Lamborghini Huracan Evo 2019 review: can it topple the McLaren 720S?

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Just weeks before it makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the critics have delivered their verdicts on Lamborghini’s new Huracan Evo.

Unveiled online earlier this month, the new model is based on the Italian marque’s outgoing Huracan LP610-4. Upgrades to the supercar’s bodywork and performance mean it’s been given a more track-focused edge than its predecessor.

Since its unveiling, critics have been putting the new supercar through its paces at the Bahrain International Circuit. How will it stack up against its key rivals – the McLaren 720S and the Ferrari 488 GTB?

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Here’s what the experts are saying:

Reviews

Autocar says the original Huracan could be a “frustrating car both on road and track” as it lacked the front-end grip of its McLaren and Ferrari rivals.

But all this changes with the Huracan Evo, says the magazine. The new model’s rear-wheel steering feature means the car turns into corners immediately, making it far more “engaging” to drive than the standard Huracan.

Car magazine agrees, hailing the updated supercar as “pin-point accurate” when it’s in the track-focused Corsa driver setting and “an oversteer-hungry hooligan” when it’s in Sport mode.

But the magazine says the Ferrari 488 GTB is “marginally more exciting” than the Huracan Evo, while the McLaren 720S offers a “purer” driving experience.

Still, Auto Express reckons the Huracan Evo is a “considerable step up” on the old LP610-4. It delivers a “visceral and exciting driving experience”, and yet it’s easier to drive than the outgoing model.

A redesigned cabin packed with technology and a powerful V10 engine mean the Huracan Evo is “the most advanced Lamborghini ever”, the motoring magazine concludes.

Price and release

The Huracan Evo is due to hit showrooms shortly after its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, which runs from 7 to 17 March.

Prices start at £206,000, which is significantly higher than the Ferrari 488 GTB (£195,000) but lower than the McLaren 720S (£208,000).

Design and cabin tech

From the outside, it’s clear that Lamborghini has tweaked the car’s styling to incorporate elements from the limited-run Huracan Performante, says Evo magazine. This includes a dual-exit exhaust system and a more angular rear bumper design.

A small wing has been sculpted into the supercar’s engine cover as well as a new wheel rim design. Both of these are bespoke to the Huracan Evo.

The cabin has been spruced up, too. Apple CarPlay is now included as standard and a touchscreen panel has replaced the physical buttons in the old model’s centre console, says the motoring site.

Engine and chassis specs

Lamborghini has upgraded the 5.2-litre, naturally aspirated V10 engine to produce 630bhp. This puts the Evo’s performance on a par with the Huracan Performante, says Auto Express.

Power is channelled through a seven-speed gearbox. This helps the Evo launch from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, says the magazine, before it reaches a top speed of 201mph.

While most Huracan models are four-wheel drive, the Huracan Evo takes the system to the next level.

Power is spread across all four tyres and the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels on corners, says Top Gear. This dramatically improves the supercar’s ability to manoeuvre through twists and bends at high speed.