- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
5.2i, 10 cyl.
- Engine Power
449kW, 560Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 12.3L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Lamborghini Huracan Spyder 2018 Review
Winter may seem like an unusual time to review a convertible, but the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder isn’t your usual drop-top.
It’s a V10-powered supercar that just happens to be available without a fixed roof. The standard Huracan is an awesome machine, with a great engine and track-capable handling. Losing the roof adds another element of theatre, bringing its occupants closer to its amazing soundtrack and adding wind-through-you-hair thrills.
- Lamborghini looks
- Audi build quality
- Sounds fantastic
- Poor visibility
- Cramped cabin
- Expensive to buy and maintain
Is it right for me?
For starters you’ll need a fair amount of disposable income to afford one, but you’ll also need to be the right personality. That’s because the Huracan Spyder attracts attention wherever it goes, thanks to its combination of eye-catching looks and ear-splitting exhaust note. This is not a car for shrinking violets.
Can I afford it ?
As they say, if you have to ask then you can’t. The Huracan Spyder starts at $471,000 (plus on-road costs), which is a $40,000 premium over the coupe version. While that’s certainly expensive it’s comparable to similar supercar drop-tops.
The Ferrari 488 Spider starts at $526,888 and the McLaren 570S Spider is priced from $435,750. Even the Huracan’s German cousin, the Audi R8 V10 plus Spyder costs $424,500.
What do you get for your money?
The question with Lamborghini isn’t so much ‘can you afford it?’ rather ‘how much can you afford?’ That’s because there is a veritable smorgasbord of options and extras to customise your Huracan to your precise tastes.
That $471k is just a starting-off point. Sure, you get a front-end lift kit, navigation, Bluetooth and electric and heated seats as standard, but from there the limit of the price is really your imagination.
Our test car was loaded with more than $90,000 worth of extras including big ticket items like the $27,500 ‘Ad Personam Glitter Paint’ and $10,140 20-inch high gloss black alloy wheels. There are also smaller items like cruise control ($1400), floor mats ($1000) and parking sensors with reversing camera ($5700) that you could reasonably expect to be included in the asking price.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Unlike some of its key rivals, such as Ferrari which covers the first seven years of maintenance, Lamborghini still charges for servicing. The company quotes approximately $5950 for the first three years of servicing - so it’s expensive to own, not just buy.
Is it well built?
Another optional extra is a five-year warranty but that costs $13,400, so you may think long and hard before you take that up.
While the Italian car maker had reputation in the past for building temperamental machines, since Audi took control of the brand it has instilled German build-quality standards and the Huracan feels very feel put together.
What are the Standout features?
It’s a convertible Lamborghini - the whole car is a standout feature.
What does it have that others don't?
The appeal of the Huracan is that ‘look at me’ style and attitude that’s inherent in every Lamborghini. It may share a lot in common with the Audi R8 underneath but on the surface the Italian brand has given the Huracan a look that screams ‘Lamborghini’ - even without any rampaging bull badges you’d know in an instant this is a Lambo.
In a world where more and more brands are building supercars (like Audi, Mercedes-AMG and McLaren) Lamborghini has a history and heritage that few others can rival.
How practical is it?
Not very. Practicality is for other cars. The Huracan Spyder is for looking good and going fast.
Is it comfortable?
Yes and no. The seats themselves are excellent, holding you tightly so you have support when pushing on but without feeling tight as sports car bucket seats often can.
However, the cabin itself is very small. With the roof in place anyone over 180cm will touch the soft-top. Also, anyone around that height, or with long legs, will feel slightly cramped by the space in the footwell that doesn’t allow you to stretch your legs out straight.
Even with the roof stowed, which is a quick and easy operation, this reviewer had visibility problems through the steeply raked windscreen.
Easy in, easy out?
Accessing the cabin itself is a little tricky by regular car standards, but for a supercar it’s actually pretty straightforward. Because the Huracan is built around a strong aluminium backbone there is a large sill to climb over, but Lamborghini has managed to get it nice and low so it’s not the tricky stretch that it has been in other supercars with similarly wide side sills.
Of course, it is a low-slung car so you do have to drop down and into the seats which isn’t the easiest move for taller people, especially with the roof up. Stow the lid though and it becomes a breeze to get in, simply open the door and you can jump over the side sill and lower into the seat.
Space and versatility?
There’s no rear storage, only a small space under the bonnet where you can squeeze and overnight suitcase or a couple of soft bags.
What's the engine like?
The engine is the star of the show. In a world of downsized, turbocharged engines Lamborghini has stayed faithful to the big capacity, naturally-aspirated motor. The 5.2-litre V10 unit makes 449kW of power and 560Nm of torque but it’s appeal is about more than just the on paper numbers.
The sound of the V10, especially as it approaches its rev limit beyond 8000rpm, is as good as anything on the road today. It’s the kind of mechanical scream that makes you fall in love with a car, while reminding you of what we’ll miss with the rise of electric cars.
Getting all the power to the road is easy too, thanks to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system that helps it provide stable traction.
How much fuel does it consume?
Short answer - a lot. Technically, Lamborghini claims a combined urban/freeway consumption figure of 12.5-litres per 100km, which is thirsty even for a V10.
But if you’re worrying about fuel consumption you’re looking at the wrong car.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
The appeal of the Huracan Spyder is it’s great to drive in any circumstance - from the racetrack to commuting to work it’s a special experience from behind the wheel.
The engine has excellent flexibility and coupled with the automatic transmission you can select one of three driving modes - Strada (street), Sport and Corsa (track) - depending on the situation.
In Strada you can comfortably cruise with the wind in your hair, but dial up Sport or Corsa and the Huracan becomes more focused and engaging. But no matter the setting, you’re only one stab of your right foot away from unleashing the ferocity of the big V10 engine.
The steering is nicely weighted and direct, and the ride is obviously firm for maximum cornering grip but never feels too harsh.
The only challenge to living with the Huracan day-to-day is how low the front-end is, so you have to constantly be aware of speed bumps, potholes, driveways or any serious dip in the road surfaces to avoid scraping the bumper. The lift kit helps but you need to engage it first, so you have to be mindful of your surroundings.
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Does it perform as you expect?
There are obviously some limitations with the Huracan Spyder - its practicality and price will certainly not appeal to all - but it’s otherwise a deeply loveable supercar.
The more focused coupe will be more attractive to the enthusiast driver but the showiness and drama of the Spyder makes it something truly special.