2017 Lamborghini Huracán Performante Review

The Malaysian sports car market has always been an arena for performance and individuality, and Lamborghini, as an icon in the supercar field, never fails to excite enthusiasts with each new release. This time, we test-drove the 2017 Huracán Performante, a mid-engine supercar with a straightforward core selling point: it’s 40 kilograms lighter than the standard Huracán, gained 40 extra horsepower, and features the signature ALA active aerodynamics system. Our aim was to verify exactly how these upgrades enhance its daily driving and track performance compared to its competitors.

At first glance, you can immediately spot the differences between the Performante and the standard Huracán. The overall lines are more aggressive, the front grille has been enlarged, and the sides are fitted with ALA system air intakes. The matte carbon fiber front lip and side skirts are clearly visible, not only reducing weight but also visually making it more aggressive. On the side, the 20-inch matte black wheels are paired with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires in sizes 245/30 R20 at the front and 305/30 R20 at the rear. The wheel arches are tight, and the side vents below the doors lead directly to the engine bay, balancing functionality and design. The rear is the highlight, with the ALA system’s adjustable rear wing automatically deploying at high speeds. The carbon fiber diffuser is larger compared to the standard version, and the quad exhaust layout combined with sharply defined taillights ensures maximum recognizability—even in KLCC’s supercar-filled parking lot, it captures attention instantly.

Once inside the cockpit, the interior continues Lamborghini's combat-focused style but with an emphasis on performance-oriented materials. The seats are carbon fiber bucket designs with strong bolstering; the side supports for both the waist and thighs firmly hold the body in place, preventing any movement during aggressive driving. The steering wheel has a flat-bottomed design, is moderately sized, and provides a solid grip while integrating the start button, drive mode selector, and ALA system control—all with intuitive operational logic. The center console features an 8.4-inch touchscreen with decent responsiveness, displaying vehicle status, navigation, and media information. However, for most supercar users, these are seen as “cherry on top” features—after all, most of the time, your eyes will be fixated on the tachometer. The materials used include a generous amount of Alcantara covering the dashboard and door panels, with carbon fiber trim interspersed throughout to create a lightweight and sporty atmosphere. As for space, there isn't much to discuss. This is a two-seat sports car, with the front headroom just adequate for a driver standing 180cm tall. Storage is limited to a central armrest compartment and small door pockets, just enough for a phone and wallet. Obviously, practicality is not its main focus.

The performance specifications are the main selling point of the Performante: a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 engine delivering a maximum power of 649PS and a peak torque of 600N·m, paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission and all-wheel drive system. The moment you start the engine, the V10’s roar pierces through the cabin; even its low rumble at idle is enough to excite. In STRADA (street) mode, the power delivery is relatively tame, and the vehicle doesn’t lunge forward abruptly when accelerating, making it suitable for daily driving. Switching to SPORT mode, throttle response becomes quicker and the gear-shifting time shortens to 0.2 seconds. When you floor the pedal, the thrust starts firing forth continuously from 3,000 RPM all the way to the redline at 8,000 RPM. This smooth yet ferocious power output is something turbocharged engines cannot replicate. With 649 horsepower pushing a 1,382kg body, Lamborghini claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds, but in actual tests, it can even achieve 2.8 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is even more terrifying—it takes just 1.5 seconds to go from 80-120km/h, making overtaking at high speeds almost effortless.

In terms of handling, the Performante's performance exceeds expectations. The steering is extremely precise, with no play in the steering wheel; the amount you turn is precisely the amount the car's front end moves. The feedback is so clear that you can feel even the slightest bumps on the road. The suspension adopts an independent double-wishbone structure for both the front and rear, and its tuning is much stiffer compared to the standard version. However, in STRADA mode, it handles Kuala Lumpur's speed bumps and potholes without being as jarring as a racing car—though, compared to family vehicles, it still feels noticeably stiff. When driving on mountain roads in CORSA (track) mode, the suspension becomes stiffer, and body roll is almost negligible. The ALA system comes into play: during cornering, the inner side of the rear wing and front spoiler close while the outer side opens, increasing downforce and reducing drag at the same time, which helps the car remain stable in corners. In our cornering test at the Sepang Circuit, the Performante demonstrated a very high limit. The all-wheel-drive system efficiently transfers power to the ground, and even when pushed to the limit, the rear only slides slightly, making it very easy to control.

In terms of fuel consumption, daily driving (STRADA mode, half city and half highway) results in approximately 15 liters per 100 kilometers. During spirited driving, it can soar to over 25L. However, buyers of supercars likely won't pay too much attention to fuel consumption. The braking performance is equally outstanding, featuring 6-piston calipers at the front and 4-piston at the rear, paired with carbon-ceramic brake discs. The braking distance from 100-0 km/h is only 31 meters, and there is no noticeable thermal degradation during continuous braking.

In terms of ride comfort, the Performante is friendlier than expected. In STRADA mode, the engine noise and road noise are well-controlled, with cabin noise measuring around 65 decibels during highway cruising at 120 km/h, allowing for normal conversations. Although the seats are bucket-shaped, the cushioning is not overly hard, making it comfortable for long drives (for example, from Kuala Lumpur to Penang)—of course, this assumes you can tolerate the V10’s roar (though for car enthusiasts, this is likely considered “enjoyment”).

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2017 Huracán Performante are clear: First, the naturally aspirated V10 engine delivers linear power and a unique sound, which its competitors like the Mclaren 720S (turbocharged) and Ferrari 488 GTB (turbocharged) simply cannot match. Second, the ALA active aerodynamic system raises its track performance limits to a whole new level compared to the standard version. Third, it provides a relatively “friendly” daily driving experience—unlike some pure track-focused supercars, which are a hassle even for something as simple as a coffee run.

Compared to its rivals, the Mclaren 720S accelerates faster, but its sound is not as emotionally engaging as the Performante's. The Ferrari 488 GTB offers more agile handling but is nearly 200,000 MYR pricier than the Performante. The Performante has a very clear positioning: it is a “track weapon” that’s road-legal, capable of handling daily commutes in KL or unleashing its full performance on the Sepang Circuit.

The target audience is also very clear: first, supercar enthusiasts who value the purity of a naturally aspirated engine and Lamborghini’s brand identity; second, track-day enthusiasts who will appreciate the ALA system and lightweight design meeting their track needs; and third, players who need a car that can both “roar through the streets” and handle daily driving—after all, not everyone has the time to hang out on the track every day.

The last sentence summary: The 2017 Lamborghini Huracán Performante is a "versatile" supercar – it offers you track-level performance while also being suitable for daily driving. If you want a naturally aspirated supercar that is both impressive and practical, it is definitely a top 3 choice at this price point.