2017 Lamborghini Huracan RWD Coupe

No matter where you rank Lamborghini among supercar marques, we can all admit there’s a certain mystique that has always surrounded them. Whether it’s that unique sound, their flying wedge shape, or just their undeniable sex appeal. None of that has changed with the latest Huracan to come our way, though there’s definitely something different about it.

You sure can’t tell by looking at it, but there is indeed something different about this 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Coupe. There’s still the same fantastic-sounding V10 mounted mid-ship. But, the power that it produces is now strictly funneled to the rear wheels instead of all four. 

You might think all-wheel-drive would be better for handling, but in many ways this rear-drive setup is better still; thanks to a lighter front end that is more willing to turn in, along with inherent AWD understeer that’s now drastically decreased. Not to mention that oversteer is much easier to come by too. 

Removal of the front drive shafts and other bits, and thus weight, also forced a recalibration of the suspension.

The Coupe’s horsepower rating is down a bit from 602 with all-wheel drive, to 571 in rear-wheel-drive. But, with almost all of the naturally-aspirated V10’s 398 lb-ft. of torque available right from the get go, you certainly won’t notice. 

After a few laps around Savannah, Georgia’s Roebling Road Raceway, we can report that this Huracan still goes about its business with effortless efficiency. It’s truly impressive how easy it is to get comfortable behind the wheel of this exotic, and there is still immense grip for clinging through corners. 

We’ve read some reviewers that complain about the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission not being as good as some other units, but we found no fault with it; as at full throttle, shifts are quick and super firm, yet smooth enough not to upset things should you trigger one mid-corner. 

Lamborghini’s ANIMA drive modes means there’s both Sport and Corsa for track work; we found Corsa to give a near perfect experience. 

This Huracan will do close to 200 if you have a straight long enough, and while Roebling’s isn’t quite that long, there is enough straight to nudge 170. Hitting the brakes at that speed got immediate results with parachute-like deceleration, though they did start to fade a bit towards the end of each session.

This mid-engine exotic still feels well- balanced and light on its feet. So it’s not a huge departure from its all-wheel-drive counterpart, but the steering sure is more responsive. Where the 610 steering seemed heavy and a little hesitant, here in the 580, things feel super quick and almost immediate. 

The flying-wedge shape produces plenty of downforce, making the whole vehicle very aero dependent; and clearly the Huracan is not made to be driven with the windows down, as you get some serious wind buffeting in the cabin when speeds approach triple digits.

And that’s kind of a bummer, since this thing sounds amazing as always, and we like to take advantage of every opportunity there is to hear it sing. 

We never pass up opportunities to do acceleration runs either, and without the all-wheel-drive grip, this Huracan is a little trickier to launch, but launch mode helps you make the best of it, sprinting to 60 in 3.2–seconds. 

No shenanigans throughout the ¼-mile, just heaps of power pouring on, barely interrupted by crazy-fast shifts, as we worked our way to the end of the ¼-mile in 11.2–seconds at 130 miles-per-hour.

Of course, Lamborghinis tend to look fast even sitting still, and this Huracan is no different. Our tester’s “Verde Mantis” green color, somehow seems beautiful yet blinding at the same time; but ultimately very befitting of an Italian supercar.

That sexy body, gorgeously covers the Huracan’s hybrid aluminum and carbon fiber chassis. 

Though its cockpit still seems made for compact Italians more than full-size Americans, it’s a space we’ll fold ourselves into any time. The seats are very firm and hugging, really giving it a competition feel.  

The Aventador may still be the big bull in the Lamborghini stable, but you’ll not be missing much if you have to “settle” for an Huracan. 

Government Fuel Economy Ratings remind you you’re dealing with a V10; 14-City, 21-Highway, and 17–Combined.

Do you get a significant break in pricing thanks to only 2-wheels powering you down the road? Why yes you do, the Rear Wheel Drive Coupe starts at $204,595, almost 40-grand less than the all-wheel-drive version. 

So, there’s no denying that the Lamborghini Huracan is fully a member of the supercar elite. And as is usually the case, Lamborghini will keep adding variations on the theme until eventually there’s an Huracan for everyone; at least one can hope. For now, this 2017 Rear Wheel Drive Coupe is at the top of our wish list.