a powerhouse

There might have been something magical to the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. To a man, Ultimate Drives participants would clamber out of the snub-nosed, low-slung two-seater with a smile on their face, and an enthusiastic appreciation for the exquisite sports car that it is. “The Lambo was just bonkers,” said Ian Chong. “It was mad.”

But magic is not necessary, as Lambo fans will know — just the daring and uncompromising engineering that we expect from the iconic Italian marque. The Huracan is the sophomore V10-equipped car from Lamborghini, replacing the popular Gallardo. The Performante, released in 2017, is an updated, track-oriented version of the 2014 Huracan, and features a bevy of updates across the chassis and engine.

Its dynamics made a definite impact. “The moment I took a corner in it, I thought ‘okay, this wins,’” said Brandon Tan. “The car is extremely well-balanced,” added Ruban Rajalingam. “The road holding is exceptionally great. It’s very powerful, very nimble.” Of course, its 5.2-litre V10 engine impressed as well – particularly in the Penchala Tunnel, where its spirited symphony was most pronounced. Its 640bhp output was the highest of the event.

Although it was generally agreed that the Huracan was not the most practical of vehicles, many found it to be a surprisingly manageable drive. “It really, really surprised me,” said Alexander Batty. “I was expecting a little bit of a monster, but the Huracan is a little bit of a pussy cat when you want it. It’s a fantastic road car, an everyday car.” Added Aria Singham: “For something which is that fast, it’s easy to handle. The four-wheel drive is amazing. And the sound of the V10 — you can’t replicate that.”

The lack of rear seats did not bother everyone, however. “It’s not much of a family car, but for single guy like me, it’s perfect!” said John Justin Tey. “It’s amazing. It’s a different animal.”

Lamborghini