The Quintessential Sports Car

The fundamental form of a sports car is one that looks cool, has an engine that revs satisfyingly, and is rear-wheel-drive. If that definition still holds true today, then the Lamborghini "Huracan LP580-2" can be called the quintessential sports car. Added to the existing full-time 4WD sports model, the "Huracan LP610-4Huracan LP610-4," it was introduced in November 2015.

The Huracan LP580-2 features a mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 engine driving the rear wheels. According to Lamborghini's categorization, "The Huracan lineup is divided into three types." Riccardo Bettini, Head of Technical Project Leadership in the company's R&D department, explained, "Performance (true sport) is the LP610-4, lifestyle is the "LP610-4 Spyder, and fun-to-drive is the LP580-2."

As the name suggests, the horsepower is slightly lower compared to the four-wheel-drive version. The suspension settings have also been adjusted. "The rear spring rate is slightly softer to emphasize rear-wheel grip," says Bettini. "We also recalibrated the steering, which provides the first clues to the car's behavior changes, differently from the LP610-4, to make it feel more direct to the driver's hands."

The press event for journalists was held at Phillip Island Circuit, about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Australia. It's an island connected to the mainland by a bridge, much like Enoshima. The circuit there is also known for hosting MotoGP races. It's a technical track with elevation changes and blind corners, but it allows for relatively high-speed driving for sports cars. It was deemed the perfect stage to convey the enjoyment of the Huracan LP580-2.

The Natural Appeal of Rear-Wheel-Drive Sports

The Huracan is the backbone supporting Lamborghini's strong sales. According to a Lamborghini spokesperson, the 28% increase in sales in 2015 compared to the previous year was due to the Huracan production line operating at full capacity. While China is the largest market in the Asia-Pacific region, the significant growth in Japan and Australia is noteworthy.

"From a small, local company to an international sports car manufacturer." This is a phrase Lamborghini employees often repeat. Even with a different parent company, the spirit of a small company seems to remain in the corporate DNA. Therefore, they emphasize agility by stating, "20% of sales are reinvested in R&D, and 30% of our technology is reflected in mass-produced vehicles within two years."

Driving the LP580-2, one feels that these very strengths of Lamborghini are condensed within it. Lamborghini engineers' assertion that this wasn't created as a rear-wheel-drive model simply to cut costs (and expand sales) is easily understood. I was impressed by how light the car felt when cornering through the first turn at Phillip Island. The acceleration when pressing the accelerator pedal thereafter is also remarkably smooth and satisfying. While old sports cars might be perceived as crude, this car possesses the natural appeal of a rear-wheel-drive sports car, distinct from modern super sports cars that are heavily armed with high technology.

The engine is a high-revving unit with a maximum torque of 540 Nm at 6,500 rpm, but 75% of the torque is available from 1,000 rpm. The maximum output is 580 ps (427 kW) at 8,000 rpm. In essence, it's an engine that's enjoyable to rev, yet it responds sharply to even the slightest press of the accelerator pedal. The engine has a wide operating range, and even when manually shifting gears, it provides impressive acceleration from virtually any gear.

Yet, the power delivery on corner exit feels incredibly natural. The sensation of power building up and speed increasing is likely due to it being a naturally aspirated engine, not turbocharged. Mr. Bottini from R&D also stated, "A large-displacement engine without a turbo is the true essence of this car." In an era where turbocharging is becoming prevalent, it can be said to possess a truly luxurious character.

The LP580-2 for Driving Enthusiasts

The Huracan LP580-2 is 33 kg lighter than the LP610-4. With the weight reduction, along with the aforementioned suspension adjustments and optimized steering rack, it has clearly been developed as a distinct car. While the all-weather LP610-4 (¥29,719,600) might be preferable for those who do a lot of highway driving, I believe the LP580-2 (¥25,358,400) is the better choice for driving enthusiasts.

The meticulous design, with hexagonal motifs found everywhere in the exterior and interior, combined with the actual quality, creates a strong sense of luxury. The thesis that true high quality stems from a strong commitment to materials and design applies strongly to cars, as one feels when interacting with a Lamborghini. Furthermore, details like the red-painted cover for the engine starter add touches that would excite any car enthusiast.

Speaking of演出 (enactment/staging), the drive mode selector called "ANIMA" is crucial, not just visually, but to the very essence of the Huracan's existence. Located on the steering wheel, it allows selection between STRADA (street), SPORT, and CORSA (race). While STRADA offers more than sufficient performance, selecting SPORT on the circuit noticeably increases engine revs, stiffens the steering, and enhances the car's sense of solidity as a sports car.

CORSA is the ultimate mode, where the engine responds delicately to even the slightest movement of the accelerator pedal, sending power to the rear wheels. The safety margin is reduced, and much of the rear-end control is left to the driver. The Huracan is equipped with three-axis gyroscopic sensors that constantly monitor the vehicle's behavior and control output via computer. In STRADA mode, there is absolute security; SPORT mode increases enjoyment; and CORSA mode expands the realm of dialogue between the car and the driver.

Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2
Body | Length 4,459 × Width 1,924 × Height 1,165 mm
Wheelbase | 2,620 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,668 / 1,620 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,389 kg
Engine | 5,204cc V10
Bore x Stroke | 84.5 x 92.8 mm
Max Output | 427 kW (580 ps) / 8,000 rpm
Max Torque | 540 Nm / 6,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed LDF (Lamborghini Doppia Frizione)
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front/Rear | Double Wishbone
Tires Front | 245/35R19
Tires Rear | 305/35R19
Brakes Front | Ventilated φ365 x 34 mm
Brakes Rear | Ventilated φ356 x 32 mm
Top Speed | 320 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.4 seconds
0-200 km/h Acceleration | 10.1 seconds
Fuel Consumption (EC Value) | 11.9 L/100 km (approx. 8.4 km/L)
CO2 Emissions | 278 g/km
Price (incl. tax) | ¥25,358,400