Test drive | Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica: The Last Dance

When compared to many of Lamborghini’s past creations, the Huracán has had an almost immutable existence. Born in 2014 when the brand was in great shape, it quickly established itself as the most popular model in its history, a title that has since been stolen by the Urus. However, do not believe that this stability has watered down the necessary impudence. With her prodigious heart singing at 10 beats, she will be leaving us in a few months. A pretext for one last dance.

Design

The Huracán owes its stealth fighter-inspired design in large part to the mid-rear positioning of its V10 as well as its attention to balance. The Tecnica version optimizes the assembly thanks to various improvements that ensure an increase in downforce of 35%. Barely 4.6 m long, or as long as a Mazda3, it seems to embrace the ground with its front part, the plunging aspect of which is accentuated by low optics which pierce the soul of its observer. The side mounts a sublime roof arch which culminates at only 1.2 m from the ground. It ends on the translucent rear cover, to observe the precious mechanical jewel. At the rear, its width of 1.9 m (without mirrors) is impressive with its “Y” lights uniting with the wide fenders. The diffuser and the fixed spoiler once again testify to this aerodynamic quest, while two raised hexagonal exhaust pipes ensure the music.

On board

Apart from the obvious proximity to the ground which forces us to “dive” from behind in its seats, the cabin of this Huracán remains rather accessible due to narrow door sills. The decor is flexible as desired depending on the selection of materials as well as the colors which can influence an almost infinite quantity of elements. The ubiquitous Alcantara throughout the test vehicle invariably nods to the model’s racing roots, which also shines through in the overall setup. The very low dashboard crossed by hexagonal nozzles disappears to focus attention on the driving position. There, a perfectly placed digital screen broadcasts important data from a box. Headroom is limited, as is storage, which requires you to travel light. Note also the excellent ergonomics of the controls and the seriousness of the assembly, a thousand leagues from its ancestors.

Under the hood

The centerpiece of the work is a few centimeters behind the backrest of the occupants. Bolted to the center of the chassis, this atmospheric 5.2L V10, whose origins date back to the dawn of the marriage between Audi and Lamborghini, goes far beyond its simple motor function. The first start embellished with a quick and dry increase in revs reminds us of this premise. The escalation of the rev counter makes us explore a range worthy of the great compositions of Miles Davis or Wayne Shorter. It’s dramatic, it’s gripping and above all moving. The ephemeral gear changes obtained from its dual-clutch gearbox (7-speed) vigorously punctuate the musical arrangement. This hot-blooded mechanic climbs the tachometer impetuously up to the 8000 rpm mark, when its 630 hp are fully produced in a crescendo. The proximity of this V10 allows you to fully immerse yourself in this magnificent mechanical experience.

Behind the wheel

The Tecnica livery relies solely on its rear wheels to move. Thanks to a very sophisticated traction control system and the fact that nearly 60% of the weight is on the rear axle, traction from a standing start is staggering, ensuring a 0-100 km/h in 3.2 s. Shortly before the arrival of the first sequence, the carbon-ceramic brakes drop anchor by means of a communicative and beautifully dosed pedal. The final downshift spits out a few bangs as the steering nudges the supercar with instinctive finesse. It gradually firmed up during the turn as the Huracán planted its hooves on the ground with ease. Its 1379 kg (dry) as well as the dynamic damping ensure this harmonious mechanical ballet of controlled firmness. The directional rear wheels also probably have their say here. At no time do you notice the front axle lighten when reaccelerating mid-corner, as some mid-engine cars can do.

Embedded technologies

It is here that this Huracán hardly hides its wrinkles, an approach that brings good and bad to the formula. We greatly appreciate the use of cleverly placed physical keys to activate the fundamental functions. It gets worse, however, when you focus on the infotainment screen lying on the center console. Its positioning constantly forces you to lower your eyes, and the image refresh rate is worthy of another era. The absence of a volume adjustment wheel also forces us to constantly select a submenu, which can quickly become annoying. The average sound quality of the standard audio system and the haunting vocals of the V10, however, encourage you to turn off the stereo most of the time. The lack of active cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or even blind-spot sensors makes the experience feel genuinely oldschool and requires total immersion of the driver.

The verdict

And now, what will be left of this Huracán? Undoubtedly a good place in the prestigious lineage of spirited bulls. Marrying irreverence with measured accessibility so as not to get lost in an overly consensual vision of the supercar, this work has always been defined by its heart. Its V10, which will give way to hybrid mechanics for the future, is one of the largest engines ever produced. Its musicality is matched only by its monumental ardor, taking us to the heart with its expressiveness that only an atmospheric engine can produce. But as it is recited in the magnificent play The Great Gig in the Skyfrom Pink Floyd: Why should I be frightened of dying? There’s no reason for it, you’ve gotta go sometime (Why should I be afraid to die? There is no reason, we must leave one day).