The driver cocpit of the PB Supercars Huracan
The Lamborghini Gallardo, the predecessor to the Huracan
Replacing the Gallardo
The Lamborghini Gallardo was a real gamechanger. It marked a shift to a more accessible Lamborghini designed for the everyday supercar buyer, but retaining the brand’s iconic performance. With their new owners, the Volkswagen Group, having a greater influence, the Gallardo and the new Audi R8 were developed in tandem to allow for resources and technology to be shared across the brands, including the use of the same chassis for both models. Using components and technology not only streamlined production, but also made maintenance and servicing a much simpler task with service centres able to use tools and parts for both the Gallardo and R8. This made for a very compelling argument for drivers to consider these cars over a Ferrari or McLaren.
The result was an instant success and the Gallardo stayed in production for 10 years, ultimately becoming the company's best seller up until very recently when it was usurped by the Huracan and now the Urus. The numbers sold were a revelation at the time for Lamborghini and moved the brand, as they hoped, into the more everyday supercar market, a space where they continue to occupy today. The Gallardo finished production with sales of 14,000 with the Huracan now exceeding 20,000 cars. Both will eventually be eclipsed by the Urus which has already sold 20,000 units despite only being in production for 4 years. That however is not really a fair fight with the SUV Urus being aimed at a totally different market than the Huracan with a much broader remit.
With the Gallardo being so loved by fans, the task of the Huracan as its replacement was a daunting one. Lamborghini wanted to capitalise on the success and continue the momentum the Gallardo had given them. They had managed to take a fair chunk of the supercar market, and Lamborghini needed to keep up the pressure on Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren and even their own stablemate, the Audi R8, which was producing its own impressive sales figures.
Here comes the Huracan
Using the lessons from the Gallardo, the Huracan and a remodelled Audi R8 shared a chassis and many other technological and engineering ideas. The cars share about 70% of parts, including the engine, the drivetrain, brakes and the AWD system. It was launched to the world at Geneva to much fanfare and Lamborghini believed they were onto a winner.
The Huracan didn’t disappoint. The early reviews were positive and the Huracan would go on to repeat the Gallardo’s success and even surpass it. AutoExpess gave it 5 out of 5 stars, stating “the way the Huracan covers ground is truly astonishing” and Top Gear marked the Huracan 9 out of 10, claiming it returns the Huracan “to the entry-level supercar top table”.
The iconic Lamborghini Miura (1967)
Lamborghini Countach (1985). How many had this poster oin their wall?
The Legacy
Lamborghini Miura (1966-1973).
This has to be number one given it is widely regarded as the first real supercar. The innovative mid-engined set-up and legendary design was groundbreaking at the time. The Miura also has the flavour of 1960s style and class which makes it almost mythical. Those not familiar with the Miura, it was the car featured in the opening credits of the Italian Job effortlessly flying through the Italian Alps. Owned by Miles Davis and Rod Stewart in the 1970’s, the Miura is associated with everything cool. If you want one now, then you will need to have a spare $2 million.
The Huracan (2014-present).
The Huracan is a magnificent car and will be seen as one of the greatest Lambos. Not only does it have superb performance and handling, it has the look of a classic supercar.
Lamborghini Countach (1974-1990).
Should the Countach be number 1? We’re not convinced. It is fondly remembered, mainly due to the 1980’s rivalry with the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959, with whom it battled to be the world’s greatest supercar of the era. However, how many drivers actually managed to experience the Countach? They were rare and the likelihood of ever seeing one on the London streets was remote. In total, under 2,000 were ever shipped making it too exclusive compared to the Huracan. Great car, but maybe too elusive. The Countach will always be the poster boy for Lamborghini though.
The Gallardo (2003-2013).
It was a tremendous car and with its AWD technology and head turning design makes it a classic, and one we could actually have the opportunity to drive.
Lamborghini Murcielago (2001-2010).
Another amazing Lamborghini which succeeded the Diablo, a car which maybe should be in the top 5. The only reason we chose the Murcielago over the Diablo is the latter was produced at a time when Lamborghini was struggling as a top class manufacturer and its reputation is a little tarnished. The result was the Murcielago was a significantly better car to drive and easier to live with. The Murcielago shipped significantly more units than the Countach, but it wasn't until the arrival of the Gallardo that we saw the transformation of Lamborghini into the powerhouse we see today.
Is there anything more cool than a Lamborghini Huracan police car?
An example of the Huracan with a bespoke body kit
What makes the Huracan a real classic is its relatively widespread ownership, not only with the rich and famous, but the everyday supercar fan. The Huracan is not an unusual sight on the London streets, especially if you know where to look. All over the globe, we see them at local hangouts, track days, at GT events and even as police cars.
They are also highly customisable. Unlike some other marques, Lamborghini attracts a certain customer base that see themselves as disruptors. They have no qualms in taking their Huracan and individualising it. For example, Ferrari owners tend to want to stay with the accepted Ferrari look, even struggling to deviate from the classic red. Huracan owners have no such issues, with hundreds of modification companies offering unusual paint jobs and body kits all designed to imprint their owners personalities onto the car.
In 20 years, how will we judge the Huracan?
Firstly, it will be remembered for its unforgiving design. The Huracan looks like a supercar and makes a real statement. The Huracan’s aerodynamic silhouette is exactly how we see the car of the future. It will age well.
We will look back at its powerful performance and the deep growl produced by the fabulous V10, one of the great engines. As we move to quieter hybrid and fully electric vehicles, that deep Huracan sound will stir glorious memories.
The driver’s cockpit is designed to provide power and luxury. It is packed with high quality materials and the driving experience will be seen as one of the greatest thrills of all time.
