and prepares the other systems – including torque vectoring, traction control and suspension – in anticipation of the next move. The result is a car that allows a driver to move closer to his limit without crossing it. Sometimes, however, experienced drivers want to extend the leash, and this is where the new rear-wheel drive (RWD) Evo Spyder comes in.
The decision to present an RWD version was easy, according to Alborandini Farmeschi, CEO of Lamborghini America. “We wanted to return to the purest driving emotion,” he said during a technical briefing on the car in October, calling it an ‘unfiltered driving experience.’
Revised airflow management gives the car less resistance and 73 percent more downward power than its sibling.
Photo by Robin Trajano, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
This does not mean that all the help is not there when you need it – there is just more room to cut loose. While the RWD configuration eliminates certain features such as torque vectoring, a new Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS) offers greater freedom to kick and hold the rear end.
In Sport (one of the three modes, along with Strada and Corsa), the P-TCS slides the rear wheels while monitoring oversteer and adjusts the torque accordingly, boosting unregulated oversteer by 30 percent compared to RWD predecessors. It also provides torque as the car moves out of the drift or out of a turn to ensure better traction.
Lamborghini’s HMI information system has an 8.4-inch touch screen.
Photo by Robin Trajano, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
The efficiency of the P-TCS system was recently experienced firsthand at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California. The rear exploded unexpectedly in Sport mode. Based on my steering input, there was enough torque to carry me through the quick correction before my heart knew how to accelerate. Fast forward to Central California’s wine country roads during the car of the year; I switched between Strada and Corsa and felt the car locate the corkscrew between vineyards without wanting to stray beyond the lines. It’s just ready to play when you are.
The E10 RWD Spyder’s 610 hp power station enables the machine to cover zero to 62 km / h in 3.5 seconds and reach 201 km / h.
Photo by Robin Trajano, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Featuring an aluminum and carbon fiber chassis covered with an aluminum bowl and thermoplastic resin, the convertible 3,062 pounds (dry weight) also creates confidence through a number of aerodynamic improvements. Lamborghini’s chief technical officer, Maurizio Reggiani, said during his briefing that the team ‘started working from the front bumper through the subfloor of the car to the rear diffuser to create the perfect Venturi effect’, and explains that the revised airflow management gives the car less resistance and 73 percent more downward power than its AWD sibling. It all comes in handy as the 610 hp roadster, with a naturally aspirated V-10 coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, covers zero to 62 km / h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 201 km / h can reach.
With a chassis of aluminum and carbon fiber covered by an aluminum and thermoplastic resin, the convertible has a dry weight of 3,062 pounds.
Photo by Robin Trajano, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Just like how our luxury car of the year, the lavish Rolls-Royce Ghost, delivers unexpected power and performance, this Lambo is startled by how comfortable the cabin is. Sure, there is a lack of lamb wool rugs and open pore-paldao wood finishes, but it pampers with its ergonomic layout, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) infotainment system and impressive wind protection during outdoor tours.
As the Huracán line finally comes to an end, who knows what car manufacturer and model will take place next in our annual evaluation? For now, the Evo RWD Spyder is the closest combination of race cars and daily drivers we have encountered, and the latest example of why the Raging Bull continues its government.