Lamborghini’s petrol V10 goes out with a bang as Huracán Sterrato takes on 911 Dakar
LAMBORGHINI has taken the wraps off its off-road-ready Huracán Sterrato, at once a rival to Porsche’s Dakar-inspired 911, swansong for its petrol V10-powered line-up and a car the Italian manufacturer says emphasises its “brave, authentic and unexpected” brand principals.
The limited-edition production run of just 1499 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato units will begin in February 2023, of which some are destined for Australia although local pricing has not yet been announced.
For reference, Porsche is asking $491,400 plus on-road costs and options for the 911 Dakar in Australia – placing it near the top of the range – and will build 2500 of them for global consumption.
Replete with LED light bars, functional roof rails, beefy off-road cladding, a rally-style roof scoop and chunky Bridgestone rubber, the jacked-up V10-powered Lambo was officially unveiled in Miami this week, finalising a project that has been on the back-burner since 2019.
According to its maker, the Sterrato – a name derived from the Italian word for ‘dirt’ – is its “first supercar designed for maximum driving pleasure even away from the asphalt, and on loose or dirt surfaces”.
Speaking at the debut of the Huracán Sterrato, Lamborghini chair and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the car belongs in the world’s most dynamic and exciting driving environments.
“True to our values as a visionary, bold and unconventional brand, with the Sterrato we are breaking new ground in driving sensations,” he said.
“Presenting the car at Art Basel in Miami reflects how, just like an avant-garde work of art, the Sterrato represents a radical and original interpretation of the super sports car concept but, in terms of performance, the Sterrato belongs in the world’s most dynamic and exciting driving environments.”
Mr Winkelmann said the Huracán Sterrato offers driving dynamics specially optimised for control in all environments, and that compared to the Huracán Evo on which it is based, the model comes with an updated version of Lamborghini’s Integrated Vehicle Dynamics chassis control system with specific Strada and Sport calibrations, and a new Rally mode for low-grip conditions.
Externally, the Sterrato is differentiated by a 44mm increase in ride height over the Evo couple with an appropriate gain in suspension travel. The track widths are increased 30mm at the front and 34mm at the rear, while an aluminium underbody bash plate, reinforced sills and rear diffuser, as well as pumped-out guards emphasise the go-anywhere attitude of this unique model.
Like the Evo, power comes from Lamborghini’s 5.2-litre V10 boasting 448kW and 560Nm paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Sterrato runs an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system with mechanical self-locking rear differential, and despite its off-road intentions, still provides a 0-100km/h time of just 3.4 seconds.
Stopping power arrives courtesy of aluminium fixed monoblock calipers with six pistons at the front and four at the rear. The Sterrato’s cross-drilled carbon-ceramic rotors measure 380mm at the front and 356mm at the rear.
Riding on 19-inch alloys shod with custom-engineered Bridgestone Dueler AT002 run-flat tyres, the Sterrato is said to offer “perfect grip on gravel and tarmac” while maintaining “excellent handling and high-speed performance”.
Inside, the Sterrato is differentiated by exclusive Alcantara Verde Sterrato upholstery and bespoke multimedia system graphics including an inclinometer with pitch and roll indicator, a compass, geographic coordinate indicator, and steering angle indicator.
Further on-board services include Lamborghini Connect with integrated Amazon Alexa to adjust car features such as climate control and lighting, navigation and phone instructions, and entertainment commands.
The Sterrato may also be controlled remotely via the Lamborghini UNICA app that provides information including remote speed monitoring and the sending of a predetermined destination directly to the navigation system.
Like all Lamborghinis, the Sterrato may be customised via the Lamborghini Ad Personam program with some 350 paint colours and over 60 leather and Alcantara combinations available.
Keyword: Rugged Sterrato is Lambo’s last Huracán