Driving the Lamborghini Huracán Supercar: An Explosive Track Experience
A short time ago, I shared my impressions of the Porsche 911 GT3. Even now, I am still captivated by that car. However, perspective varies, and criticism is common. Shortly after that piece was published, I received a text from a friend who had written an outstanding review of the Lamborghini Huracán. It simply stated, “No way a GT3 can keep up with a Huracán.” While my limited resources prevented a direct track comparison, I did have access to a pair of Huracáns. This presented an opportunity to explore what all the excitement was about firsthand with the Lamborghini Huracan Supercar.
Let’s be clear upfront; this isn’t merely a repetition of other comprehensive write-ups. This account filters the experience through my own driving ability and writing style on a shorter racetrack. The nature of the shorter track is significant, as when another reviewer was pushing the Lamborghini, they recorded a saved speed of 176 MPH on the dash. I simply don’t have the track length or the skill set to attempt that. Not that I wouldn’t be tempted to try…
I have always had a fondness for Lamborghinis. I’d wager my first encounter was similar to many others: the iconic opening sequence of “The Cannonball Run,” featuring Tara Buckman emerging from the black scissor-door Countach and sharing her opinion on the then-new 55 mph speed limit. I liked them, but I never felt a deep connection or love. They seemed to be exquisitely designed yet inherently delicate machines. They didn’t quite possess the track reputation of their Italian counterparts, and certainly lacked the collection of racing titles amassed by my favored Stuttgart manufacturer.
My first time driving one wasn’t until 2014, when I had the chance to pilot a trio of Gallardos at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, experiencing both the AWD and rear-wheel-drive versions. They weren’t poor cars, but even with my slender, 6-foot frame, fitting inside was a challenge, and eventually became somewhat uncomfortable as my helmeted head was constantly tilted.
When I was first introduced to the Huracán, I initially dismissed it as simply a modernized Gallardo and returned to admiring the GT3. However, a recent Saturday morning found me seated behind the wheel of the imposing red beast. As many already know, but it bears repeating for verification: this car accommodates people. Not just taller individuals, but shorter ones too. The Gallardo wasn’t just uncomfortable for tall drivers; it was difficult for shorter ones as well due to limited seat range. This new model is considerably more practical. You can explore the current generation of these impressive vehicles among [current supercars].
Unmistakably Lamborghini: Design and Cockpit
Despite its improved usability, the Lamborghini hasn’t sacrificed its inherent wildness. The dashboard remains a striking liquid crystal display, even integrating the center gauges and environmental controls. Both the Huracán and its larger sibling, the Aventador, draw inspiration from the angular shape of the F-117 Stealth Fighter, resulting in sharp corners defining the styling throughout. Unlike some competitors which can feel almost clinical in comparison, the Huracán proudly asserts its Lamborghini identity, much like its predecessors. And that is unequivocally a positive trait.
The next aspect that is utterly and unapologetically Lamborghini is the monstrous 602 horsepower V10 engine positioned right behind the driver.
The Explosive Heart: V10 Power and Performance
Holy.
Freaking.
Crap. (Though the actual words used by the client were considerably stronger, both our professional roles require discretion).
That exclamation came from a client whose driving experience had been limited to a single vehicle her entire life: a 1967 Camaro equipped with a well-used 327 cubic inch V8. So, when I instructed her to accelerate and join the track, she literally mashed the accelerator pedal. The stability control and the all-wheel-drive system managed to keep the car heading forward, but only just. The resulting demonic shriek was loud enough to interrupt a classroom session taking place on the second floor of the building adjacent to the track.
Transmission Dynamics
The eight-speed transmission executes shifts as smoothly and seamlessly as one would expect, whether controlled via the side-mounted paddles or left to its own capable automatic settings. The only minor potential limitation is a rare reluctance to downshift when in “Strada” mode – a mode one certainly shouldn’t be using on a racetrack anyway. However, if you find yourself in the passenger seat next to a college sophomore whose most powerful driving experience is Mom’s Honda Pilot, leaving the car in “Strada” is absolutely the prudent choice. Rest assured, the acceleration in this mode is still more than sufficient to elicit an audible gasp.
Raw Acceleration on Track
Even more impressive is the Huracán’s rolling acceleration. A properly executed entry onto Hallett’s turn 12 followed by full throttle application would build speed so rapidly that every client I coached would lift off the accelerator before even reaching the halfway marker on the main straight. Even on the incredibly tight track at Englishtown in New Jersey, known for its boisterous local crowd, I never once had to verbally tell anyone to lift on the short straightaway. This is still a Lamborghini, and it still inspires awe and a degree of fear. People simply reacted on their own. The performance gap between this car and a very fast M3 is significantly wider than the gap between that same M3 and my old 1966 El Camino. Looking back at the Huracán’s impact, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the [best supercars of the 21st century].
Supercar Prowess vs. Track Purity
In this context, I began to grasp the assertion made about the Huracán’s capability relative to cars like the GT3. It is explosive; it accelerates unlike anything most people have experienced. It is wildly expressive in its design and sound, surprisingly communicative in its handling, and undeniably scarier than many can fully comprehend. It is blisteringly fast and as outrageous as every Lamborghini should be.
Huracán vs. the Competition
This is where my perspective slightly diverges from some narratives. The Lamborghini Huracan Supercar is, without question, staggering. It embodies the very definition of a “supercar” and, in that specific sense, it feels light years ahead of a 911 GT3 – perhaps even a GT2. The underlying Audi engineering contributes to a level of reliability far superior to the vehicles featured in “The Cannonball Run” or its numerous sequels and imitators. Its styling will consistently capture attention, whether cruising downtown Dallas or parked at a local Cars and Coffee gathering. Future iterations continue this lineage, including models like the [lamborghini huracán sterrato 2023].
Rear quarter view of a red Rosso Mars Lamborghini Huracan supercar on track
As technologically advanced and capable as it is, on a tight, technical track, it doesn’t feel like a dedicated race car. Even under Audi’s stewardship, Lamborghini’s historical lack of extensive racing heritage is sometimes apparent. While the car is more than capable of outperforming cars like the Ferrari 458 Italia in a straight line or under heavy acceleration, the Ferrari often feels more like a finely tuned driver’s instrument on a circuit. Similarly, while a Nissan GT-R excels at managing mistakes and flatters the driver, the Huracán’s raw power can effortlessly leave it behind in terms of acceleration, though the price point for a [2023 lamborghini huracán sterrato price] would differ significantly.
None of these comparisons truly diminish the car, because the Lamborghini Huracán isn’t fundamentally built to be the absolute fastest car on every track or to strictly outperform every single competitor in every metric. It is, above all, an amazing achievement. While many examples of this incredible machine may spend excessive amounts of time garaged or cruising the streets of places like South Beach, the Huracán is genuinely a great car to drive. You could realistically use one of these as a daily driver, but it was truly engineered for a very specific, perhaps narrow, niche. You can find details on the current off-road inspired variant, the [2023 lamborghini huracán sterrato], which speaks to its evolving niche.
The Huracán’s Enduring Legacy
The Lamborghini Huracán is designed for the dedicated enthusiasts, the fans of the Raging Bull marque. It represents the fulfillment of the dramatic visual and aural promise first made in 1981 when the world saw those iconic scissor doors swing open. It is a car crafted specifically for those who harbor a deep, abiding love for Lamborghini itself, and honestly, it feels long overdue. It stands proudly among modern high-performance vehicles.
Lamborghini did not provide any contribution to this review. The experience was gathered over 18 separate days across tracks in Oklahoma, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey while coaching with Xtreme Xperience. Their fuel and tires were used, driving and riding in their collection of exotic cars. Christian was compensated by Xtreme Xperience, but they held no influence over the conclusions presented in this review.
About the Author:
Christian “Mental” Ward has owned over 70 cars and destroyed most of them. Next month he will be racing with those madcap Baruth brothers in Michigan. You can follow that impending debacle on Twitter, Instagram and Vine at M3ntalward.
Originally Posted on The Truth About Cars, by Christian “Mental” Ward.
