May 21, 2014. Copyright 2014, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Lamborghini Hurac‡n poses hard choice if youÕre thinking Ferrari, McLaren
By Neil Winton

LONDON, May 21, Graphic News:  The Lamborghini Hurac‡n LP 610-4 will eat up the miles on the highway almost as quickly as it gulps down all known superlatives. It is probably the fastest, noisiest, most in-yer-face supercar on the road. Ferraris and McLarens seem almost modest and understated by comparison. Imagine, if you can, having to make the choice.

The new Hurac‡n, which replaces the Gallardo, has a 610hp 5.2 litre V-10 engine, blasting it from rest to 60mph in close to three seconds, and on to a maximum of 202mph. ThereÕs no manual gear change. You have to accept the 7-speed automatic and the four-wheel drive. A complicated system of gyroscopes and accelerometers communicates with the four-wheel drive, steering, gearbox and suspension to keep you in the right gear, and rescue you from danger if you overdo it.

The Hurac‡n has the latest lightweight construction with the chassis made from carbon fibre and aluminium. Ceramic brakes are standard. The amazing looking body also creates down-force to eschew the use of ugly looking spoilers says Lamborghini, the Italian manufacurer now owned by VolkswagenÕs Audi subsidiary.

As with almost all Lamborghini cars, the name is associated with the world of bullfighting, a reminder of the company logo. The Gallardo (Spanish for valiant), was named after a famous breed of fighting bull, and was the most successful Lamborghini to date, with 14,022 produced. Hurac‡n (hurricane) was a fighting bull who fought in 1879 in Alicante, Spain. His unyielding character made him invincible, Lamborghini said. Maybe the rules were different then.

Because of the extremely low body and the location of the engine behind the passengers, donÕt expect to be able to see much out of the back. You need to order the transparent engine cover to improve on this, although in such a high tech motor, a camera solution would be more appropriate.

The Hurac‡n uses what Lamborghini calls a hybrid chassis. This combines aluminum components with large elements made from carbon-fibre reinforced polymer, an ultra-lightweight material developed by Lamborghini, with help from Audi. The hybrid chassis weighs less than 200kg, even less than the already very lightweight aluminium space frame of the Gallardo. The hybrid chassis is better for crash safety and stiffness, and more dynamic handling. The double wishbone suspension at all four corners is made from forged aluminium.

The Hurac‡n LP 610-4 made its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and deliveries are now underway. This is a car for the super-rich of the non-golfing variety who like to travel light. The storage space is severely limited, although there is space under the bonnet (hood) in front of the two passengers for a soft, weekend bag, and 60 to 70 litres of space behind the seats. If you can afford a Hurac‡n though, you can probably afford to have everything you need sent on ahead anyway.

So which will it be; Lamborghini, Ferrari or McLaren. Who said the one-percenters had it easy?
/ENDS

Lamborghini Hurac‡n LP 610-4

Engine Ð 5.2 litre V-10 petrol
Power Ð 610hp @ 8,250
Torque Ð 560 Nm @ 6,500
Drive Ð all wheels
Gearbox Ð 7-speed automatic
Acceleration:
0-62mph-100km/h Ð 3.2 seconds 
0-124mph-0-200km/h Ð 9.9 seconds
Top speed Ð 202mph-325km/h
Fuel consumption Ð claimed average 22.6mpg-12.5-l/km
C02 Ð 290g/km
Suspension Ð double wishbone, electromagnetic
Length Ð 4,459mm
Width Ð 1,924mm
Height Ð 1,165mm
Wheelbase Ð 2,620mm
Weight Ð 1,422kg
Boot capacity Ð 60-70 litres
Competition Ð Ferrari, McLaren
Price Ð £188,000 / Û230,000