Unveiled at the recently concluded Geneva Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini introduced a more performance version of its Huracan variant. Dubbed as the Performante, which literally translates into “Performance”, this 2017 version combines lightweight technologies, active aerodynamics with aero vectoring, an all new chassis and all-wheel drive system plus an improved powertrain.
According to Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali, the Performante boasts of forged carbon fiber technology that contributes to a 40 kgs of weight reduction. “The Huracán Performante is the convergence of technological developments to produce a car delivering perfect performance,” he says.
Acceleration from 0-100kms/hr is 2.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 325km/hr. Constructed with a lightweight shell and powered by a robust 5.2 V10 aspirated engine with an output of 640 bhp, the Performante has set the bar when it recorded a new production car lap record around the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a mind blowing 6:52.01 minutes. “This new car represents the powerhouse of Lamborghini DNA and innovation, and a 360 degree approach to creating class-leading super sports cars. It illustrates the pinnacle of Lamborghini V10 production car performance to date, on both track and road, and is perfectly exemplified by its name: Lamborghini Huracán Performante,” adds Domenicali.
Based on a hybrid aluminum and carbon fiber frame, the Huracán Performante’s body is produced from aluminum in conjunction with significant use throughout of Lamborghini’s award-winning Forged Composite. Using chopped carbon fibers in a resin, Forged Composite allows the creation of lightweight, complex geometrical shapes beyond that possible with traditional carbon fiber composite materials, while maintaining optimum stiffness.
The Performante features Forged Composite in structural components including front and rear spoiler, the engine bonnet, rear bumper and aerodynamic diffuser, contributing to the car’s weight reduction of 40 kg. The Huracán Performante adopts Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA): ALA is also the Italian word for wing. This patented active aerodynamic system developed by Lamborghini for the Huracán Performante provides an active variation of aero load for high down force or low drag.
The system is completely integrated into the vehicle in terms of design, weight and performance. The front spoiler integrates the electric motor of the front ALA system, built in a carbon forged frame with active flaps on the top exterior surface. The rear bonnet is designed around the air ducts to the rear wing as well as the wing pylons.
Lamborghini’s Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) governs all the car’s electronic systems in ‘real time’ and is perfectly integrated with the ALA system, activating the ALA system flaps in less than 500 milliseconds to ensure the best aerodynamic set-up of the car in every driving condition.
The LPI turns on the ALA in high throttle conditions, opening the rear flaps to allow air through the rear wing’s inner channels and directing air flow through ridges underneath the wing. This reduces drag and maximizes the car’s acceleration and top speed capabilities.
In addition, the rear wing’s inner air channel is split right and left, allowing aero vectoring for high speed cornering. Depending on the direction of the turn, the LPI instructs ALA to be switched on in either the right or left side of the spoiler, increasing downforce and traction on the inner wheel, counteracting the load transfer in rolling conditions. This in turn optimizes the chassis’ momentum, requiring a reduced steering angle and improving the car’s overall dynamic stability.
Aggressive Design
Containing the DNA of a blue blooded Lamborghini, the Performante’s design unmistakably describes and emphasizes the car’s purpose and inherent technologies, like a piece of technical art.With design inspiration originating from the Lamborghini Super Trofeo race cars, the design also takes inspiration, particularly at the rear, from naked performance motorcycles, with their exposed frames and ‘streetfighter’ structures expressing function and performance.
The new front fascia is sophisticated and razor-blade sharp like a race car, with the design of the air intakes and splitter giving the impression of incisors, reminiscent of a striking snake. The active aerodynamic front spoiler is clearly visible in Forged Composite. The front bumper has no grills emphasizing lightweight, efficiency and sportiveness.
The racing inspired and fascinating rear, features extensive carbon fiber, with Forged Composite components reinforcing the significance of active aerodynamics. The rear wing with integrated air ducts could only have been created in one piece using the Forged Composite technology. The V10 power plant’s manifold cover in bronze, a finish used in other special edition engines, is a reminder of Lamborghini heritage as well as denoting the enhanced engine and increased power output.
The sportiness of the Performante’s design is exemplified by the high-mounted exhausts, similar to extreme sports motorcycles, which create a more direct physical connection with the engine. The rear diffuser in matt black is directly inspired by Lamborghini Super Trofeo race cars, in both appearance and function. A trapezoid line from the bottom of the diffuser, also in Forged Composite, emphasizes the width of the car’s rear: technical and sporty with an immense presence.
From the side, the design is characterized by the accelerating line of the rocker cover with air intakes in matt black, the Italian tricolore colors of the Performante’s Sant’Agata Bolognese birthplace on the doors, topped with wing mirrors in shiny black. The lightweight, Narvi 20” forged wheels, dedicated to the Huracán Performante, are painted in bronze.
Performance oriented engine
The naturally aspirated Huracán engine is the most powerful V10 produced to date by Lamborghini. With an ouput of 640 bhp (470 kW) at 8,000 rpm and producing 600 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, it is distinguished by a new bronze manifold that draws on the heritage of previous special edition engines such as the Diablo 30th Anniversary power plant. A new powertrain draws on sophisticated technologies including developments from Lamborghini’s motorsports program. Engine fluid dynamics for both intake and exhaust have been optimized, as has the V10’s air intake system with reduced loss improving responsiveness. New titanium valves allow higher valve lifts to increase engine permeability and performance.
The exhaust system has been redesigned to achieve weight reduction and less back pressure. The exhaust pipes, positioned at a higher and more central position, deliver a more aggressive sound in high performance use, resonant of motor racing.
The car’s powerful engine produces an optimized torque curve, with more than 70% of torque already available at 1,000 rpm. Reflecting this, Lamborghini’s seven-speed dual clutch transmission has been also optimized in order to match the increased performance.
All-new chassis and driver oriented interior
Lamborghini also revised the suspension system of the Performante, reflecting the supercar’s purpose as a track and performance-oriented car. The suspension has been vertically stiffened by 10% over the Huracán coupé, via both springs and bars, and roll stiffness improved by 15%. The stiffness of the radial and axial arm bushings has been improved by 50%, significantly enhancing lateral control of the car.
The supercar’s double wishbone system, front and rear, features passive dampers with optional magneto rheological suspension. Both systems, passive and active suspension, are designed to improve body and wheel control especially on track.
Electromechanical power steering is offered as standard with optional variable ratio Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS). Both the Huracán Performante’s electronic power steering and LDS have been significantly recalibrated to provide highly responsive steering with maximum driver feedback in all three driver modes: Strada, Sport and Corsa. In Corsa mode, designed for high performance and track environments, the steering offers a racing feeling with a significantly reduced steering ratio variation.
The permanent four-wheel drive system is tuned to maximize traction in all situations, working in conjunction with the ALA system and exploiting the new P Zero Corsa tires. ESC has been calibrated to smooth intervention and be less intrusive. Dino Ray V. Directo III
The Huracán Performante uses Lamborghini’s permanent four-wheel drive Haldex fifth generation system, fully electronically controlled, with rear mechanical self-locking differential. The Performante sits on specifically designed bronze 20” Narvi forged rims. The 20” Loge forged rims with central lock are also availabl and Pirelli developed a the P Zero Corsa tires, specifically for the Performante to optimize road holding in both on and off ALA settings; and also to provide optimum performance in normal road or track conditions. For serious weekend racers, a high performance track tire, the Pirelli Trofeo R, with street homologation is also available for the Huracán Performante.
The Huracán Performante’s extraordinary acceleration and top speed are matched by the performance of its highly responsive braking system, providing smooth, continuous braking from its ventilated and cross-drilled carbon ceramic discs. An hydraulic dual-circuit system with vacuum brake servo unit has six-piston brake calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. The ABS also offers up drastically improved performance and pedal feedback to the driver via the P Zero Corsa tires.
The interior of the Huracán Performante reminds the driver of its lightweight and aerodynamic purpose. Air vents, paddles, door handles and the center console are created from Forged Composite. Referencing its racing heritage, lightweight, dark colored Alcantara fabric is used throughout, including on the sports seats where an optional ‘Y’ graphic can be lasered. Comfort seats with the same trim are available as an alternative.
Inside, the driver is fully in touch with the active aerodynamics’ activities: not only through the car’s performance, but from the special ALA graphic in the dashboard display which shows when and how ALA is working, including aero vectoring. Another feature is a new digital cockpit that displays configurable driving modes: Strada, Sport or Corsa. The new cockpit layout supports Apple CarPlay and its iPhone apps including the Lamborghini telemetry system, which allows the driver to record, replay and study his own performance.
Delivery of the Performante starts this Summer and SRP is pegged at EUR 195,040.00.
