The concept of true love, as we know and (vaguely) understand it, involves the afflicted passing through a number of stages. While there is undoubtedly debate among psychologists and laypeople alike on specifically what those phases are and how long each may last, I experienced various emotions during my time with the 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Coupe AWD. Even before picking it up, there was a deep yearning to get behind the wheel and feel its Huracán Performante-derived 5.2L V10 roar to life behind me through its lighter-weight sport exhaust system.
Lamborghini has never been a company that concerned itself much with subtlety. Their cars (and yes, SUVs too) are famous for their futuristic designs and outlandish interiors, complemented by their extraordinary performance capabilities. When you think exotic, you think Lamborghini. There’s something so inherently visceral about the Italian supercar that appeals to all of the senses, you just can’t help but lust after their distinctive style and sounds that separate them from everything else on the road.
The “entry-level” Huracán stands out in a crowd, but the Evo offers even more exclusivity, differentiating itself visually but also with added performance chops. The lighter exhaust is complemented by lighter titanium intake valves, resulting in higher power output over the original Huracán. Sitting on unique 20-inch Aesir rims, the Evo gets a different front bumper which includes a front splitter and integrated wing, as well as enlarged front and side air intakes, a rear slotted spoiler providing enhanced airflow, while the underbody gets added aerodynamics. The aforementioned accoutrements help it stay grounded by offering more than five times the downforce of the traditional Huracán and prevent the disruption of air moving the under the car.
The Huracán has all the technology you’d expect from a car of this price point – such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen with multi-finger gesture control, Apple CarPlay capability, connected navigation, web radio, and a video player. No wireless charging though. It also has features you wouldn’t expect, like automatic-stop/start capability. Given the number of bespoke upgrades and degree to which each Lamborghini can be customized, it’s quite possible that no two are alike. This particular model featured $79,300 in options, including a Carbon skin package ($5,400), a transparent engine cover forged composite engine bay ($8,000), shiny black style package ($2,600), blue brake calipers ($,3,200) and contrast stitching ($1,300), Alcantara trim ($3,500), embroidered headrest logos ($1,300), leather roof and A-pillar lining ($1,900), leather piped floor mats ($900), and an ambient lighting package ($1,500), a Sensonum sound system ($4,900), smartphone interface connectivity ($4,800), power heated seats ($4,400), and a $7,100 Telemetry Package that records video and data during performance driving.
For those in less lofty snack brackets, the price tag for the option list alone is eye-watering, but for the exotic car aficionado it’s a small price to pay to ensure an identical car won’t show up in your neighbour’s driveway. Needless to say, when I happened upon the car, it was love at first sight. All rational, extraneous thoughts went out the window. No matter how your day has gone leading up to the moment you carefully manoeuvre yourself down into the highly bolstered seats, things immediately improve.
Enter the honeymoon phase.
Whenever I wasn’t driving it, or looking at it, I wanted to be doing one or the other. What was I doing lying in bed sleeping while there was a 640-hp supercar collecting dust in my underground parking garage? It’s the first press car I’ve booked in years that I actually just drove around with no particular destination in mind. I cleared my schedule to spend time with it instead of with friends.
As I piloted the six-figure supercar around the congested city streets, I became paranoid and protective. I slowed down to a crawl as I traversed speed bumps and potholes to avoid scratching the perilously low front splitter or scuffing a rim. I parked at the furthest reaches of every lot for fear of it being doored by a thoughtless motorist or grazed by an errant shopping cart. A sense of doubt and disillusionment creeped in. I couldn’t go anywhere without being photographed or asked how much it cost. Even when adorned in understated Grigio Artis paint (a $22,400 option), the Lamborghini Huracán Evo screams for attention whether you want it or not. Drivers veered into my lane while trying to capture the car on their smartphone.
Its consumption of fuel is hearty and swift, especially when driven enthusiastically, even in Strada or Sport, but particularly in Corsa mode. Draining the 83 L tank won’t take long but will give you a chance to stop and stretch your legs. Which you’ll appreciate, because the driving position isn’t as ergonomic as you’d expect if you’ve never been in a Lambo before. The suspension felt far too firm for the city streets I was navigating. The novelty began to wear off, I wanted to go back to being anonymous and drive without anxiety. Would owning a car like this make any sense? Was it really as good as I’d dreamed it would be? Was it worth the trouble?
Then a funny thing happened.
As the week went on, I became more comfortable and confident. The seats, mirrors, and infotainment were set to my preference and I became accustomed to its little quirks; from seamlessly activating reverse, the power windows, or the HVAC system, to instinctively raising the suspension to prevent scraping when I entered my parking garage. Folding myself in half to ingress and egress became instinctual. Acceptance grew and enjoyment returned. Each and every drive became a more enjoyable event.
It didn’t hurt that the chassis, suspension, and body were composed of lightweight aluminum, carbon fibre, and composites allowing for a weight-to-power ratio of 2.22 kilograms for every one horsepower. This helps propel the 1,422 kg (3,047 lb) Huracán from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, then 200 km/h in 9 seconds flat. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) gets a fancy name Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) but essentially it monitors conditions, anticipates the driver’s needs, and adjusts the car’s dynamic behaviour. Unlike some other less-sophisticated supercars, it is actually able to get power down in a productive manner rather than just orchestrating big, squirrelly burnouts. It’s actually quite composed. Acceleration is made even more brisk thanks to the quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but also the traction provided by the Pirelli P Zero tires (245/30 R20 up front, 305/30 R20 in the rear) and electronic all-wheel drive system successfully and simultaneously putting the power down at all four corners. It’s also got all-wheel steering and torque-vectoring which made it hug curves unlike anything I’ve driven.
Like most loving relationships, driving a car like this requires some understanding and compromise. Like slowing down for speed bumps, taking more frequent trips to the grocery store so you’ll have enough room in the front storage area, or leaving extra time for conversations with strangers. Any grievance or element of displeasure I could formulate immediately dissipated when I got behind the wheel. So what if it’s uncomfortable to get in and out of? Do more yoga. It doesn’t have enough storage space? Maybe you have too much stuff. Its options are too expensive? Work harder. Get a second job. Sell a kidney, I don’t care.
It’s loud, brash, relatively unrefined in many ways, but also just so unforgivingly awesome that you can’t help but be infatuated. It sticks its middle finger up at everything that most people want in an automobile and I love it. It isn’t subtle and it isn’t practical. If you’re looking for affordable transportation that’s easy to get in and out of with enough room for your whole family’s junk, this isn’t for you. If that’s what you want, there are hundreds of boring beige crossovers or SUVs that will tickle your fancy. But none of them will set your pulse racing, stir your soul, and make you feel alive. True love requires sacrifice. And it’s worth it.
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