Lamborghini has unveiled a V10-powered, rear-wheel drive version of the Huracan at the 2015 LA Auto Show. The LP 580-2, which was specifically engineered as a rear-drive car with several interior and exterior changes to delineate it from its all-wheel-drive brethren, boasts a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) and does 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds.
Based on the LP 610-4 models, this new Huracan is powered by a naturally-aspirated V10 displacing 5.2 liters. This engine outputs 580 horsepower (426 kW) and 398 pound-feet (540 Nm) of torque, with 75 percent of the torque available at only 1,000 rpm, giving this rear-drive sports car a lot of acceleration potential.
The Huracan LP 580-2 has undergone significant reengineering of its chassis, resulting in a 40/60 front:rear weight distribution and a 33 kg (73 lb) weight reduction overall. This gives the 1,389-kg (3,062-lb) car a weight:power ratio of 2.4 kg (5.29 lb) per horsepower.
A new power management system, modified suspension, recalibrated steering, and new programming for stability and traction control are some of the changes made to this new Lamborghini. Selectable driving modes that include STRADA, SPORT, and CORSA are specially tuned for oversteer characteristics from the rear-wheel-drive.
The car's transmission is a Doppia Frizione (LDF) seven-speed dual clutch with launch control, while electronic-assist power steering and Lambo's 3-dimensional sensor system also feature. The latter is the Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) for tracking the car's center of gravity and three dimensions of movement for suspension tuning (if equipped), steering and stability control systems.
Exterior changes include a more aerodynamic look with larger, more streamlined air intakes and a slightly larger, fixed spoiler working in conjunction with a rising diffuser to push the rear wheels down. The wheels are also different, being 19-inch Kari rims, which are sized differently front and rear. Pirelli PZero tires ride on those rims (245/35 front, 305/35 rear), behind which steel brakes with aluminum calipers are seen.
The engine features cylinder deactivation, now a staple in Lamborghini's lineup, to reduce fuel consumption in the mid-mounted powerbox, with five of the 10 cylinders able to shut down during low output driving. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.9 L/100 km (20 mpg) combined.
The Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 is available in all colors and trims in the Huracan lineup with the complete Ad Personam treatment. It comes standard with the new Lamborghini Infotainment System II based in a 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT instrument panel.
Previous rear-drive Lamborghini models include the Gallardo LP 550-2. The Miura, Countach, and Diablo all had RWD options as well. The current Blancpain entry for Lamborghini in the Super Trofeo series is the rear-drive Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo.
At the unveiling in LA, Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO Automobili Lamborghini, SpA said that the car is about "enjoyable technology" and being "fun to drive," while adding that it's also about business.
"If we look into the reality of our segment, the super sports car segment, it is split into three parts," he said. "Everything that is above about US$300,000,... this is the field where our Aventador is involved. Then between 300 and 200,000, we have the Huracan four-wheel drive and we have the Spyder. But the biggest part, almost 70 percent [of the segment] is represented by super sports cars below $200,000. So this is exactly where this car is going to be positioned."
The Huracan LP 580-2 is available at the suggested retail price of €150,000 Euros plus tax (US$159,600).
Source: Lamborghini
