2020 Lamborghini Huracán

Got a need for speed and about a quarter-million dollars to burn? Well, Lamborghini has you covered with the attention-grabbing, hard-charging Huracán. While it’s smaller and more affordable than the aging Aventador and trendy Urus, the littlest Lambo still costs six figures. However, that buys a glorious V-10 that pairs with rear- or all-wheel drive to deliver delirious acceleration times. Likewise, the sounds its engine makes are enough to drown out a rock concert. Surprisingly, the mid-engined Italian is easy to drive in traffic and doesn’t punish passengers. Now if only American speed limits were uncapped and everyone could afford one, we could officially proclaim the 2020 Huracán as the high-performance messiah.

Lamborghini provides the 2020 Huracán with a new Evo namesake and shuffles the power hierarchy. That latter includes a new rear-drive model that is less powerful than the all-wheel-drive versions but also cheaper and lighter. The entry-level Lambo also receives an updated infotainment system that gets Amazon Alexa integration.

• Evo RWD: $212,266
•  Evo AWD: $267,569
• Evo Spyder RWD: $233,123
•  Evo Spyder AWD: $291,095

We think the rear-drive Huracán Evo is the most intriguing model, especially with its significant discount and encouragement of tail-out antics. The sheer variety of paint options means the odds are better than few models will look the same, and we’d recommend the added presence that either of the optional 20-inch wheels provides. Inside, we’d go with the Carbon Skin package that makes the cabin look sportier, and we’d choose the more supportive sport seats. Finally, we’d select Life Style and Driver Pack that includes a useful lifting system to help avoid front-end damage, smartphone integration, a cupholder, carbon-ceramic brakes, and adaptive dampers—among other things.

A naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 is nestled behind the Huracán’s cabin, and it exudes a devilish sound whenever it revs towards its 8500-rpm redline. The engine develops 602 horsepower on rear-drive models and 631 ponies on all-wheel-drive versions. It pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that snaps off shifts on its own volition or via a set of paddle shifters. The all-wheel-drive Evo coupe we tested ripped from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and cleared the quarter-mile in 10.4 seconds at 135 mph. We also enjoyed a test drive in the convertible Evo Spyder, which proved high performance is always more enjoyable with a bit of theater. Huracáns with all-wheel drive benefit from rear-wheel steering that improves agility. Plus, it has a predictive system (called LDVI) that adapts to driver inputs on the fly. While we were mightily impressed with its communicative chassis, the disappointing steering feedback diminished our excitement. Instead, it proved to be a forgiving machine—even when driven around town—that required us to push the limits to be truly fulfilled.

No matter whether it’s the rear-drive or all-wheel-drive model, the hardtop coupe or the roofless Spyder, every 2020 Huracán has the same EPA fuel-economy ratings. That means 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. We haven’t had a chance to subject any variant to our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, so we can’t comment on the Lambo’s real-world efficiency.

Inside, the Huracán boasts an intricate design that boasts a variety of technical pieces—some for the show, most forgo. The cabin also can be customized with distinct color choices and different materials options. The supportive seats are bisected by a partially floating center console that incorporates cool toggle switches and an interesting push-button shifter. However, apart from some small door pockets, the Huracán has barely any interior cubby storage. There’s also a front trunk that can hold passenger luggage, but only for those who pack light.

Unlike most cars, infotainment features are arguably the least interesting thing about a six-figure supercar. Still, Lamborghini outfits the Huracán with an 8.4-inch touchscreen that controls functions such as the audio system, climate settings, and other media content. Along with Apple CarPlay capability, the Lambo gets Amazon Alexa integration that provides voice-control technology that should theoretically reduce distracted driving.

The Huracán lacks the driver-assistance technology commonly found on more prosaic vehicles. Instead, this purebred supercar has a host of performance assists that help the driver maintain control at triple-digit speed. These myriad features require an engineering encyclopedia to fully explain, but we can say that the Lambo’s advanced chassis and sophisticated powertrain are the definitions of high tech.

While people can buy a Hyundai and get a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, Lamborghini’s much shorter coverage is offset by the priceless admiration and adulation of gawking onlookers. The Italian automaker also offers scheduled maintenance packages.

•  The limited warranty covers 3 years or unlimited miles.
•  Powertrain warranty covers 3 years or unlimited miles.
•  No complimentary scheduled maintenance.