Like its Huracán stablemates, the LP 580-2 5.2-litre V10 engine features cylinder deactivation under light throttle loads to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. It develops 580hp and 480Nm of torque, driving through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Yes, it’s a lower power output than the Huracán LP 610-4 – but all that power is transmitted through two rear wheels. 0-62mph comes up in just 3.4 seconds and top speed is 199mph. The four-wheel drive LP 610-4 is fractionally quicker but for two-wheel drive purists these differences are irrelevant; it’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it.
Weight distribution is biased 40:60 to the rear and the overall weight saving is 33kg. Power management, steering, suspension are all specially tailored to the LP 580-2’s two-wheel drive characteristics, as is the stability and traction control system. The Huracán’s LPI sensor system in the centre of gravity provides real-time information and if the optional Magneto Rheological Suspension (MRS) is chosen, the poise, feedback and response verge on the telepathic.
Lamborghini’s selectable drive modes STRADA, SPORT and CORSA are all tuned to deliver varying levels of oversteer for would-be drift heroes. As Lamborghini’s own press release puts it, this is ‘a serious car for serious drivers’. And guaranteed to put a smile on their faces.