*Author: Wang Congsi
At the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, on Lamborghini’s booth, we saw the world premiere of the track-only limited edition top-level sports car Essenza SCV12, the road-compliant supercar Huracán STO, which inherits the Lamborghini racing genes, and the Huracán EVO Fluorescent Special Edition, representing the new color series of the Lamborghini V10 product family, also made its debut in the Asia-Pacific market for the first time.
Thinking carefully about it, there is no longer any brand that insists on using large-displacement multi-cylinder naturally aspirated engines, but Lamborghini has been insisting on this purity for every sports car and racing car under the brand name in order to better interpret the brand’s sporty spirit and pure passion.
And this purity has been adhering to by Lamborghini from the very beginning until today.
Beginning
Don’t forget what prompted Lamborghini to start making sports cars, it was the tractor manufacturer who couldn’t stand Enzo Ferrari’s dominant position in the sports car market. It was the passionate young people of that era who used their strength to fully show the brand personality…
Change
For a long time, Lamborghini’s fate has been ups and downs, but there is always a “big bull” model constantly continuing, and there will always be enthusiasts who add them to the Dream car list. In the new century, the “little bull” model also began to flourish, increasing Lamborghini’s visibility on the street.
In 2018, Lamborghini brought us the Urus, a “wild bull” SUV. The Lamborghini, which has nothing to do with popularization, began to enter the SUV market. With the SUV trend sweeping across the world, a super SUV that can fly close to the ground was born, and Lamborghini’s stunning supercar design, extraordinary driving experience, were integrated into a multi-functional vehicle. Since then, we can also hold the steering wheel with the Lamborghini logo, shuttle through various roads, and unlock new terrains.
PersistenceThe newest track weapon showcased at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show is the Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), inspired by the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO, but also a “race car” that can be registered for road use.
Some have jokingly referred to the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show as almost a “new energy car show,” with various brands showcasing their electric cars and assisted driving technologies. However, the stubborn Lamborghini presented an extremely pure model that is powered purely by an internal combustion engine.
In this era of fully turbocharged and electrified high-performance cars, only Lamborghini persists in using large-displacement naturally aspirated engines. The 5.2L V10 engine mounted on the STO can produce 640 horsepower, pushing the whole car to scream at 8000 rpm. The linear power output of the naturally aspirated engine makes it easier to tame this rebellious beast, which is only rear-wheel drive.
The cool appearance of the Huracán STO is not just a decoration, but a transformation of Lamborghini’s experience on the racetrack. With sharp lines, sophisticated airflow design, and consideration for the engine’s cooling needs, the STO provides powerful downforce while the adjustable rear wing, which can generate nearly 450 kg of downforce at a speed of 280 km/h, keeps the entire car firmly planted on the track, allowing the driver to throw it into corners.
At the same time, the use of a large amount of carbon fiber and composite materials has reduced the car’s dry weight to only 1339 kg, lighter than a hybrid Corolla by several tens of kilograms. Although the weight reduction effect is significant, Lamborghini is never satisfied. To cope with even more intense driving conditions, the STO’s chassis has been further upgraded, with increased track width, stiffer suspension bushings, special anti-roll bars, and Lamborghini’s MagneRide 2.0. The STO retains all the emotions of a racing car, bringing the most authentic racetrack driving experience perfectly to road driving.
Lamborghini Squadra Corse Spirit
Essenza SCV12 is a track-only hypercar developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse racing department, designed by Centro Stile design center to interpret the purest track experience. As a direct successor to models such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR, the Essenza SCV12 is equipped with Lamborghini’s most powerful V12 naturally aspirated engine ever, capable of producing over 830 horsepower. Essenza SCV12 incorporates engineering solutions from racing, combining advanced aerodynamic design and cutting-edge technology to present the purest track driving experience.
From the moment the V12 engine starts, the Essenza SCV12 hits the soul of the racing driver inside out, with pure internal combustion, strengthened chassis for the track, and ultimate aerodynamic kit, etc. Every detail embodies Lamborghini’s racing spirit, stimulating the driver’s nerves.
Perhaps this type of car is the true embodiment of the Lamborghini spirit, Ferdinando’s original intention. We should be glad that under the background of the slogan of reducing emissions in this era, the Lamborghini brand is still adhering to the tradition of supercars in its own way, creating its own brand image and culture.
Enterprising
In addition, we learned from the interview at this auto show that Lamborghini will also embrace electrification in the future. This does not mean that they are no longer pure, but it is time to catch up with the new trend. Just like the launch of Urus in recent years, we cannot deny their attitude toward Lamborghini although they began to make SUVs. Urus is a car that you can see at a glance which brand it belongs to; this is Lamborghini’s style and their persistence. Regardless of any car models, they will have their own unique style.## 21st Century Automotive Industry
The first two decades of the 21st century have seen the potential of naturally aspirated engines fully realized by stubborn Lamborghini, while battery-powered electric motor technology has gradually matured. Now, it’s the perfect time to start anticipating the performance of the next generation of Lamborghini vehicles. I’m convinced that a brand with such character will remain dedicated to purity and produce cars that are every bit as distinctive as their predecessors.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.