Driving the Lamborghini Huracan STO in Doha

Ishan gets an opportunity to experience the STO – an extreme version of the already powerful Huracán – on the roads of Doha.

A look at the Lamborghini Huracán is enough to tell you that it already has enough of everything, most of all power and performance. But, then, that’s where enthusiasts disagree with most people, for they clearly believe that there’s no such thing as too much power. So, in comes the Huracán STO. But don’t for a second think that it’s just about more power and performance, for there is more to it – its design, subtle touches, and attention to detail, all come together to make it a thing of beauty and awe.

Pumped!

I first saw the STO in Doha, and needless to say that I was impressed. With its extended air dam, huge wing, massive wheels, roof scoop, and, most of all, the strakes on the rear windscreen, it looks absolutely pumped, like a fitness enthusiast who has spent years building and sculpting his body in the gym. Inside, too, the same theme continues – you get lots of Alcantara and lots of carbon fibre. Of course, the STO only has two seats, as the rear has a massive roll cage. In fact, if you try and use the inside rear-view mirror, you’d find the view to be quite comical – something that sports cars in the 80s featured prominently. And your visibility through the rear windscreen is virtually zero.

Now, a lot has gone into reducing the STO’s weight – for instance, you get a cloth strap instead of a traditional door handle! Oh, and if you’re not at the peak of your fitness level (or you’re a bit portly), you might find getting in and out of the STO a bit of a task – given its height, which is just 48 inches, you will have to really work out a technique to accomplish the job.

Also Read: Lamborghini Huracan STO Review: Track Test

Loud and Proud

All the visual touches of the STO give you the sense of its extremeness, but to really understand and experience that extremeness, you need to pump that start switch and watch as the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 comes to life. Equipped with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, the STO is unabashedly loud, like all good sports cars should be.

Slot it into first gear, and the STO moves forward effortlessly. Gearshifts have massively improved in comparison to the brand’s earlier efforts. The combination of 630bhp and just 1,339kgs of weight means that the STO’s acceleration is absolutely explosive – the way it picks pace matches nicely with the beautiful exhaust note of the engine. Given that the STO is specially tuned for sharp responses, the steering is ultra-aggressive and very direct.

Now, it takes very little time to get used to the STO’s performance. Every time you use the loud pedal generously, you get used to being pushed right back into your seat. With a top speed of 310km/h, it takes no time to get to speeds that would see you being immediately arrested in most countries. Now, it might be a bit too stiff in terms of ride quality, but if you have access to good roads or a racetrack, the STO offers one hell of an experience. It’s an extreme expression of the Huracán, and it tells you how much a car can be developed to suit certain conditions.

Also Read: There’s no way an EV, no matter how fast, can match a car like the Huracan STO for driving appeal

'With a top speed of 310km/h, it takes no time to get to speeds that would get you arrested in most countries'