MOTORING, L A STYLE
It’s hard to beat Malibu in a Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder.
The good news came in an email from Lamborghini’s public relations team. They planned to send the new Huracan EVO Spyder to my driveway for a few days of evaluation. But bad news soon followed. The scintillating supercar was rerouted to Texas for an event and we’d have to reschedule. Bummer. Mere moments later, Lamborghini asked if I’d like the Huracan during my visit to the LA Auto Show. I quickly agreed before they changed plans again. Good move.
Head to the Shore
In and around downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood or even Beverley Hills were not on my venue list for this stylish, fast Italian. On the other hand, Malibu had all the ingredients I could wish for; scenic views, trendy venues and legendary drive routes through the nearby canyons. And we found splendid luxury accommodations at the Malibu Beach Inn, nestled in the beachfront homes of Hollywood’s elite.
The Huracan arrived by transport at the Inn before we did and was placed next to a lovely Rolls-Royce Black Badge Dawn convertible. Not bad for the opening move. And although our lovely room had wonderful views, we quickly unpacked and retrieved the Lamborghini to assure that its performance matched its curb appeal. Spoiler alert – it did indeed.
Thrill Ride
Over the years and through a handful of parent companies, Lamborghini has managed to maintain its brand passion. It steadfastly refuses to offer products that are not flamboyant. When asked about his Lamborghini, the late Malcolm Forbes answered that it was not a car for the introvert. And the automaker’s CEO told me at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours that owner passion sustains the brand.
The drama begins when you slide behind the wheel and raise the cage that covers the start button as if it’s protecting a missile launch control. And when the 610 HP, 10-cylinder engine awakes through multiple, tuned trumpets, the launch analogy is upheld. Once underway, the Huracan is a joy to drive, whether stylishly cruising up the coast highway in STRADA mode or dialing up SPORT for bellicose corner carving through the mountains. Lamborghini suggests that the sporty mode selection allows “drifting fun”. It also asserts a 3.5-second race to 60 MPH on the way to a 200MPH top speed. But I resisted those tests since orange coveralls just aren’t my fashion choice.
Arriving
Along with our test-driving chores, we were able to measure the Huracan Spyder’s suitability for panache, arriving at Geoffrey’s Malibu for lunch. The valet met us with enthusiasm and the car was appropriately positioned in the posh restaurant’s most visible location. So while there are plenty of quick cars to choose from, few are what we might wish for to take us to our school reunion. To that end, the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder clearly says you’ve arrived.
THE FINE PRINT
2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder
TYPE: Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
ENGINE: 5.2-liter V10
HORSEPOWER: 610 @ 8,000 RPM
TORQUE: 413 lb.ft. @ 6,500 RPM
BASE PRICE: $230,266
AS TESTED: $288,411
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 13-city, 18-highway, 15-combined
