Track-oriented supercars spend only a percentage of their lives on any specific circuit, despite their intended function. This puts them in a difficult situation. They must perform as their driver sets new lap records while also providing an enjoyable driving experience on typical roads. The Lamborghini Huracan STO, Italy’s latest homologation special, is a fantastic example of this.
The Huracán STO is a super-sports car with a single purpose: to provide all of the sensation and technology of a true race car in a road-legal package. The new Huracán STO concentrates Lamborghini’s years of motorsport experience, strengthened by a winning history. Extreme aerodynamics, track-honed handling dynamics, lightweight materials, and the highest-performing V10 engine to date combine to bring all the thrills of the racetrack to your daily life.
So, let’s take a look at this Lamborghini Huracan STO
Lamborghini Huracan STO
STO stands for “Super Trofeo Omologato” in Lamborghini lingo, and it refers to a homologation effort based on the supercar maker’s one-make Super Trofeo racing series. But after driving the 2021 Lamborghini Huracán STO on the road, those three letters could just as well stand for “steroids,” because this car takes everything great and bad about the rear-drive Huracán Evo and amps it up to 1 2. The Lamborghini Huracán STO is powered by the same 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 that Lamborghini’s “entry-level” supercars have used since the facelifted Gallardo entered the fray in 2107, making it the closest thing (so far) to a Huracán GT3 Evo racer you can register for and drive on the street. Instead, it produces 631 horsepower, which is 21 more than the Evo and matches the Performante, Lamborghini’s earlier attempt at a ‘roided up Huracan. At the time, the Performante was the fastest production car to ever lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, beating out the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid Hypercar by a full five seconds.
Design/Styling
Even a cursory examination reveals that the STO is a homologation special. It is based on the Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO race cars from the brand. While special editions inspired by race cars are relatively uncommon, none appear to go as far as the STO. While the STO is definitely a Huracan, nearly every panel is new. The classic front bumper, flanked by fenders and a hood, is no longer present. Instead, we get the “cofango,” as Lamborghini calls it. It’s a clamshell design that covers the entire front of the car and opens in one piece. The Cofango, in particular, maximizes frontal aerodynamic efficiency while reducing weight. It is a particularly designed body component that incorporates the front hood and fenders. The overall effect is an immediate rush of adrenaline.
The rest of the STO is even more abrasive, with additional wings, vents, and redesigned body parts than the Performante, resulting in 53 percent more downforce and 37 percent more efficient overall airflow. It’s also nearly 95 pounds lighter than the Perf, due to a 75 percent carbon fiber body, a 20 percent lighter windscreen, and magnesium wheels. For 75 percent of the STO’s body panels, Lamborghini used its carbon fiber “sandwich” method. As a result, the dry weight is under 3,000 grams, with 25% less carbon fiber than usual. Even though the STO’s design emphasizes function over form, it is still visually appealing. For those who are afraid of numbers, all you need to know is that STO is lighter and rawer than the ‘Ring’s record-breaking Lambo. The tracks were enlarged, the suspension bushings were strengthened, new anti-roll bars were added, and the V10’s roar was sharpened even more at high revs. The STO is rear-drive only, unlike the all-wheel-drive Performante.
The STO is distinguished by aggressive side skirts that lead to a widened rear quarter panel. The quarter panel now has a shark fin design on both sides that directs air and NACA ducts. The huge adjustable rear wing receives all of the air. The STO’s changeable components can provide up to 935 lb of downforce at 173 mph, despite the lack of active aero.
The STO’s bodywork is cluttered in the best way conceivable, with not a single flat area on it. Lamborghini sought to create a road-going race car, and it succeeded by focusing on the race car’s original aesthetic components.
Engine/Performance
It was even better on my favorite canyon routes. For instance, the 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine is still a work of beauty. The Huracan STO is the most powerful member of the Huracan family, with 640 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Despite this, the STO sill accelerates to 60 mph in under three seconds, with a top speed of 192 mph. A first for a rear-drive Huracan is the rear-wheel steering system.
The STO has the same amount of power as every other Huracan on the road; it just has more of it at the top end of the rpm range. If a result, as you drive more aggressively, the STO rewards you. There isn’t a huge supply of low-end torque ready to propel you forward. Instead, the STO instructs you to work for your speed while connecting numerous corners, keeping the revs high. With tight gear ratios and rapid response, the dual-clutch transmission makes this a breeze.
Steel springs with magnetic dampers are used in the STO’s suspension. The STO stays well-grounded even through tight, rapid turns, thanks to all of the aero discussed previously. The STO provides a level of stability that encourages people to go deeper. Despite its outstanding performance, the STO isn’t as stiff in town. Although there is no comfort option, the magnetic dampers do a good job of absorbing road imperfections.
The brakes of the STO are true race car technology. While the carbon ceramics are the same as on a conventional Huracan, their racing roots mean they can bear 60 percent higher stress. On the road, it was able to repeatedly stamp on the brakes without losing performance. The STO has some of the best braking capabilities in the business after its brakes are warmed up, which contributes to a stronger sense of confidence behind the wheel.
Every aspect of the STO’s driving experience seems vibrant. Behind the wheel of this vehicle, there is never a dull moment. Its steering, motor, suspension, and brakes are all well-tuned, allowing it to master the on-track performance while unleashing a riot on the open road.
Interior/Tech
The Lamborghini Huracan STO’s inside is as barebones as it gets, given its race car origins. There are no cup holders, storage bins, or trunks. The STO isn’t a car for weekend getaways. Its primary goal is to improve performance. A sea of carbon fiber can be seen throughout the cabin. The lightweight material may be found everywhere, from the door panels to the air vents, the floor, and the seats.
The seats aren’t as unpleasant as you’d expect from a carbon-backed racing chair. However, because the seat’s opening is somewhat limited, it was having trouble with the Pricing.
Pricing
The STO is expensive because it provides possibly the greatest driving experience of any modern Lamborghini. The starting price is $327,000, but with options like paint and interior colors. The STO is not a limited-edition model, according to Lamborghini. Regardless, production is likely to be lower than for other Huracan models.
The Huracan STO stands out in today’s market thanks to its race car-inspired technology, appearance, and driving experience. The STO honed on what makes an exhilarating driving, even at slow city speeds, with a naturally aspirated engine and a great sound. After driving it both on and off the track, it’s evident that the STO captures that dual personality, which means you’ll be happy no matter where you drive it.
LOWS: Painful seats, earplugs required for hearing protection, and no view out the rear.
The rear-wheel-drive STO’s handling and carbon-ceramic brakes are consistent lap after lap, unlike the discontinued all-wheel-drive Huracán Performante, which could go from “This is the best car I’ve ever driven” to “Please don’t crash the tire wall” in a blink. The brake pedal has exactly the proper amount of bite.
Although power stays unaltered, exhaust adjustments give the V-10 the proper bark. The engine revs quickly, and the dual-clutch automatic shifts quickly. The engine creeps closer due to a lack of sound deadening; add the roar of tires, and the combination generates a deafening din. Then there’s the agony of single-piece race seats, which will have your lower back ready to switch drivers after 90 minutes. There are certain drawbacks to living with a shark.
What are your thoughts about the Lamborghini Huracan STO? Comment down below!
