As with all aero-dependant supercars, there is a steep learning curve because their downforce develops and dissipates exponentially with speed.
Brake hard from high velocity and downforce quickly disappears along with braking ability. Corner harder and the cornering limit goes up with increasing speed, particularly in the faster corners.
It feels strange and takes me a few more laps to get used to it. However, the Performante is user-friendly and helps rather than hinders my effort to get a fast lap in, so it’s less of a workout behind the wheel.
This obviously track-biased supercar is decently comfortable in Strada mode, which is terrible for track work. The other two modes – Sport and Corsa – are a bit too firm for use on city roads, but the (optional) MagneRide electro-magnetic damper system manages to provide sufficient comfort to make Sport mode acceptable for serious gearheads.
Corsa mode sets all the handling parameters strictly for near-neutral handling and prevents any sideways action. You need to shift the gears manually in this mode, but it will help you to achieve the fastest laps on a circuit.
In Sport mode, the Lambo’s electronic nanny allows some oversteer if you want to push the car that far.
Too bad there is no separate setting for the damper control, but on the whole and in my opinion, Sport is the best mode for performance junkies. It is not the fastest way around a racetrack, but it is without a doubt the most fun.
This latest Lambo is decently comfortable to drive, yet it can still thrash the likes of the Aventador SV and Porsche 918 around the world’s toughest circuit. The record-breaking lap on the Nurburgring Nordschleife has elevated the newcomer’s status to searing hot. And it costs a lot less than the Aventador, making the Huracan Performante the supercar deal of the year.
ALA is Lamborghini’s patented active-aerodynamics system which varies the Huracan’s aero load for high downforce or low drag.
Lamborghini Huracan Performante 5.2 (A)
ENGINE 5204cc, 40-valves, V10
MAX POWER 640bhp at 8000rpm
MAX TORQUE 600Nm at 6500rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 463.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
0-100KM/H 2.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 325km/h
CONSUMPTION 7.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 314g/km
PRICE EXCL. COE $998,000
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