Impossibly low, hunkered down and menacing, the Lamborghini Huracan STO makes quite an impression the first time you set your eyes upon it. The result of a collaboration between Lamborghini’s own research and development centre, Squadra Corse (Lamborghini’s motorsports department) and Centro Stile (the company’s design department), the STO is the quintessential all-Italian mid-engined supercar, unabashedly aggressive, self-assured and a bit over the top.
With a naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 mounted amidships, which produces a searing 640 horsepower and 565Nm of torque, the Huracan STO rockets from zero to 100kph in a scant three seconds, goes from zero to 200kph in just nine seconds and is capable of hitting a top speed of 310kph. Braking performance is equally impressive; from 200kph, the STO comes to a complete halt in a space of just 110 metres.
That the Huracan STO boasts tremendous levels of performance shouldn’t be surprising; it’s a racing-inspired supercar that’s just been tamed a bit for the street. Lamborghini has used the technology and high-performance engineering from its Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO racing cars to build the Huracan STO, and it shows. ‘We are confident that the Lamborghini Huracan STO will appeal to a new set of customers in the super sports car segment, who are looking for an emotionally charged experience of a race car’s powerful technology in everyday driving on the roads,’ says Sharad Agarwal, Head of Lamborghini India.
While the Huracan STO certainly shines in terms of power and performance, it also boasts typically exuberant Italian styling that enthusiasts will love. More than a mere car, the STO looks like a fighter jet waiting to be unleashed. It’s dynamic, purposeful – one look at it and you know this thing has been built to go very, very fast. ‘Racing cars are always a strong inspiration for our design. The Huracan STO reflects the technology transfer from our successful Huracan race cars, displayed in every aesthetic detail,’ says Mitja Borkert, Head of Lamborghini Centro Stile.
Designed for purists, the Huracan STO sticks with rear-wheel-drive and features better aerodynamics compared to the earlier Huracan Performante; airflow efficiency is up by almost 40% and downforce goes up by more than 50% for improved high-speed handling and stability. The STO also features extensive use of carbon fibre, which keeps weight down without compromising rigidity. The STO weighs just 1,339 kilos, which is 43kg less than the Huracan Performante. With large magnesium alloy wheels, Bridgestone Potenza tyres (options include road- and track-focused versions), rear-wheel steering, MagneRide 2.0 adaptive suspension, switchable stability control and three new driving modes, this is one Italian supercar that simply lives for high-speed corners.
In India, the new Lamborghini Huracan STO has been priced at Rs 4.99 crore, ex-showroom. This makes it much more expensive than the likes of Ferrari 488 and Porsche 911 Turbo, though the STO is definitely harder-edged and more track-focused than the competition. For those who can, perhaps, afford to keep it parked at the Buddh Circuit, the Huracan STO will make your Sunday mornings come alive like nothing else on the planet.
