Despite their intended purpose, track-based supercars spend a fraction of their lives on any circuit. This leads them to a significant dilemma. At the same time they have to act as a driver’s hammer while providing an attractive driving experience on ordinary roads. The latest Italian homosexual special, the Lamborghini Huracan STO, is a perfect example.
Last year, I had the opportunity to drive a Huracan STO on the Willow Springs Raceway. The STO is fascinated by sticky tires and an open track, making it one of the best cars I’ve ever driven last year. Flash forward in 2022, and finally I got a chance to run STO on some of my favorite canyon streets and around Los Angeles. Coupled with a naturally ambitious V10 with a superior stock exhaust system I’ve never heard of, with its clever suspension and offensive styling, the STO didn’t take long to remind me that it was truly an impressive machine. .
Design / Styling
Even at a glance it can be seen that STO is an equivalent special. It uses the brand’s Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO race cars as its base. While race car-inspired special editions are not uncommon, none seem to go as far as the STO. While this is undoubtedly a hurricane, virtually every panel on the STO is new. The front no longer has a traditional bumper on the front by fender and hood. Instead, we get what Lamborghini calls “cofango.” It is a clamshell design that covers the entire front of the car and opens as a large piece.
The STO has a side-by-side aggressive side skirt that leads to a wide rear quarter panel. The quarter panel now has a shark fins design that channels the air and NACA ducts on both sides. All the air leads to the huge adjustable rear wing. Although it has no active arrow, the STO’s adjustable components can provide downforce up to 935 pounds at 173 mph. This statistic marks a 37 percent improvement over its predecessor’s performance.
Lamborghini has chosen to use its carbon fiber “sandwich” technique for 75 percent of STO’s body panels. Dry weight below 3,000 when using 25 percent less carbon fiber than usual. While its styling works on the screaming form, that doesn’t mean the STO isn’t still interesting to look at. With no flat surface, the STO’s bodywork is at its best. Lamborghini wanted to provide a race car for the road, and achieved this, mainly by sticking to the original styling elements of the race car.
Read more: Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD Spider Review: Proper Supercar Theatrics
Engine / Performance
When I got the first taste of my life behind the wheel of the STO on the track, it was even more enjoyable on my favorite canyon road. For starters, its 5.2-liter naturally aspired V10 remains a true masterpiece. Developing 640 hp and 417 lb-ft torque, the STO is the most powerful member of the Huracan family. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends all that power to the rear wheels. Nevertheless, the STO seals in about three seconds before moving at a maximum speed of 192 miles per hour for 60 miles per hour. There’s also a rear-wheel steering system, the first for a rear-drive Huracan.
The STO supplies electricity to the streets like any other Huracan; Sitting at the top end of the Rev. Range it has something more. As a result, STO rewards you if you drive more aggressively. There is no huge reserve of low-end torque waiting for you to rocket forward. Instead, the STO tells you to work for your speed, keeping the revs high when you connect at different angles. The dual-clutch transmission makes it a breeze with tight gear ratios and instant feedback. Even in automatic mode, its programming always keeps me in the right gear.
On the suspension front, the STO has steel springs with a magnetic damper. With all of the aforementioned aircraft, the STO is perfectly planted, even in hard, fast corners. STOs provide a level of stability that inspires confidence to move forward. Despite the incredible performance, the STO is not as tough as I thought it would be in the vicinity of the city. While there is no comfort mode, magnetic dampers do a decent job of wetting road imperfections.
STO brakes have accurate race car technology Although they are carbon ceramic like a standard Huracan, their racing source means they can withstand 60 percent more stress than usual. On the road, I was able to stop at repeated brakes without any drop in performance. Once its brakes are up to the temperature, the STO provides some of the best braking performance in the business, also contributing to a higher confidence behind the wheel.
Overall, every part of STO’s driving experience seems alive. There is not a dull moment behind the wheels of this car. Its steering, powertrain, suspension and brakes are nicely dial-up, dominating on-track performance during an absolute riot on ordinary roads.
Also read: 2021 Lamborghini Urus Review: A True Super SUV
Internal / Technology
With its race car roots, the interior of the Lamborghini Huracan STO is like an empty bone. You won’t find a cup holder, storage bin, or frank. The STO is not a car to go on weekends. Its purpose is performance above all else. A look around the interior reveals a sea of carbon fiber. From door panels to air vents, floors and seats, you will find plenty of light weight material. My tester featured black suede seats with bright red contrasting accents, which added some much more welcoming liveliness.
The seats themselves are not as uncomfortable as you might expect from a carbon-powered racing chair. However, I struggled in the shoulder section because the seat openings were relatively narrow. Huracan still has good headrooms despite its low sloping roof. As I found out last year, my 5’10 self fits comfortably, even with a big helmet.
The Huracan STO features the same central infotainment system as the standard car. Since it controls most of the car’s systems, you’ll find a lack of buttons on the inside. Nonetheless, you’ll find a wired Apple CarPlay connection and a compatible digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. As a result, there is no shortage of connectivity department in STO.
Pricing
Given that the STO reasonably provides the best driving experience of any modern Lamborghini, it comes at a price. Although the starting price is $ 327,000, my tester has come close to $ 400,000, thanks to optional extras like paint and interior paint. According to Lamborghini, the STO is not a limited edition model. Nevertheless, production is still expected to be lower than other Huracan variants.
Thanks to race car-inspired technology, styling and driving experience, the Huracan STO delivers a unique drive in today’s market. With a naturally ambitious engine and a nice sound, the STO makes for an exciting drive, even at city speeds. After driving it both on and off the track, it’s clear that the dual personality that STO nails means that no matter where you run it, you’ll laugh when you do.