During the season opener of the 2017 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series held at the Sepang International Circuit last weekend, AF had a little sneak preview of a hardcore version of the Huracán called the Performante, which was just unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show last month.
So what makes this Lambo so special? Well, this Huracán has been re-engineered entirely, combining new lightweight technologies, active aerodynamics with aero vectoring and a new set-up of chassis, all-wheel-drive system and further improved powertrain. As a result, the Huracán Performante set a new production car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife of just 6:52.01, which is about 5 seconds faster than the previous record holder, the Porsche 918 Spyder (6:57.00).
Lamborghini has even released a video which you can watch below with telemetry as proof of the impressive accomplishment.
Motivation comes from a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10, that churns out a total output of 640 hp at 8,000 rpm and 600 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Lamborghini has also revised the Huracán Performante’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to match the performance gains. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in an incredible 2.9 seconds, the Huracán Performante is propelled from 0 to 200km/h in only 8.9 seconds, and brakes from 100-0 km/h in 31 m. Meanwhile, top speed is rated at more than 325 km/h.
The new Lamborghini Huracán Performante sits on the same platform as the regular Huracán, but gains an additional Forged Composite carbon fibre on the front and rear spoiler, the engine bonnet, rear bumper and aerodynamic diffuser, contributing to the car’s weight reduction of 40 kg.
The extremely light materials are also found inside the cabin where the seats are made of carbon fiber, the interior parts like the air vents, shift paddles, door handles and center console are made of forged composites, and the upholstery is made from Alcantara suede.
But power and low weight alone can’t contribute to the Huracán’s impressive Nürburgring lap time. Lamborghini has developed a new active aerodynamic system for the Performante called the Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA), which allows the supercar to achieve high downforce or low drag by adjusting flaps in the front spoiler and at the rear.
When the flaps are closed, the rear wing acts as a traditional spoiler, providing vertical downforce, but when they’re open air is channelled through ridges underneath the wing to reduce drag and maximise acceleration. The ducts can be operated independently, allowing what Lamborghini calls ‘aero vectoring’ for high-speed cornering.
Lamborghini claims ALA is 80% lighter than a hydraulically controlled aero system and helps the Performante to create 750% more downforce than the Huracán coupe.
Elsewhere, the new Huracán Performante also receives a revised suspension set up, with 10% vertically stiffered suspension via springs and bars, 15% roll stiffness and 50% radial and axial arm bushings stiffness. On the handling front, sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires will keep things in check, working together with the reworked ESC.
