2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder First Drive

The 2018 Huracan Performante Spyder is proof that Lamborghini has not lost its taste for the absurd. This $310,000 automobile possesses pitiful luggage space, a cockpit that's horribly cramped for anyone more than 6 feet tall, and an exhaust so loud that you'll not only wake your neighbors but the town next door as well. Even by supercar standards, it's undeniably silly. But like the most calorific dessert, it's also very seductive.

What's the Engine Like?

In many ways, the Performante is an old-school supercar. The engine doesn't even bother with a turbo, let alone a hybrid system. Instead, you just get a 5.2-liter capacity, 10 cylinders arranged in a vee and a not-insignificant 631 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. That's competitive with the output from McLaren's 600 LT Spyder, even if it gives a little away to a Ferrari 488 Spyder (661 hp, 561 lb-ft).

What the turbocharged Ferrari can't match, however, is the Lambo's V10 soundtrack. Left in standard Strada mode, it's merely noisy. In Sport or Corsa, it's downright obnoxious. When driving around town, it's impossible to drive the Huracan without making a scene. Other motorists' and bystanders' reactions range from awe to downright disgust. If you're of an introverted disposition, look away. But for narcissists, it's nirvana. Few race cars sound this good, especially if you let the engine sing to 8,000 rpm.

How Fast Is It?

The mid-mounted engine comes packaged with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddle shifters (sadly, there's no manual option). There's also all-wheel drive that, in combination with the gargantuan tires, ensures the Huracan is never short of traction. Lamborghini claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed (if your hair follicles can handle it) of 202 mph. The 0-62 mph time, which we've yet to verify at our test track, is only 0.2 of a second slower than the Performante coupe despite the convertible being 275 pounds heavier.

What's It Like to Drive?

Lamborghini launched the Huracan back in 2015 as a replacement for the Gallardo. Initially, it lacked the visceral appeal expected of a Lamborghini — its noise and driving experience being a little muted. By attempting to create a car that appealed to a broader range of customers than Lamborghinis of old, it could be argued that the company created a car tuned more for poseurs than drivers.

But this changed with the introduction of the Performante coupe for 2018. The Performante is to Lamborghini what the LT is to McLaren or the Pista is to the Ferrari 488 — lighter, faster and more hardcore. Lamborghini insiders admit this was the car the test drivers always wanted to build, and it showed. Suddenly, Lambo had a driver's car to match Ferrari and McLaren.

It's a vibe that's retained by the convertible, the removal of the roof only adding to the car's visceral appeal. Our test car was fitted with the optional ($2,400) Dynamic Power Steering system that's quick and communicative, contributing to a pointy car that turns about its nose. The gearbox snaps from cog to cog and, while the engine lacks some of the midrange thrust of the turbo Ferrari, the trade-off is a whip-crack throttle response that's more race than road car. Thankfully the standard carbon-ceramic brakes have the stop to match the go.

For such a focused car, the ride quality is actually surprisingly good. The suspension damping copes admirably with decaying road surfaces — this car deserves more than a mere Sunday morning blast. Moreover, it has a depth of ability that rewards time and patience. This Lamborghini can now stand comparison with the best as a genuine driver's choice.

Does It Still Look Like a Proper Lamborghini?

For all its newfound engineering finesse, it hasn't lost its eccentricity. There's a reason why Lamborghini posters have adorned bedroom walls since the 1960s. The Huracan Performante's wedge-shaped exterior styling harks back to the iconic Countach's, headlined here by a giant carbon-fiber rear wing. Some of the aerodynamics are active, too. The profile of the bodywork adjusts to reduce drag on the straights or to provide more downforce in corners, although you'll really need a racetrack to exploit the technology.

What's It Like Inside?

Inside, the Huracan is even more extreme, with a preponderance of exposed carbon and a jet-fighter-style starter button. Minimalist it is not. Nor is it practical. The power-operated soft top, which rises and falls in 17 seconds at up to 30 mph, steals space from the passenger compartment. As a result, anyone more than 6 feet tall will find it a real challenge to get comfortable behind the wheel. The brutally hard seats also found few friends among our test drivers, and there's barely enough luggage space in the nose for a weekend away.

How Much Is It?

Lamborghinis don't come cheap. The base price of $308,859 can rise quickly with a few choice options. The nose-lift system that helps provide extra clearance when driving over speed bumps or out of parking lots is a must if you intend to drive in urban areas. That costs $6,100. Satellite navigation is $4,100. Bluetooth phone connectivity, something that's standard on just about every new car these days, costs $1,000 (!), and cruise control is another $1,000. There's also a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax in return for an EPA estimate of 15 mpg combined. In sum, our test car had a sticker price of $361,574, or about what you'd pay for three Porsche 911 Carreras.

Should I Buy One?

Lamborghinis are not a rational choice. But if you're going to spend $350K on a toy, you already know that. Moreover, you'll likely have several "sensible" cars already in your garage. The question here is whether you should buy one instead of a Ferrari or a McLaren? The Performante is more extroverted than either with an engine that's the last of a dying breed. The Huracan Performante is irrelevant, irreverent and undeniably silly. And that makes it a proper supercar. Buy one while you can.