2021 Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder

Following on from the reveal of the Huracan Evo Coupe, the drop-top Spyder is here to add open-air thrills to one of the most exhilarating supercars on the road. Power comes from the same 5.2-liter V10 found in the Huracan Performante that produces 631 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque in the AWD version, with only a moderate drop in performance due to the extra weight of the Spyder with its lightweight soft-top. The 0-62 mph sprint passes by in a 3.1-second blur (just 0.2 seconds off the pace of the coupe) in the case of the AWD model, and the RWD version (with a detuned version of the V10) isn't far behind. The complex Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics (LDVI) system expertly coordinates the car's dynamics based on parameters like driving mode and the conditions. Not only is it a spectacular driving machine, but the Evo's dramatic styling and eye-popping color options make every drive an event to remember. The Spyder versions of the Audi R8 and McLaren 600LT are direct competitors to the Huracan, but we're not sure that they're as outrageous to look at and to drive in, and it's the wildly gesticulating Italian that still has a way of turning the most heads.

For the 2021 model year, the number of paint and interior colors is expanded - Rosso Anteros (red) and two blue hues, Blu Astraeus and Blu Eleos are new exterior colors and the RWD gets access to the new Giallo Belenus (yellow) interior color. Amazon Alexa and - finally - Android Auto join the infotainment system's list of features by way of the available Smartphone Interface and Connected Services option. Full Alexa voice-command integration is now offered, even for features such as the seat heaters, climate control, and navigation. In the AWD model, Alexa is also integrated with the LDVI (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata) system to access real-time feedback on driving data.

The Lamborghini Huracan receives a substantial mid-life facelift that goes on sale as a 2020 model and gets simplified nomenclature: Huracan Evo. Styling is revised and it gets a more aggressive countenance and various performance-enhancing features previously reserved for the Huracan Performante, such as the exhaust-pipe layout and rear radiators. The Spyder launches as an AWD version with the Performante's 631-hp V10 engine and rear diffuser; it gets rear-wheel steering too, and the interior gains several updates including a larger 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. A less powerful, 602-hp RWD Spyder is also added to the lineup at a saving of nearly $60,000 over the AWD model.

Doing away with the roof only serves to amp up the drama. The Huracan Evo Spyder trades curves for impossibly sharp edges, sits as low to the ground as possible, and looks especially mean when painted in green. The electrically foldable soft-top roof can be dropped in just 17 seconds and at speeds of up to 31 mph. Other standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires (the AWD model has 20-inch wheels), an integrated slotted spoiler at the back, a front splitter with an integrated wing, carbon-ceramic brakes, dual tailpipes, and LED lighting. The RWD version has a broader, sharper air intake in front and a unique treatment for the rear diffuser.

It's the Huracan's width that you notice first. With the side mirrors included, it's a full 88.03 inches wide (that's over four inches wider than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class), so it's just as well that the people who own these cars tend to have entire roads - not mere driveways - leading up to their front doors. Riding on a 103.2-inch wheelbase, the Evo Spyder has a total length of 177.95 inches and a height of 46.5 inches. A dry weight of 3,400 pounds for the AWD version is 265 lbs heavier than the coupe, due to the strengthening required with the loss of the roof. The RWD model weighs in at a lighter 3,327 lbs.

A large variety of well over 60 striking paint colors is offered, including various base paints and many others from the Sportiva, Contemporanea, Eclettica, Classica, Tecnica, and Ad Personam palettes. Both glossy and matte finishes are available. For the 2021 model year, two blue hues - Blu Eleos and Blu Astraeus - and a red hue - Rosso Anteros - joined the palette.

The AWD will complete the 0-62 mph run in just 3.1 seconds and 0-124 mph (200 km/h) in 9.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 202 mph. The RWD's 0-62 time increases to 3.5 seconds, 0-124 taking 9.6 seconds, and a top speed of 201 mph barely falling short of the more powerful model. The engine's unfiltered acoustics dominate every moment in the Huracan and the sound is only accentuated when the roof is lowered. Acceleration off the mark is stupendously quick and throttle response is mightily impressive so that even overtaking at higher speeds sees the Lambo hurtle forward with serious urgency.

The Huracan Evo Spyder's monstrous V10 displaces 5.2-liters and produces a maximum of 631 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. It uses a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The RWD version's detuned V10 manages 602 hp and 413 lb-ft. The seven-speed transmission flicks through the gears just as eagerly as the engine reaches its crescendo, and using the tactile paddle shifters is pure driving nirvana. In the most aggressive Corsa driving mode, gearshifts lose some of their smoothness, but shifts are blindingly quick. With the exhaust note also increasing as you work through the driving modes, the Evo's powertrain delivers on the promise set by the outrageous looks.

The Evo Spyder's three different driving modes are Strada, Sport, and Corsa - switching between them is quickly done using a controller on the steering wheel. Although a customizable driving mode would have been appreciated, most will be satisfied with Sport, which stiffens the suspension and steering noticeably but without resorting to the all-out attack of Corsa mode. Of course, while the driver merely has to flick between these three modes, what's going on beneath the surface is far more complex. The Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) system uses a raft of sensors that pick up information from the steering, gears, and more and feeds it through a central processor which then makes adjustments to the rear-wheel steering, the torque vectoring system, and the adaptive dampers. It all happens in milliseconds, naturally, but the upside is a car that's constantly adapting to your needs.

With the rear-wheel steering, the Huracan's turning radius is appreciably reduced, improving maneuverability. On longer sweeps, the brilliantly precise steering system is a joy and once you acclimatize to its sensitivity, you'll forgive it for evoking a feel that's just a bit unnatural, yet crushingly effective. That's if you even notice over the cacophony of noise just a few inches behind you. The RWD model does without the four-wheel steering system and clever torque vectoring, but steering feel is improved and it's even more fun to drive than the AWD at lower speeds. The body squats more out of corners than in the always-flat AWD - this may not make for quicker lap times but feels even more gratifying from behind the wheel. In the more docile Strada mode, the ride remains stiff but the Spyder is well-damped and not intolerable. Brakes? They're just as well-engineered as the rest of the package and bring the Evo down from high speeds with minimal effort. This is a truly special car to drive.

The Huracan Evo Spyder is a car you buy for everything other than its gas mileage, as the noise it makes is alone enough to justify whatever amount you spend on premium gasoline. The EPA claims estimates of 13/18/25 mpg regardless of whether you opt for the RWD or AWD model, but in the real world, with the ten-cylinder symphony just a throttle-prod away, expect those figures to easily reach single digits. So, the big V10 likes to drink and with a 21.9-gallon gas tank, your combined cruising range will be limited to around 328 miles.

Seating two passengers only, the Huracan Evo Spyder doesn't try to pretend to be anything more than a performance machine with only just enough space inside. Ingress and egress are never going to be especially graceful in something this low, and once seated, occupants six-feet and taller will have restricted headroom when the roof is up. Legroom never really approaches generous, either, and taller Lambo fans will be disappointed at how squashed they'll feel in there. Rearward visibility is also lacking, so it's just as well that you'll rarely have to look out for faster-moving traffic trying to get past you. If you do manage to fit, you'll enjoy the snug and supportive sport seats with upholstery available in leather and Alcantara. Distinctive Q-citura trim features a diamond pattern and is an option, and you can opt for either fully electric/heated seats, a sport seat, or racing bucket seats with a carbon-fiber shell.

If you thought the interior was on the cramped side, the frunk represents the stingiest aspect of the Evo Spyder and measures just 3.5 cubic feet. One or two soft bags and it'll have reached full capacity. Interior storage space is just as poor, with little more than a tiny center compartment for your phone and slim door pockets for your wallet. If you need to carry anything more, it's best to send it with the chauffeur in the Rolls.

While much of the Evo Spyder's development costs have gone into its advanced mechanicals, you do get an average amount of standard features and many more on the pricey options list. Included out of the box is dual-zone climate control, push-button start, cruise control, the power-operated soft-top, LED headlights, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and power-adjustable seats. Whether the roof is up or down, the rear window can be electrically opened or closed. Added-cost options include a lifting system that can raise the front axle by just under two inches, useful for driveway dips that could challenge the Huracan's low ground clearance. Also available are an ambient lighting package, a dark chrome package, and full power adjustment of the seats with heating.

Featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen that has been integrated into the central tunnel, the Huracan's modern infotainment system is a welcome addition and is responsive to inputs. Not just there for controlling the radio and other audio functions, the screen also displays real-time information from the LDVI system that is fascinating but rather distracting. A large active gauge cluster also changes depending on which of the three driving modes you've selected.

The system features Bluetooth connectivity, an internal hard drive, navigation with traffic information, satellite radio, MP3 compatibility, and available Apple CarPlay but no Android Auto. The sound system features four speakers.

With few Huracan Evo Spyders around, there's scant information available to assess the Lamborghini's reliability. The good news is that only one recall has been issued by the NHTSA for both model years for a blank backup camera display.

The Evo Spyder's warranty is for three years with unlimited miles. Lamborghini also provides a 12-year warranty for perforation corrosion.

The Huracan hasn't been subject to crash testing by local authorities, so there are no available ratings.

In terms of safety gear, there are driver, passenger, and side airbags fitted, along with a rearview camera, electronic stability control, cruise control, daytime running lights, high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, and traction control. The focus on performance and aerodynamics comes at the expense of modern driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning, features that aren't available at all.

Buying a new car, whether we admit it or not, is so often driven by emotion, even at the lower end of the market. We all want something that not only gets us from A to B but which makes the prospect at least somewhat interesting, too. In the supercar segment, emotion isn't a bonus, but as essential as trunk space for a family SUV. At these prices, you've simply got to stand out and make a statement. In those terms, is there anything better than the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder? The combination of a drop-top and the myriad of bodywork tweaks have turned this into one of the most visually arresting cars on the planet. The V10 is a marvel of noise and power, while the advanced electronics keep things in check (most of the time); they also allow you to exploit the Evo's breathtaking handling abilities. While the AWD model is quicker, the RWD is even more engaging to drive. Inside, the Huracan looks about as cool as anything else out there, despite it being unsuitable for taller occupants. If the supercar segment were a Broadway production, the Ferrari F8 Spider and the McLaren 720S Spider would be serious contenders for the lead character, but something tells us that even though it may not be the most talented or finessed in every way, the sheer theatrics of the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder would see it being cast as the ultimate protagonist. Cue the applause.

If you didn't know it already, it's expensive. The Huracan Evo Spyder RWD carries a price tag of $229,428 before tax, licensing, registration, and a $3,685 destination charge are taken into account. Going for the AWD version will cost $287,400, around $26,000 more than the Evo coupe. With options like the front-lift system at $4,000, the smartphone interface at $3,600, and flashier rims in excess of $6,000, it's all too easy to eclipse the $300k mark.

It's a tough call choosing between the smarter but pricier AWD and the more unfiltered driving experience of the cheaper RWD. The AWD offers greater bragging rights as it's the faster, more powerful car, but the true enthusiast will hanker after the slightly sweeter responses and naughtier character of the RWD. Lamborghinis are meant to scare you a bit (or a lot, when either of these V10s are fully exploited), so we're going to side with the RWD version here. The $57,972 saving can also go towards tasty options like a carbon skin package, a pearl exterior paint hue, and the front-lift system.

The Ferrari Portofino is another Italian exotic trying to steal the hearts of multi-millionaires with its gorgeous lines and 591-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine. More of a luxury grand tourer than a hardcore driving machine like the Evo Spyder, the Ferrari is exclusively rear-wheel-drive and offers 2+2 seating (although the rear seats are barely adequate) and a folding hard-top in place of the Huracan's soft-top. The Ferrari is slower than the AWD Huracan Evo Spyder, hitting 62 mph in around 3.5 seconds, although its engine makes an intoxicating noise, if not quite as sweet as the Lamborghini's screaming V10. If you want an Italian supercar that is a bit more forgiving and if you are more inclined to go on a high-speed cruise than a mountain pass blast, go for the beautiful Portofino. But the Lamborghini is the more exciting of these two.

The Ferrari 488 Spider is a good match for the Huracan Evo Spyder as both are similarly priced drop-tops from these Italian rivals. The Ferrari does things its own way, though, with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine contrasting with the Lambo's naturally-aspirated V10 and available all-wheel drivetrain. However, they both seat two people and have mid-engine layouts. With the Evo's AWD and rear-wheel steering, it's the more controllable car - the Ferrari requires more work from the driver which the true enthusiast may prefer. Both will hit 60 mph in around three seconds, but the Ferrari's turbocharged engine delivers especially intense mid-range power. At the top end, it's hard to argue with the Lamborghini's howling V10. Although the Lambo's cabin features a better infotainment system with a proper central screen, it's also really cramped for taller drivers. Both of these cars will tug relentlessly at your heartstrings, but if we were forced to pick between them, then we'd go for the Huracan because it has one of the best engines in the world.