HONG KONG—I flew to this vibrant city for the regional launch of the world’s fastest and most drop-dead gorgeous hairdryer and to see for myself just how that fabulously complicated mechanism of fabric roof, aluminum levers, and electric motors conduct their well-orchestrated (and traffic-stopping) symphony of lowering and raising a car’s roof.
“The Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder combines the innovation, performance and appeal of the Huracán coupé, with new technologies and an added emotional dimension. Its predecessor, the Gallardo Spyder, was the bestselling open top model in Lamborghini’s history: we expect the Huracán Spyder to exceed its predecessor in every way,” says Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
The naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 engine produces 610 hp, rocketing the carbon fiber-and aluminum Spyder from 0 to 100 km/h in a stunning 3.4 seconds (and 200 km/h just six seconds later). The Spyder also includes new technical features of the 2016 model year Huracán, including ‘cylinder on demand’ in combination with ‘stop start’ for improved fuel economy (like the owners care), and a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive set-up for even better handling.
Lamborghini’s Doppia Frizione (LDF) 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox shifts at lightning speed. The fully electronically controlled coupling, which is actively cooled for maximum performance, can switch the torque freely between the two axles, with perfect weight distribution of 43/57 front/rear, as in the coupé.
Three different programs “Strada”, “Sport” and “Corsa” impact the characteristics of the engine, sound, transmission, all-wheel drive and ESC handling system.
The standard carbon-ceramic brakes provide the Huracán Spyder with immensely powerful stopping power. There are lightweight aluminum double wishbone suspension arms at all four wheels.
Of course, the piece de resistance of the Spyder is its soft top. The roof is available in three different colors: black, brown and red. Even with the roof up, the lines of the Spyder differ significantly from those of the coupé. Hidden automatic pop-up safety bars do not spoil the open car’s low silhouette. The new electrohydraulic, lightweight soft top opens in just 17 seconds up to a speed of 50 km/h.
An innovative cockpit dominates the interior. The 12.3-inch TFT display can be configured in several modes and offers the driver all key information in a virtual representation. The displays are razor sharp, brilliant and incredibly detailed: the virtual rev counter needle is recalculated 60 times a second, ensuring it flows absolutely smoothly even under full acceleration.
The buttons for the soft top and the rear windshield are on the center-tunnel console; but the coolest button is the one that starts the V10 engine—it’s located beneath a red cover like in a fighter jet. The slender dashboard and center console contribute to the elegance of the Alcantara-and-nappa leather interior, which comes in 17 colors.
The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder is way more than the sum of its parts—even considering its breathtaking eight-figure price tag. It delivers in absolutely every sense. Its beauty is as spectacular as its performance—and its luxury and craftsmanship are second to none. Miss Muffet will love it.
