Something is unexplainably appealing about outlandish designs that take cars to new extremes. That’s why so many people love bodykits and hardcore track versions with crazy aero kits. But when a car is expertly modified to do something it was never meant or expected to do, it’s almost magical. That’s the feeling we get with the new Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato.
It started with a one-off concept that debuted in 2019 and following its enthusiastic reception, the Italian marque decided to put it into limited production. While not a fan of this reveal specification, the product looks almost the same as the concept that got people hooked.
It’s based on the Huracan EVO with a new suspension setup for a 44mm increase in ground clearance and extra travel to conquer uneven terrains. The Huracan Sterrato has a wider track too, 30mm at the front and 34mm at the rear, which fits well in the new cladding around the wheel arches. It even carries forward the hood-mounted LED rally light bars which also add a touch of ‘Mad Max’ to the overall design.
Other rally-style details around the outside of the Huracan Sterrato include the reinforced side sills, aluminium front underbody protection, and rugged rear diffuser. There is a roof-mounted air scoop for the benefit of feeding cleaner air to the engine while racing through dusty tracks. The Sterrato even comes with roof rails, with the moniker engraved into them.
It’s also hard to ignore the 19-inch alloys wrapped exclusively in all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler AT002 tyres for grip in versatile conditions. They feature run-flat technology, which in the case of a puncture can still do at least 80km with 0 tyre pressure, for speeds of up to 80kmph.
The Sterrato also happens to be the final pure Huracan with a naturally-aspirated engine and zero electrification, as all future Lamborghini models will feature some degree of hybridisation. It packs the well-known 5.2-litre V10 mated to a 7-speed DCT to power the permanent AWD system. In the Sterrato, it is tuned to a peak output of 600bhp and 560Nm with modifications for increased durability. There’s also a rear mechanical self-locking differential for some grippy slides through loose surfaces. The setup is still good enough for a 0-100kmph sprint in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260kmph.
Lamborghini has also modified the rally-spec Huracan’s LDVI (vehicle dynamics system) with a new RALLY drive mode, specifically for low-grip conditions. It still gets the STRADA and SPORT modes for more typical driving conditions of a Huracan.
As standard, the Huracan Sterrato features a bespoke cabin theme finished in Alcantara Verde Sterrato upholstery. The rest of the layout is like the usual Huracan EVO but with special graphics and new digital instrumentation like an inclinometer, steering angle indicator, compass and geographic coordinate indicator. Of course, Lamborghini is offering customers of its rally-spec V10 super-sports car a wide range of personalisation options with 350 exterior colours and 60 interior themes.
The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato will be limited to 1,499 units worldwide, with production to start in February 2023. That makes it rarer than the only other rally-type super-sports car, the Porsche 911 Dakar.
I also wanted to highlight one of the coolest teasers for the Sterrato that came out less than a day before the unveiling. Lamborghini filmed the two extremes of the Huracan, the STO and the Sterrato, ripping around on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It showed the rally-version of the V10 Lambo cutting corners and kerbs to keep up with its track-spec RWD sibling, and it’s a pretty cool visual.
So, what are your thoughts on the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato? Are you a fan or are you doubtful about this new trend of crossover supercars? Do you think it would be faster than the Porsche 911 Dakar on a cross-country rally stage? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to the Auto Loons blog for more cool updates from the car world. You can also follow us on Instagram for more automotive content.
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