Pros
- Amazing engine
- Absolutely planted
- Outrageous handling
Cons
- Body structure issues
- Infotainment UX
- No room for stuff
The Lamborghini Huracán Evo had a significant challenge coming into the 2020 Best Driver’s Competition. The previous version, the Huracán Performante, had won accolades in 2018, being a specially designed track-focused supercar. The Evo, however, is simply a refresh of the entry-level Lambo.
Admittedly, the Huracán is fundamentally a restyled Audi R8. Yet, Sant’Agata’s all-in approach with the Performante demonstrated their capability. The Evo carries over the Performante’s 630-hp V-10 engine, achieving impressive sound levels despite being at a different track.
So, what is the Evo? Essentially, it provides Performante levels of straight-line thrust, yet omits the controversial active aerodynamics system known as ALA. There’s ongoing debate in automotive forums about the effectiveness of such systems, but it’s worth noting that Lamborghini holds the patent.
This year, our resident racer showcased how the Evo compares without the ALA system. The Evo clocked 2.85 seconds slower per lap around Laguna Seca, a mere oversight against the Performante’s performance. The Lamborghini representative simply stated, “The Evo doesn’t have ALA.” Additionally, the Evo is equipped with four-wheel steering—something the Performante lacks.
2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo: Raging Bull
ALA or not, the Evo impresses. It handles exceptionally well on California’s winding roads, creating a perfect state of driving bliss. Editor-in-chief Mark Rechtin noted that past experiences with twitchy Lamborghinis have changed, especially after falling in love with the Huracán Performante.
The Evo matches that confidence, exhibiting tremendous cornering grip, quick responsiveness, and reliability, earning praise from all judges both on the street and racetrack. Every corner was met with enthusiasm.
However, the Huracán Evo is not without its flaws. Issues such as some brake fade after laps, rattling sounds from the passenger door over bumps, and a confusing touchscreen interface were noted. These elements do not detract too much from the overall performance.
2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo: Taking It by the Horns
The Evo lacks some practical features; don’t expect much luggage space. The Huracán Evo also performed slightly slower than the Ferrari F8 Tributo on Laguna Seca, attributed to the latter’s superior power output. Nonetheless, the Huracán Evo consistently proves to be a thrilling experience.
With the Huracán Evo, the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. Road test editor Chris Walton remarked, “You can drive it like you stole it, and it’ll be there for you.” The steering and handling set a benchmark in the supercar segment.
Regardless of its standing in this year’s competition, Sant’Agata’s dedication to producing world-class super sports cars remains resolute. The Evo serves as the latest testament to this pursuit.
Specifications
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS | 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo AWD |
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT | Mid-engine, AWD |
ENGINE TYPE | 90-deg V-10, alum block/heads |
VALVETRAIN | DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
DISPLACEMENT | 317.6 cu in/5,204 cc |
COMPRESSION RATIO | 12.7:1 |
POWER (SAE NET) | 630 hp @ 8,000 rpm |
TORQUE (SAE NET) | 443 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm |
REDLINE | 8,500 rpm |
WEIGHT TO POWER | 5.8 lb/hp |
TRANSMISSION | 7-speed twin-clutch auto |
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO | 2.77:1 (front), 2.65:1 (rear)/2.23:1 |
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR | Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
STEERING RATIO | 9.0-17.0:1 |
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK | 2.2 |
BRAKES, F;R | 15.0-in vented, drilled, carbon-ceramic disc; 14.0-in vented, drilled, carbon-ceramic disc, ABS |
WHEELS, F;R | 8.5 x 20-in; 11.0 x 20-in, forged aluminum |
TIRES, F;R | 245/30R20 90Y; 305/30R20 103Y Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R (L) |
DIMENSIONS | |
WHEELBASE | 103.2 in |
TRACK, F/R | 65.7/63.8 in |
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 178.0 x 76.1 x 45.9 in |
TURNING CIRCLE | 37.7 ft |
CURB WEIGHT | 3,645 lb |
WEIGHT DIST, F/R | 43/57% |
SEATING CAPACITY | 2 |
CARGO VOLUME | 3.5 cu ft |