During the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini has unveiled the Huracán Performante, the latest creature from the House of the Raging Bull that features a host of styling changes designed to increase performance.
The Huracán Performante is the result of Lamborghini innovations, producing a super sports car balanced between achieving the best lap times on a circuit with the most engaging and dynamic road driving. On 5 October 2016, the Huracán Performante set a new production car lap record of 6:52.01 min on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.
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.
When ALA is off, the active flaps inside the front spoiler are closed, generating the desired high downforce for high speed cornering and full brake conditions. When ALA switches to on the front flaps are opened by the front electric motor, reducing air pressure on the front spoiler and directing air flow via an inner channel and through the specially shaped underside of the car. This drastically reduces drag and optimizes conditions for maximum acceleration and top speed.
In the rear of the Performante four ducts are installed below the rear bonnet. The two central ducts are always open to allow underhood ventilation and exhaust cooling, while the two external ducts are connected to the inner channels of the rear wing. The air flow through the rear wing channels is controlled by two electro-actuated flaps. The entire system is 80% lighter than a traditional hydraulic system.
When ALA is off the rear flaps are closed, permitting the rear wing to act as a traditional fixed wing. Stability is enhanced in high speed cornering and full braking by creating maximum vertical downforce; 750% more than a Huracán coupé. 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.
The Huracán Performante contains the DNA of a true Lamborghini, with its design unmistakably describing and emphasizing the car’s purpose and inherent technologies, like a piece of technical art. Reflecting the pure lines and performance of 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. Moreover, the design highlights the active aerodynamics (ALA) and lightweight build that are so integral to the car. Gloss, naked Forged Composite with its ability to be shaped or moulded in a single piece, is always used in ALA components, alongside matt and gloss black carbon fiber features contrasting with the matt body color: shown in a new matt orange (Arancio Anthaeus) on the Huracán Performante in Geneva.
stify;”>The enhanced naturally aspirated Huracán engine is the most powerful V10 produced to date by Lamborghini. Outputting 640 hp 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.
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.
Accelerating from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, the Huracán Performante is propelled from 0 to 124 mph in 8.9 seconds, and brakes from 62-0 mph in 31 meters.
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 Huracán Performante, the new digital cockpit displays are configurable depending on driving mode selected: Strada, Sport or Corsa, with a display dedicated to the ALA detailing data on downforce and drag. 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.
The new Lamborghini Huracán Performante will be available in Summer 2017 for $274,390.00 USD.
all images and video courtesy of Lamborghini