Lightweight Technology and Aerodynamics

The Lamborghini Huracán debuted in 2014. It has been positioned as a car that allows drivers to experience Lamborghini's driving pleasure more easily and comfortably.

The name "Performante" that has appeared this time means performance, and Francesco Cresci, Country Manager for Automobili Lamborghini Japan and Korea, introduced it as, "This is a car that has undergone repeated development to provide the ultimate driving experience to our customers by perfecting all elements such as the chassis, powertrain, and gearbox."

The focus for the development of this Performante was on weight reduction and aerodynamics. In particular, regarding weight reduction, a 40kg decrease in weight compared to the base model was achieved. As before, the body is based on a hybrid frame, and forged composite, which embeds carbon into a resin matrix, is used. While forged composite could not previously be used for exterior panels, its texture has now been improved, allowing it to be used for the front spoiler, rear spoiler, and rear bumper, contributing to weight reduction. Simultaneously, the exhaust muffler has also been lightened by 10kg through a review of its system.

For aerodynamics, ALA (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva), an active aerodynamics system with patented technology developed exclusively for the Performante, has been adopted. This system allows the car itself to alter aerodynamic load. While wings are typically moved, ALA keeps the wing itself fixed, and active flaps built into the front spoiler and on the sides of the engine bay open and close according to driving conditions. This not only reduces weight by using smaller motors but also improves reliability.

Specifically, during full braking or cornering, the rear flaps close, directing air over the spoiler to generate downforce. Conversely, during full acceleration or at maximum speed, the flaps open, allowing air to pass under the wing to reduce drag.

Furthermore, the aerovectoring system activates during cornering. In a left turn, for example, to generate load on the left side, the left flap closes while the right flap opens, applying load to the inside. This allows for more efficient and smoother cornering.

These functions are controlled by an ECU called LPI (Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale), which works in conjunction with ALA, operating without delay in less than 0.5 seconds.

The Most Powerful V10 Engine

The engine mounted in the Huracán Performante is Lamborghini's most powerful V10 engine. It produces a maximum output of 640 ps at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 600 Nm at 6,500 rpm. As aesthetics are also important, the engine features a bronze manifold, a tradition inherited from engines for past special editions, including the "Diablo 30th Anniversary Model."

Furthermore, 70 percent of the maximum torque is generated at a low 1,500-2,000 rpm, offering both high performance and ease of driving.

As for its performance, it boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 2.9 seconds, a 0-200 km/h acceleration of 8.9 seconds, and a top speed of 325 km/h.

The adoption of Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, developed exclusively for the Performante, has led to adjustments in the ABS settings. Along with performance, pedal feel has reportedly improved.

The ANIMA system, which allows driving modes to be changed via a switch on the steering wheel, has also been revised. "Strada" is for enjoying traction and stability, with a front-rear torque distribution based on 40:60. "Sport," which prioritizes traction, is designed for situations like making drifting easier, with further torque distribution to the rear. "Corsa" is clearly positioned as a mode focused on circuit performance and handling.

Nürburgring's Fastest Lap

On October 5th last year, the Huracán Performante recorded a lap time of 6:52.01 at the Nürburgring in Germany, nearly 5 seconds faster than the Porsche 918's lap time.a record of 6:52.01. Regarding this, we spoke with Luciano De Oto, Director of Automobili Lamborghini's Advanced Composite Research Center, who visited Japan.

"When we tested the first prototype of the Huracán at NARDO, the lap times were quite good. We thought that if we reduced the weight, the performance would further increase. It's true that we imagined the Performante would be a superb car on the circuit with the 40kg weight reduction and improved aerodynamics, but we didn't specifically aim to set a record at the Nürburgring during development. Still, the development team somehow felt they wanted to do something special."

"To achieve a record lap time, various elements must align perfectly simultaneously. Ideal conditions include dry weather and a temperature of around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Also, the humidity must be appropriate, and the weather must be good, so achieving such conditions is difficult in reality. However, on October 5th, everything aligned. We only had 10 minutes, so we could only attempt it once. Marco Mapelli, an Audi test driver who was also involved in the Performante's development and is intimately familiar with the Nürburgring's corners, set the record. The Performante used at that time had nothing special done to it. We attempted it with the exact same specification as delivered to customers. Oh, and one last thing: I would never want to sit next to Marco at the Nürburgring!"

Lamborghini Huracán Performante
Lamborghini Huracán Performante
Body Dimensions | Length 4,506 x Width 1,924 x Height 1,165 mm
Wheelbase | 2,620 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,668 / 1,620 mm
Weight | 1,382 kg
Weight Distribution Front/Rear | 43/57 %
Engine | 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated engine
Bore x Stroke | 84.5 x 92.8 mm
Max. Output | 470 kW (640 ps) / 8,000 rpm
Max. Torque | 600 Nm / 6,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (LDF)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Top Speed | 325 km/h
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 2.9 seconds
0-200 km/h Acceleration | 8.9 seconds
Suspension | Double wishbone
Front Brake Discs | Ventilated discs φ380 x 38 mm
Rear Brake Discs | Ventilated discs φ356 x 32 mm
Front Tires | 245/30R20
Rear Tires | 305/30R20
Price | ¥31,638,800