We review the Lamborghini Huracán Performante in Hong Kong – UFC’s Conor McGregor can handle the supercar, but can we?

Lamborghini, known for its masculine design lines and the high-pitch roar of its naturally-aspirated engines, attracts stars from around the world to flaunt their wealth and express their passion by owning the supercar.

The Huracán, Lamborghini’s flagship supercar, is driven by sports celebrities around the world including UFC champion Conor McGregor and rappers like Travis Scott. McGregor bought his first Lamborghini after the fight against F loyd Mayweather, who is also a fan of the brand.

Other A-listers like the Kardashians and Jon Olsson are fans of Lamborghini and own several models, many that are named after Spanish fighting bulls – a practice of the marque. Before the coronavirus lockdown, I had the thrilling opportunity to test drive the Huracán Performante, the top model of the Performante line, in Hong Kong.

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First impression

I have driven the previous models, but the more aggressive front of the new car immediately caught my eye, especially the ALA logo (Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva) on the forged carbon front splitter. The new aerodynamic design is the main reason for the incredible Nurburgring lap time of the car, next to the more powerful engine and reduced weight.

The attention grabbing satin orange lets bystanders know that this is not just any supercar. From the rear, the car impresses with a big fixed wing and a sharp diffuser under the dual exhaust pipes that allow the V10 engine’s mind-blowing roar. One rather interesting quirk is the countless hexagons in the design such as the side mirrors, door handles, duct vents and even the rear wings.

 Let's take it for a ride

From the moment you enter the jet fighter interior of the car, you feel certain that this will be a special ride. The interior impresses with the forged carbon design, levers and buttons and of course the many hexagonal shapes. I press the start button to fire up the engine and bang it into first gear on the seven-speed dual clutch, then make my way out into the city traffic. The visibility is good enough for daily use and the lift kit allows you to overcome the tall speed bumps with ease.

Once out of the city, the Performante is in its natural habitat. The engine crackles during the up- and down-shifts and the gears change in the blink of an eye. You can certainly feel the power of the beast, but all hell breaks loose when you change the car from Strada mode into Sport or Corsa. Suddenly the exhaust noise sharpens your mind, the suspensions gives you a perfect feel of the road, allowing you to unleash the power around Hong Kong’s hills.

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Heading back into town, I changed into Strada again. The experience makes you aware that the Performante is both a race and a road car. The imposing road presence makes you feel like a rock star and fascinated pedestrians are trying to take a photo of the roaring bull. After hours in this paralysing vehicle, I parked the car by the road and enjoyed the last roars of the 631 HP engine by pushing hard on the throttle.

 So does the Huracan Performante live up to expectations?

The car combines aggressive design lines, an engaging driving experience and spectacular road presence as few other cars can. It is understandable why car enthusiasts as well as stars are idolising this Lamborghini. It is a racing car that can be driven comfortably in an urban environment – you don’t need to go fast to enjoy the vicious V10 engine with its cracks and barks.

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