Lamborghini Huracan LP580-2: The rear-wheel drive version of the beast

nicholisd
Nov 17, 2015
2 min read

In the 2015 LA Auto Show, Lamborghini unveiled the Huracan LP580-2, the latest addition to the Huracan lineup. It was specifically engineered to be rear-wheel drive and its massive 5.2 litre, naturally aspirated V10 puts out 580hp and 398lb ft. It gets to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds and keeps going until it reaches 199mph. Also, by some engineering witchcraft that Lamborghini implemented, 75% of the torque is available at 1,000rpm making the Huracan quite quick when launching it from rest.

It has undergone some substantial chassis re-engineering resulting in a 40/60 weight distribution. It also lost 33kg in the process and is now standing at 1,389kg. This new model has a new power management system, modified suspension, re-calibrated steering and new software for stability and traction control. The standard driving modes that every Lamborghini has (Strada, Sport and Corsa) are now specifically program to make the car oversteer.

The gearbox is a 7-speed dual clutch unit which, when in Strada mode, it changes gears nice and smoothly but when it's in Corsa it becomes as aggressive as a raging bull and. Of course, that's something to always expect from Lamborghini along with the technological advancements in each car. With that said, the LP580-2 has a 3 dimensional sensor system that tracks the car's centre of gravity and 3 dimensional movement and tunes the suspension, the steering and the stability control system accordingly to provide the best performance possible at any given time. This system is called LPI.

This car looks a bit different than the LP610-4 but not as much that you'll be able to tell the difference right away. In the exterior of the car, this model has larger air intakes, a slightly larger fixed spoiler with a rising diffuser for increased grip and, overall, has a more aerodynamic look.

The engine features the exact same cylinder deactivation system that is in the LP610-4 to reduce fuel consumption.

At 150,000 Euros, the LP580-2 is good value for money in my opinion. But, for 20,000 Euros more you can get the new AUDI R8, which is faster, more powerful and, in my opinion, a better all-round car. Can an R8 though, make you feel as special when you drive it as a Lamborghini? Can an R8 give you the feeling of madness that the Italians put in their cars? I don't think so. But after all, it's your decision.

At the LA Auto Show, after unveiling the new Huracan, the CEO of Lamborghini gave the following statement: "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."