[Taboleo] "You run faster than this?" Lamborghini Huracan STO test drive review

Test Drives on Public Roads and Circuits
Certified for Public Road Use... Presence on the Road Increases
Experience True Thrill in Acrobatics and Circuit Driving

“Faster than a Lamborghini, zoom!” These are some of the lyrics from the song ‘슝!’ included in singer Taeyang’s album 'Down to Earth,' released last month. The phrase metaphorically compares the speed of reaching a lover faster than anyone else to the sports car brand Lamborghini. This reflects the common perception that Lamborghini cars are ‘extremely fast.’ But can Taeyang really move faster than a Lamborghini?

[Taboleo] "You run faster than this?" Lamborghini Huracan STO test drive review

Lamborghini Hurac?n STO
[Photo by Automobili Lamborghini]

We test-drove the company’s entry-level sports car, the Hurac?n STO, on both public roads and a circuit. In both settings, it was hard to find a car that could go this fast. Even during stunt driving, the driving experience was enjoyable.

On the 12th of last month, we first test-drove it on public roads. When starting the engine, it felt almost intrusive due to the strong presence it commands in the parking lot. This is mainly because of the engine. It is equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.2ℓ V10 gasoline engine. The 10 cylinders ‘work hard’ to draw in air directly from the atmosphere, producing a sound distinct from other cars. For example, when downshifting, it makes a ‘whoosh’ sound. The naturally aspirated system not only enhances the sound but also improves the vehicle’s response time. Especially when pressing the accelerator pedal, the immediate acceleration adds to the driving pleasure. Waiting at a traffic light and then pressing the accelerator feels like starting a race.

STO stands for 'Super Trofeo Omologata.' Omologata is an Italian word meaning ‘approved.’ In other words, it is designed to be driven on public roads. However, during the six hours of test driving without exceeding 100 km/h in city traffic, I experienced back pain. The car’s height (from the road surface to the highest point of the body) is only 1220 mm, very low, which means you can feel road noise and vibrations throughout your body.

Lamborghini Huracan STO Interior
[Photo by Reader]

On the 19th, I drove this vehicle on a circuit (Yongin Speedway). The true charm was especially felt during gymkhana (driving through a complex course in an empty parking lot). The course involves weaving left and right, circling around cones, accelerating, and then braking suddenly. As I pressed the accelerator to start, the STO lunged forward like a bull. The steering response was sensitive, giving the feeling that the wheels and driver were one. After passing the first section and reducing speed, I reached the part where I circled once. Since lap times were being measured, I pressed the accelerator slightly out of competitiveness while turning. Even so, the car maintained its balance smoothly without ‘losing grip.’ After the acceleration section, I braked and stopped immediately.

Lamborghini Hurac?n STO
[Photo by Automobili Lamborghini]

On the circuit, I also alternated driving the Urus S and Hurac?n Evo RWD Spider. Both cars ran fast on the circuit and handled curves well. However, neither was as optimized for the circuit as the STO. The STO performed excellently in acceleration sections without any shortcomings. As with gymkhana driving, its braking performance was also outstanding.

This vehicle, with its roaring bull-like exhaust sound, might soon become a thing of the past. Lamborghini is steadily implementing its electrification plans. The brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the Revuelto, will be unveiled in Korea next month. Following that, hybrid models of the Hurac?n and Urus are scheduled to be released starting next year. Francesco Scardaoni, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific, who attended the event, said, “It is not easy to maintain naturally aspirated engines,” but added, “We are making tremendous investments to preserve our heritage, including the 12-cylinder engine. As the electrification era arrives, we will make the best choices to maintain this legacy.”