Lamborghini Switches To Rear-Wheel Drive With New Huracan LP 580-2

Although slightly slower than the all-wheel-drive model, it will definitely be more fun to drive

A successor to the Gallardo LP 550-2, the Huracan LP 580-2 has been specifically designed and engineered for its rear-wheel drive setup, sporting a slightly different body kit as well as a modified suspension, new steering setup and recalibrated stability and traction controls. In addition, the Huracan LP 580-2’s torsion stiffness is improved by 50 percent compared to the Gallardo LP 550-2.

Styling-wise, the Huracan LP 580-2 sports redesigned front and rear bumpers, making it easy to recognize on the street. The large front air intakes direct the cooling air and heading to increase down pressure on the front axle, while the spoiler lip at the rear works together with the diffuser in the underbody to improve airflow around the rear of the car. Lamborghini says the Huracan LP 580-2 does not need a movable rear spoiler.

The model rides on new 19-inch Kari rims shod with Pirelli PZero tires specifically developed for the rear-wheel drive car. The steel brakes with aluminum brake disc calipers have been specially contoured to reduce weight and improve cooling.

As its name suggests, the rear-wheel drive Huracan has a 580 PS (572 hp) 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, 30 PS less powerful than the all-wheel drive model. The engine delivers 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of maximum torque, 75 percent of which is already available at 1,000 rpm.

Linked to a Lamborghini Doppia Frizione (LDF) seven-speed dual clutch transmission with launch control, the mid-mounted engine allows the Huracan LP 580-2 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, making it 0.2 seconds slower than the all-wheel drive Huracan. Top speed is 320 km/h (199 mph), 5 km/h (3 mph) less than the all-wheel drive version.

The Huracan LP 580-2 is 33 kg (72.7 lbs) lighter than the four-wheel drive version, tipping the scales at 1,389 kg (3,062 lbs), with weight distribution biased 40 percent at the front, 60 percent at the rear.

Even though it’s slightly slower than the all-wheel drive variant, the Huracan LP 580-2 should be more fun to drive due to its “tail-happy” nature. Lamborghini offers three selectable driving modes (Strada, Sport and Corsa), all tuned “to provide oversteering characteristics, emphasizing authentic rear-wheel drive behavior.”

Those who may be interested in fuel economy figures will be happy to know that the Huracan LP 580-2 features cylinder deactivation. When full engine capacity is not required, five of the ten cylinders are temporarily deactivated. This feature contributes to a combined fuel consumption of 11.9 l/100 km (19.7 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 278 g/km.

The Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 is available in Europe with a starting price of €150,000, excluding taxes.