Rumors of a rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini Huracan have been flying around since 2014, when when CEO Stephan Winkelman said the Italian brand sees no reason to "not do a rear-drive option." More than a year has passed since then, and Lambo->ke44 finally unveiled the RWD Huracan at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.->ke211

Dubbed Huracan LP 580-2, the new entry-level, rear-wheel-drive sports car is by no means a surprising move from Sant'Agata Bolognese. Much like the standard Huracan->ke4345 replaced the Gallardo,->ke375 the RWD arrives as a spiritual successor to the Gallardo LP 550-2, which Lambo launched in 2010 as the lowest priced model in the Gallardo line-up. Just like its predecessor, the Huracan LP 580-2 is more than just a RWD version of the regular Huracan, having a less powerful engine and revised front and rear fascias.

Engineered and tuned for an even more intense driving experience, the LP 580-2 is described as "the purest expression of a Lamborghini to date." In other words, it is aimed at purists who would rather drive a tail-happy sports car->ke506 than an AWD Lambo that's safer, but less exciting to hoon around.

If the Gallardo LP 550-2 is any indication, the Huracan LP 580-2 should be followed by a roadster->ke1418 and a more powerful version. But, until that happens, let's have a closer look at the very first RWD iteration of the Huracan.

Updated 01/07/2016: Lamborghini dropped a new video showing the rear wheel drive version of the Huracán Coupe in action on the race track. Hit 'play' to watch it!

Continue reading to learn more about the Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2.

2016 Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2
  • Engine/Motor: V10
  • Horsepower: 571 @ 8000
  • Torque: 398 @ 6500
  • Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Although it borrows most of its styling cues from its all-wheel-drive sibling, the LP 580-2 looks quite different from the front. That's because Lambo redesigned the entire bumper section, reshaping the air intakes. Unlike the LP 610-4, which had a two-piece grille with honeycomb mesh on the sides, the LP 580-2 has a three-piece layout with a taller center section. The side intakes have horizontal canards that help direct cooling air and increase downforce on the front axle.

Changes are less noticeable around back, but the LP 580-2 did receive a slightly revised diffuser and a new three-piece grille under the taillights and spoiler. While I can't really decide which version has the better looking front end, I find the LP 580-2 to be the prettier one from the rear.

Rounding off the car's exterior is a set of new 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli PZero tires specifically developed for the Huracan's rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

2,620 MM (103.14 Inches)

Length

4,459 MM (175.55 Inches)

Width

1,924 MM (75.74 Inches)

Width (incl. exterior mirrors)

2,236 MM (88.03 Inches)

Height

1,165 MM (45.86 Inches)

Track front

1,668 MM (65.66 Inches)

Track rear

1,620 MM (63.77 Inches)


Interior

Lamborghini had nothing to say about the car's interior, but it's safe to assume it's identical to the rear-wheel-drive Huracan. As a brief refresher, the Huracan gained a brand-new interior with a revised instrument cluster, updated sports seats, a new steering wheel, and a large, 12.3-inch TFT display. The cockpit is packed with carbon-fiber, fine leather, and Alcantara surfaces, and the upholstery is available in a wide range of colors with contrast stitching. Just like the standard model, the rear-wheel-drive Huracan can be customized via Ad Personam, Lamborghini's very own personalization program.

Drivetrain

Motivation is provided by the same high-revving, 5.2-liter V-10, but output has been tuned down to 571 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. That's a 31-horsepower and 15-pound-feet reduction compared to the LP 610-4. The oomph travels to the rear wheels through the same seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox.

The big news here is that the lack of an all-wheel-drive system makes the LP 580-2 73 pounds lighter than the standard model (3,062 pounds).

Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes 3.4 seconds, only 0.2 seconds slower than the LP 610-4. Top speed is rated at 199 mph, a three-mph drop from the LP 610-4.

As in other Huracan models, the LP 580-2 features cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. When full engine capacity is not required, five of the ten cylinders are temporarily deactivated. The result is a fuel consumption of only 11.9 liters per 100 km on the combined circle and carbon-dioxide emissions of 278 g/km.

Like the LP 610-4, the LP 580-2 uses a custom setup for springs and anti-roll bars on double wishbone suspension, which improves torsional stiffness by 50% compared to the Gallardo LP 550-2.

Stopping power comes from steel rotors and aluminum calipers. The AWD Huracan has carbon-ceramic rotors.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

Ten-cylinder V, 90°, IDS+MPI dual injection

Displacement

5,204 cm

Bore / stroke

84,5 mm x 92,8 mm

Valve control

Intake and exhaust camshafts with continually variable adjustment

Compression

12.7 : 1

Max. power

571 HP @ 8,000 RPM

Max. torque

398 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM

Emissions class

EURO 6

Exhaust treatment

Four catalysts with lambda regulation

Cooling system

Water and oil cooling systems

Engine Management

Bosch MED 17
Master Slave

Lubrication

Dry sump

Type

Rear-wheel drive

Transmission

7-speed LDF dual-clutch transmission, shift characteristics variable via Drive Select Mode

Top Speed

320 KM/H (199 MPH)

0–100 km/h (62 mph)

3.4 seconds

0–200 km/h (124 mph)

10.1 seconds


Prices

Pricing for the Huracan LP 580-2 starts from €150,000 (about $159,560) + tax in Europe. For reference, the Huracan LP 610-4 is priced from €201,000 (around $213,840). There's no word as to whether the RWD Huracan will cross the pond to the United States.

Competition

Ferrari 488 GTB

When it comes to rear-wheel-drive machines, the Ferrari 488 GTB is the Huracan LP 580-2's newest competitor. Developed to replace the already iconic 458 Italia, the 488 boasts updated styling, a refreshed interior, and a brand-new powerplant. Unlike both its predecessor and the Huracan, the 488 GTB ditched the naturally aspirated engine in favor of a turbocharged, 3.9-liter V-8. The new powerplant cranks out 660 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque and pushes the Ferrari from 0 to 62 in only three seconds. Its top speed is also superior to the Huracan at 205 mph.

Find out more about the Ferrari 488 GTB here.

McLaren 650S

Created specifically to take on the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Lamborghini Huracan, the McLaren 650S will be on the market just enough to cross swords with both the 488 GTB and LP 580-2. Blending styling cues from both the MP4-12C and the P1 supercar, the 650S is also a RWD supercar and, uses a turbo V-8. Its 3.8-liter engine generates 640 horses and 500 pound-feet of torque, which hit the pavement through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The 650S screams from 0 to 62 mph in only three seconds and hits a top speed of 207 mph.

Read more about the McLaren 650S here.

Conclusion

Needless to say, the LP 580-2 is a welcome addition to the Huracan family. The RWD supercar will definitely keep purists happy, despite not being as powerful as the AWD model. Those in need of more horsepower shouldn't worry though, as Lamborghini is likely already working on a successor to the Gallardo LP 550-2 Balboni. My only complaint with the 580-2 is that it doesn't come with a manual transmission, but given today's environment, I'm not surprised Lambo opted to not offer one.

Updated History

Updated 12/14/2015: Lamborghini dropped a first promo video for its latest addition to the Huracan lineup: the new LP 580-2. According to the company, the rear wheel drive version of the Huracan was created to give its driver a pure "fun to drive" experience. Hit "play" to see how!

Updated 11/24/2015: Lamborghini dropped a new video in which it highlights the world debut of the LP580-2 at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.