Lamborghini release Huracan EVO RWD Spyder

In the same week that Lamborghini returned to production following a two-month-long factory shutdown, they revealed a new model in the form of the Huracan EVO RWD Spyder.

The topless companion to the Huracan EVO RWD coupe announced in January, the Spyder features the same 5.2-litre V10 engine producing 449kW and 560Nm, the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the same overall mechanical spec as the coupe, as well as the subtle styling tweaks that separate the RWD models from the AWD Huracan range.

“The Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder doubles the driving fun, delivering raw driving pleasure with the opportunity to celebrate life outside,” says Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

“The driver is perfectly in touch with Lamborghini’s engineering heritage, experiencing the feedback and engagement from the set-up of a rear-wheel drive car where electronic intrusion is minimized, while enjoying the sense of freedom and spirit of life that only open-top driving provides.”

Topless Performance

The Spyder’s electrically-folding fabric roof opens and closes in 17 seconds and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 50km/h. The rear windscreen can be opened independent of the roof, serving to reduce wind buffeting when up and accentuating the V10 soundtrack when down.

To reduce lateral aerodynamic noise at high speed, two removable lateral wind shields are included.

While the folding roof mechanism adds extra weight, the 1,509kg RWD Spyder’s performance is almost identical to the 1,369kg RWD coupe. The 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds is only 0.2 seconds slower, while top speed of 324km/h is a mere 1km/h short of the coupe’s top speed.

Rear wheel drive tips the front:rear weight distribution to 40:60, but thanks to special tuning of the Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS), handling is comparable to the AWD model. Lamborghini says that the exterior design of the Spyder ensures downforce and drag reduction matches that of the EVO RWD coupe without the need for additional aerodynamic aids.

Driver Control

As with other Lamborghini models, the ANIMA button on the Huracan EVO RWD Spyder’s steering wheel allows three different driving modes to be selected – Strada (road), Sport and Corsa (race) – with each mode altering the level of ESC intervention through the P-TCS, as well as ABS intervention and throttle response.

Strada is like a ‘wet’ mode, providing stability, minimizing rear-wheel slippage and proactively managing torque delivery. Sport mode allows a degree of rear-wheel breakaway under acceleration for what Lamborghini calls “drifting fun”, with torque limited when oversteer angles increase rapidly so the driver can maintain control. Corsa mode is said to optimize the car’s traction and agility when exiting a corner in high-performance conditions, maximizing dynamics and speed.

Ventilated and cross-drilled steel brakes with 8-piston front calipers and 4-piston rear calipers are standard. Carbon ceramic brakes are optional, as are MagneRide electromagnetic dampers and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering.

Defined Design

While broadly similar to the Huracan EVO RWD coupe in appearance, the Spyder does get some bespoke exterior touches, including a new rear diffuser, a new front splitter and vertical fins in the large front air intakes.

The EVO RWD Spyder’s design also incorporates the front and rear styling tweaks that separate the RWD Huracan from AWD equivalents.

Nineteen-inch ‘Kari’ alloy wheels are standard (8.5 x 19 front, 11 x 19 rear), with 20-inch alloys optional. As with other Lamborghini models, a broad range of exterior colour and interior trim options are available through the Lamborghini Ad Personam personalisation programme. This includes the folding soft top, which is available in a variety of colours.

Inside, an 8.4-inch HMI centre console touchscreen controls all the in-car functions and is compatible with Apple CarPlay (and presumably Android Auto, too).

Aus Delivery and Pricing

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown most carmakers’ schedules out of whack and Lamborghini is no exception. The Hurcan EVO RWD Spyder was originally scheduled for a mid-2020 Australian release, but will now likely arrive in Q4 of this year.

Australian pricing for the EVO RWD Spyder is expected to be $422,600 (+ ORCs), which is a $38,410 premium over the $384,190 EVO RWD Coupe (both prices exclude ORCs).

Read more here: https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en