- New 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder starts at $287,400
- Electrohydraulic soft top stores in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph
- 631 horsepower V10 delivers zero-to-60 in 3.1 seconds
- New infotainment system with advanced connectivity features
Lamborghini keeps hitting new sales records, with worldwide deliveries nearly doubling for the first half of 2019. You might assume all the growth comes from a certain newly-introduced 5-door, 5-passenger model. But the reality is, over 40 percent of this growth comes from Lamborghini’s traditional area of expertise: sports cars. Having just driven the latest version of the Lamborghini Huracán it’s easy to understand why the brand is finding so much success.
Every classic Lamborghini trait from the past 56 years is present in the new 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder. Actually, more than present, they dominate the driving experience. From its sleek, distinctive styling to its uncompromised power and advanced chassis, the latest Huracán brings together every engineering lesson Lamborghini has learned in producing modern supercars. This is particularly impressive given the previous Huracán’s ability, in Performante trim, to set a new Nurburgring production car lap time.
Given this sports car’s unprecedented performance could there be much room left for improvement? The new Huracán Evo, in coupe or spyder form, is the answer to that question. It builds on the Performante’s capabilities with the latest in Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) software and processing power. This system coordinates the Huracán Evo’s active suspension, all-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, torque vectoring, steering wheel position, throttle application and braking input. A new 8.4-inch touchscreen in the Huracán Evo’s center console allows drivers to monitor the LDVI’s activity in real time.
The 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder also features a new set of comprehensive accelerators and gyroscope sensors located at the car’s center of gravity to monitor real-time lateral, longitudinal and vertical acceleration, along with the vehicle’s roll, pitch and yaw. Dubbed Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) version 2.0, it combines with a new magneto rheological suspension that Lamborghini says can instantly adjust damping rates based on feedback from the LPI system.
Also this technical wizardry might create justifiable concern around the Huracán Evo Spyder’s driver engagement. More computers doesn’t necessary mean more driver enjoyment — quite the opposite in many circumstances. The 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder doesn’t fall into this technology trap. The advanced driving systems work seamlessly in the background, enhancing (not anesthetizing) the driving experience. Lamborghini goes as far as saying the new Huracán Evo can, based on driver input, predict driver intention to deliver an even more confident driving experience.
Using Lamborghini’s ANIMA drive mode selector, located at the 6-o’clock position on the steering wheel, driver’s can select Strada, Sport or Corsa mode to further specify the Huracán Evo Spyder’s capabilities. “Strada” (Italian for street) is the Huracán’s base mode, assuming one can realistically call access to a naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter, 631 horsepower V10 “base”. In this mode throttle response feels casual, the V10′s exhaust note is compelling and the suspension provides a taught-yet-comfortable ride quality. We did notice some hesitation to downshift from the 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission under light-to-moderate throttle application.
Given the V10′s broad torque band (it offers up to 442 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm) there’s plenty of forward thrust even in higher gears. But switching the Huracán Evo Spyder’s drive mode from “Strada” to “Sport” immediately alters the transmission’s shift programming, throttle response, suspension tuning and the tone of the Huracán’s exhaust note. Lamborghini representatives described this mode as “playful”, making the Huracán Evo not only more performance minded but also more attuned to driver intention. We found this setting perfectly suited to maximum enjoyment on a twisty canyon road.
The Huracán Evo Spyder’s most aggressive driver setting, “Corsa” (Italian for race) is meant for exactly what you’d imagine. In Corsa mode every vehicle setting is intended for performance efficiency at a race facility. Corsa can be used on public roads, but ride quality, transmission behavior and exhaust tone all suggest it’s best leveraged at the track, where the Huracán Evo’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, torque vectoring and active suspension can help its driver chase, and quite possibly set, lap records.
Of course one could argue the Huracán Evo in Spyder form isn’t the best suited version for lap records, given its 265-pound weight penalty over the Huracán Evo Coupe. But if you’re willing to take on that extra poundage you’ll get all the benefits of driving an open-top Lamborghini. Looking at these images makes its quite clear — those benefits are undeniable. The 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder doesn’t just look good, top up or down, its latest aerodynamic tuning gives it more than five times the downforce and efficiency of the original Huracán Spyder.
Most convertible buyers aren’t thinking “downforce” and “efficiency” when they choose an open-air model. They want a quick, easy transition from top-up to top-down form, which the Huracán Evo Spyder delivers in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph. They also want a wind-buffet-free cabin, even at highway speeds, made possible through Huracán Evo Spyder’s retractable rear window between the upper seat backs. Finally, they want a stunning appearance, with clean body lines. Lamborghini helps this via two retractable body fins that deploy as the top disappears, continuing the Huracán’s body lines (and further reducing cabin turbulence) when the canvas roof is stowed.
Beyond checking the “Spyder” box, Huracán Evo buyers can opt for a range of new colors, including the Verde Selvans green seen in these photos. Interior and exterior packages include Alcantara leather with contrasting stitching and carbon fiber trim. The Huracán Evo Spyder rides on new 8.5-by-20-inch Aesir rims wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, sized 245/30 front and 305/30 rear. Additional wheel and tire options, along with a range of personalization features, are offered through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program.
Exercising these options will add to the 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder’s starting price of $287,400 (plus a $3,685 destination charge). Our test car’s features included power heated seats ($3,200), a smartphone interface ($3,600), 20-inch forged black Narvi rims ($6,600), a front lift system ($4,000), a carbon skin package ($4,000), contrasting stitching ($250), a dark chrome package ($2,600) and embroidered Lamborghini emblems ($1,000).
Spending that kind of money of a top-tier sports car creates an expectation of premium performance and style. Both aspects were confirmed during our 2 days driving the Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder along Southern California’s twisting canyons and through its luxury beach communities. If you’re seeking all the thrills and emotions associated with words like “Lamborghini” and “supercar experience”, this one delivers.
