Homologation is a sacred act in the car world. It is a ritual where manufacturers make road-legal versions of their race cars to meet the racing regulations. Lamborghini has gone to great lengths to create the purest race car experience for the streets, leading to the manifestation of the Huracan Super Trofeo Omologata — STO for short.
Squadra Corse, the madmen behind this supercar of supercars, took inspiration from the race-winning Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO to create the STO. Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali calls the Huracan STO "the purest incarnation of Lamborghini Squadra Corse heritage".
Equipped with the familiar naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10, the Huracan STO puts out 640hp and 565Nm of torque, more power than the race cars it was based on. The rear-wheel drive super sports car puts down its power like no other, catapulting from a standstill to 100kph in just three seconds, 200kph in nine seconds, and reaching a top speed 310kph.
Keeping this insane rate of speed in check is a set of motorsport-derived carbon-ceramic disc brakes. The Brembo CCM-R brakes are made from F1 grade materials that are more thermal and stress-resistant than other road-based carbon-ceramic brakes. The brakes lend to a more consistent feel and performance even after hard laps around a track.
Riding on bespoke Bridgestone Potenza tyres, the Huracan STO sports Lamborghini's MagneRide 2.0 suspension, with stiffer bushings and custom anti-roll bars. The rear-wheel steering system has been recalibrated for a race environment, providing a more responsive turn-in and improved cornering stability. In combination with the high-revving engine, quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and supreme road-handling characteristics, the Huracan STO will surely give their lucky owners an authentic race car experience.
While the powertrain remains tried and tested, Lamborghini has pulled out all the stops when it comes to making aerodynamics work for them. The Huracan STO sports an evolutionary design over the standard Huracan, taking bits and pieces from its race-bred precursors sculpted to optimise airflow around the car.
In collaboration with Lamborghini's R&D department, their Centro Stille design department has created what is dubbed as a 'Confango', a one-piece front fascia comprising the hood, fenders, front bumper and integrated front splitter. Made entirely out of carbon fibre, the 'Confango' is entirely race-derived, focusing on lightness and ease of access. Simultaneously, the louvres, splitters and air ducts manage airflow over and under the front for increased downforce. If you need some front storage, this really isn't the car for you.
The rear of the Huracan STO is even more 'racecar', with a redesigned engine cover and rear-end lifted straight from the Super Trofeo EVO. The engine cover features an integrated air scoop to improve airflow and engine cooling. The 'shark fin' on the engine cover aids in controlling the airflow over the rear particularly during cornering, and ensuring the massive rear wing gets consistent airflow to keep it generating downforce efficiently.
Ah yes, the rear wing. Manually adjustable, and easy to set-up, the two-tiered wing optimises aerodynamic balance and drag resistance according to track characteristics. The rear fender is another piece brought on from the Super Trofeo EVO, mainly optimised for airflow and rear downforce. NACA ducts on the fenders function as the engine's air intake, feeding the ferocious V10 with much-needed oxygen.
The overall aerodynamic package the Huracan STO brings to the table is nothing short of spectacular with the best aero-balance for a rear-wheel drive car in its class. Comparing to the Huracan Performante, the Huracan STO gains 53 per cent more downforce while remaining more aerodynamically efficient, the holy grail of air management.
Another critical aspect of the Huracan STO is its weight, or lack there off. 75 per cent of the exterior panels are made from aerospace-grade carbon fibre. Items like the thinner windshield and lightweight magnesium rims all help bring down the Huracan STO weight to just 1,339kg.
The interior follows the exterior's lightweight ethos, with custom features such as full-carbon seats, Alcantara interior and full-carbon door panels. The race car influence is apparent with the four-point seatbelts and rear storage for helmets. Moreover, the Huracán STO owners can fully personalise their cars' exterior and interior via the Ad Personam personalisation program.
The central touchscreen grants control for all the cars ANIMA driving modes. Lamborghini created three new drive-modes for the Huracan STO, namely STO, Trofeo and Pioggia. STO is the default setting for daily driving for all road conditions. Pioggia is rain mode meant to increase traction control, rear-wheel steering and ABS optimisation for wet situations. Trofeo is the full-on race mode, maximising the torque vectoring and performance traction control for the best lap time. The new Brake Temperature Monitoring (BTM) system allows the driver to continually check the braking system's temperature and manage the system's wear during its life cycle.
Priced at an eye-watering USD328,000 (RM1.31 million before taxes), the Huracan STO cost significantly more than the Huracan Performante. While the elite few may justify this dramatic price hike due to the exclusivity, this supercar isn't just any other showroom queen. The Huracan STO is a raging bull in the purest sense of the word, a track-focused beast that undeniably steely nerves to tame it.
