Storm force warning: Lamborghini Huracan Performante uses 'aero vectoring'

A STORM is brewing in the supercar scene, after Lamborghini revealed its new Huracán Performante. The most powerful Huracán yet, it boasts a wealth of technical innovations that have helped it achieve a claimed fastest lap time for a production car around the torturous Nürburgring Nordschleife track, in Germany.

According to Lamborghini, the 5.2-litre V10 model recorded a lap time of 6 minutes and 52 seconds in the hands of test driver, Marco Mapelli.

However, with McLaren’s new 720S soon to be launched, the claim to fame may be short lived. And Ferrari is poised to release an uprated version of its 488.

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If the Huracán Permormante looks like it goes like the wind, that’s probably because it features new ‘aero vectoring’ technology.  This sees the Performante take active aerodynamics to a new level, by using air intakes near the base of the rear spoiler’s supporting struts to reduce or increase downforce at speed; with one channel on either side of the car, it can be used to improve the traction of an inner wheel when charging through a corner.

For the four-wheel drive Performante, the effect of such wizardry is obvious from the car’s lap record at the Nürburgring.

The acclaimed 5.2-litre, naturally aspirated V10 engine comes with a signature bronze-coloured manifold cover. It has been revised using a new air intake system, titanium valves and uprated exhaust to develop 630bhp at 8,000rpm (up from 602bhp) and torque has been increased too, with 443Ib ft at 6,500rpm. Lamborghini says that 70% of the engine’s torque is now available from 1,000rpm.

The seven-speed gearbox, Strada, Sport and Corsa driving modes and electronic stability systems have been given more aggressive tuning, while the suspension features stiffer settings and a variable ratio Dynamic Steering rack will be offered as an option. The latter has already proved itself effective with the new Lamborghini Aventador S, reviewed here.

There are uprated carbon-ceramic brakes, new 20-inch wheels, again in the Performante’s signature bronze paint, and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, or an optional Pirelli Trofeo R.

To help shave off 40kg compared with a regular Huracán coupé, Lamborghini uses what it calls ‘forged composite’ materials — a manufacturing technique using carbon-fibre and resin — for the bumpers, front and rear spoilers and engine cover. The Performante weighs 1,382kg without fluids or a driver.

Its body features a new shade of matt orange paint, called Arancio Anthaeus. This contrasts with the matt and gloss black finish for the active aerodynamic components, and all Performantes come with the Italian tricolore colour scheme.

The obvious remaining questions is, “What’ll she do, Mister?”. The Italian sports car maker claims it can sprint from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and reach 124mph in 8.9 seconds. The top speed is 202mph.

The new Huracán Performante is available to order now, priced from £207,925. Here’s a video of the car clinching its claimed record time around the Nürburgring.