The Lamborghini Huracan Performante is dead. All hail the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Omologata (STO). The V10-powered supercar that once held the Nurburgring lap record has been replaced by an even more potent track-focused yet fully street-legal Huracan. Lamborghini claims it's packed with technology and aerodynamics derived from the Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO racecars.
The Huracan STO is, according to the automaker, "the purest incarnation of Lamborghini Squadra Corse heritage" packed into a street-homologated supercar. Aside from its aggressive exterior, the Huracan STO boasts a naturally aspirated V10, an engine type that's quickly becoming extinct. Ferrari, for example, has dropped natural aspiration in favor of turbocharging. But the question is not if Lamborghini will make another attempt at the Ring lap record, but rather when. The new Huracan STO, at least on paper, has everything needed to make history once again.
Entirely New Exterior Design
The Huracan STO might look like the Huracan Performante, but there are major differences aimed at optimizing airflow and aerodynamics. Up front, the hood, fenders and bumper consist of a single lightweight unit (called "cofango" in Italian) whose design inspiration came from two legends: the Miura and Sesto Elemento. New air duct designs on the hood increase airflow through the central radiator to help generate downforce. This single unit is shaped to push airflow on top of the fenders to aid in frontal downforce. A set of 20-inch magnesium wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tires in two configurations are standard.
The rear fender helps reduce drag and aids in aero efficiency. Also out back is the new engine cover with an integrated air scoop for better engine cooling. That snorkel sucks in air which is then managed by deflectors in the rear hood's frame. An integrated shark fin helps with cornering abilities while the adjustable rear wing further aids aerodynamics. Overall airflow efficiency increases by 37 percent and downforce by 53 percent compared to the Huracan Performante. All told, the Huracan STO has the highest level of downforce in its segment and best overall aero balance for a RWD supercar.
Lightweight Interior Materials Throughout
Like the exterior, the Huracan STO's interior continues with the lightweight focus thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and Alcantara. Examples include carbon fiber floor mats, door panels, and door opening latch. Four-point seatbelts remind the driver and passenger this thing is designed for the track; there's even a racing helmet storage compartment in the front trunk.
Lamborghini has also updated the touchscreen's HMI graphics, making it easier for drivers to monitor important information like tire pressure and brake temperatures. A fully connected telemetry system enables drivers to monitor and record their track performance. Upon completion, this data can be downloaded directly to a specially-developed app.
Buyers have the option of customizing some aspects of both the interior and exterior, with a range of color combinations and race-style body graphics.
Power And Performance
Like every Huracan variant, the STO is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10, now tuned to produce 640 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch, the sole transmission available, directs that power to the rear wheels only. Thanks to the powerful engine and a reduced curb weight of 2,951 pounds, the STO can go from 0-62 mph in just three seconds flat and will proceed to 124 mph in only nine seconds. Top speed is clocked at nearly 193 mph.
To aid in stopping power, the STO comes equipped with CCM-R carbon-ceramic brakes, resulting in it coming to standstill from 62 mph in 98 feet.
The combination of horsepower, aerodynamics, lightweight components, and powerful brakes all indicate one thing: the Huracan STO is heading to the Nurburgring, though Lamborghini has yet to make this official.
Pricing And Competition
Like all Lamborghinis, the 2022 Huracan STO doesn't come cheap. Pricing will begin at $327,838, not included taxes and destination. Customer deliveries will get underway in spring 2021.
There's actually a range of mid-engined supercars on the market today, but only three are true Huracan STO rivals: the Ferrari 488 Pista, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and the latest Nurburgring lap record holder, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. If Lamborghini wants to set a new record, then it'll have to smash the AMG's 6:43.616 lap time. To compare, the Huracan Performante did the deed in 6:52.01 while the 911 GT RS, though modified from stock form, lapped the circuit in 6:40.3.
Hopefully, Lamborghini will be making a trip to Germany next year.