2015 Ford F-150 - Review

Ford F-150 XL $26,615

Ford F-150 XLT $31,890

Ford F-150 Lariat $39,880

Ford F-150 King Ranch $49,460

Ford F-150 Platinum $52,155

Ford’s F-series pickups are among the best-selling vehicles in America, year after year, because trucks are important to Americans. That makes the new 2015 Ford F-150 a very important new vehicle, especially with all of the changes going on—an aluminum body, a new small turbocharged engine option, and other technological and design upgrades. For truck owners, both commercial and private, the new F-150 brings many significant changes.

At the top of that list of changes is an aluminum body. Far from the flimsiness of a beer can, the high-strength aluminum alloy in the F-150’s body is, Ford claims, tougher than ever. The material also allowed Ford to execute an exterior design that’s more aerodynamic while retaining the “signature Built Ford Tough appearance” derived from the “machined cubic-style shapes,” according to the F-150’s chief designer, Gordon Platto. Inside the 2015 Ford F-150, the look isn’t such a great departure from previous versions of the pickup, though there’s a new level of upscale look and feel on premium trims. Blocky shapes and sturdy structures are the visual theme to back the F-150’s chosen mission. 

Engines are another area of innovation for the 2015 F-150. Four engines are available, and while three are familiar, the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 is an unusual choice for a full-size pickup. Built around a compacted-graphite iron block, the smaller turbocharged V-6 offers automatic stop/start to reduce gas usage in traffic, as well as a range of friction-reducing technologies to further improve gas mileage. It’s clear Ford has made extensive efforts to make this the go-to for gas mileage in the new F-150. Also available will be an updated 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine, and the familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V-8. All four engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations are available.

The new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2015 Ford F-150 rates 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. That allows the small turbocharged V-6 engine to offer V-8-like towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, and payload capacity of up to 2,250 pounds. The standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine rates 283 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, enabling towing capacity of 7,610 pounds and payload capacity of 1,910 pounds. Towing and payload ratings for the EcoBoost V-6 and Ti-VCT V-8 in the 2015 F-150 haven't yet been released.

The 2015 F-150’s front suspension is a coil-on-shock independent arrangement, while the rear retains the Hotchkiss-type solid axle riding on leaf springs and outboard shock absorbers. Electric-assist power steering and four-wheel vented ABS disc brakes round out the other key mechanical specs released thus far. 

Materials changes in the new F-150, however, are perhaps even more interesting. Using phrases like “military-grade,” “high-strength,” and “Ford tough,” to describe its aluminum body, Ford is making sure that the weight-saving aluminum used in the cab, front-end, box, and tailgate aren’t perceived as flimsy or weak. The extensive use of aluminum saves about 700 pounds versus the previous all-steel F-150—a substantial reduction in mass that should markedly improve gas 

EXTERIOR

The 2015 Ford F-150 is offered with a completely revised design language - even down to a newly styled F-150 logo - with lots of high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloys inspired by aerospace, commercial transportation. The same type of aluminum alloy is even used on the HMMWV and Bradley Fighting Vehicle currently in service. What’s more, the new materials help trim about 700 pounds from the pickup’s total weight, helping it to improve acceleration and improve efficiency.

Ford has yet to release towing figures and deeper details, but we figure the reduced weight and added strength from the revised frame (more on that later), will add to the already capable capacities.

That added capability might come in handy in an unconventional way. The movement to adopt the Society of Automotive Engineering’s voluntary J2807 towing standards is underway, although not all manufacturers have been quick to climb aboard. The SAE’s tow rating standards system basically levels the playing field for manufacturers’ quoted tow ratings, eliminating overestimating for a ’I-can-tow-more-than-you’ sales pitch. Much like horsepower ratings, the SAE numbers may fall below what the manufacturer wants to hear, thereby making their engine look less powerful. The J2807 standards have the possibility to ’reduce’ tow ratings, at least on paper. The 700-pound weight drop would likely lessen the blow to the F-150’s current tow ratings, so with Ford’s clean-slate opportunity in 2015, we hope they adopt.

Up front, a new front fascia, with a prominent three-bar grille flanked by distinctive headlights with LED technology for improved night vision. Integrated LED fog lights sit down low either side of the familiar-looking center bumper section. Exposed, closed-loop tow hooks are optional.

Out back, more LED lighting abounds with reworked taillights and LED lighting within the bed. The tailgate now features a more prominent spoiler and revised foldable/stowable step. Perhaps the bed’s biggest new feature is an electronic-operated tailgate. Push a button on the key fob and watch the gate drop. Integrated loading ramps fit nicely on either side of the bedrails for easy loading and unloading of motorcycles, lawnmowers, or the neighbor’s new refrigerator.

Holding up all that new technology is a new high-strength steel frame. It features eight crossmembers that are through-welded to the main two framerails for added support. Staggered, outboard-mounted shocks are still used to cushion the rear end’s ride. Ford claims the new frame is rated up to 70,000 psi - stronger than the steel found in its competitors’ heavy-duty truck frames.

Some new additions for the 2015 model year, include:

360-degree camera view
Integrated loading ramps
Boxlink - custom brackets and cleats in the cargo box to fit a wide array of accessories
Smart trailer tow module to alert the driver of any potential trailer issues, from burnt out bulbs to a connection issue
Remote tailgate
LED spotlights on the sideview mirrors
Next-gen tailgate step that is fully integrated into the tailgate and invisible when not in use
LED-lit cargo box
Box-side step for 5.5-foot bed

INTERIOR

Ford is still keeping details on the interior a secret, but we know it will offer better-quality materials, and new technologies like SYNC, MyFord Touch and an 8-inch "productivity screen" in the instrument cluster. But Ford did let us in on some new additions for 2015, including:

►400-watt and 110-volt outlets inside the cabin
►Eight-inch LCD productivity screen that shows that displays important items, like towing and fuel economy tips
►Second-row inflatable safety belts
►Adaptive cruise control

Aesthetically, the new interior looks good. The new steering wheel has plenty of redundant controls, making operating the navigation and center cluster screen a snap. Four large air vents dominate the dashboard, which itself, looks covered in rich materials. The center stack is wide and leaves plenty of room for the numerous buttons and controls. The center console-mounted gear selector is driver-centric with the cup holders more passenger oriented. Accent lighting gives the cabin a futuristic feel at night as does the huge panoramic moonroof, a first for any pick-up. A 360-degree view camera system is also new for 2015, making parking and tight-spot maneuvering a much easier task. Much like systems on other vehicles, it uses front-, rear-, and side-mounted cameras to produce a bird’s-eye view of the truck on the navigation screen.

We imagine rear seat legroom will still be limo-like with a flat load floor and foldable seat bottoms. Ford has also included two 110-volt power outlets for charging laptops, cell phones, or the like.

Other : 

►Single-CD Player w/SiriusXM Satellite Radio
►Full Coverage Rubber Floor Mats
►Carpeting and Floor Mats
►Cloth 40/Console/40 Front Seat
►Vinyl 40/Console/40 Front Seat
►Crew Chief Telematics Powered By Telogis (Late Availability)
►Trailer Brake Controller

SPECIFICATION

►Year : 2015
►Make : Ford
►Model : F-150
►Price : $ 26615
►Engine : V6 (Est.)
►Horsepower @ RPM : 283
►Torque @ RPM : 255
►Displacement : 3.5 L
►0-60 time : 8 sec. (Est.)
►Top Speed : 124 mph (Est.)

MODEL & PRICING

The F-150 will be offered with five different trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The old standalone FX4 model is no more, but an FX4-like option package with all the upgraded off-road bits can be added to four-wheel drive models.

Regular Cab short-box rear-drive XL model pricing starts at $21,399 for the 3.5-litre V-6, rising rapidly through to the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum with Super Crew cabins all the way to $66,999. While the bulk of sales will come from XLT trims, the sheer number of engine, cabin, bed, drive, and trim level is mind boggling, let alone the arms-length options list.

By comparison, the GMC and Chevrolet twins are already feeling past their best-by date, while the Ram 1500 is a much more refined rival. We’re still waiting for those fuel-economy figures and a firm on-sale date but until there’s time for a longer test, it seems fitting to give Ford a round of hearty applause for a good first impression.

TECHNOLOGY

Several groundbreaking new productivity features debut in the all-new Ford F-150, including many class-exclusives. They include:

►360-degree camera view, using exterior cameras to create a bird's-eye view of the truck to help the driver park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate down narrow roads and trails

►Integrated loading ramps, which enable easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers

►BoxLink™, which is a combination of metal brackets and custom cleats used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box, from ramps to storage bins to bed dividers

►LED headlamps and taillamps, which provide excellent nighttime visibility

►Trailer hitch assist, a new rear view camera feature that adds a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up truck and trailer without requiring a spotter or having to get out of the vehicle

►Smart trailer tow module, using an all-new smart trailer tow wiring harness that helps identify and inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues, burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults

►Remote tailgate, allowing for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob - eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate also is damped, dropping down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened

►High-wattage power outlets (400 watts, 110 volts) in the cab, allowing drivers to easily charge corded tools, battery chargers or mobile devices on-site or while driving

►LED spotlights on sideview mirrors, which provide powerful, durable and bright lighting around the truck exterior

►Latest EcoBoost® technology in an all-new, even more efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that features extremely high output and lightweight design

►Next-generation tailgate step, which is now fully integrated inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use


Other smart innovations include:

►New 8-inch LCD productivity screen in the instrument panel, which includes updated truck apps - from fuel economy to towing tips - and the ability to create a customized home screen for customers to access their most frequently used apps in one place

►LED lighting embedded in the walls of the cargo box, which brightly illuminates the box interior to help customers quickly find tools or other items

►Rear under-seat storage in F-150 Super and Crew cabs, providing hidden storage for valuables. Two storage bins also are located underneath the rear seats

►Boxside step, now available for the short 5.5-foot box

►They join available driver aids, including SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, hill start assist, MyKey®, rear view camera, reverse sensing, trailer brake controller and extendable tailgate step.

4 ENGINE CHOICE

There will still be four engines available, although with some interesting changes. The base V-6 is now 3.5-litres, with 283 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque; those numbers are down slightly from the outgoing truck’s 3.7-litre version, but are more than covered by having fewer kilos of F-150 to move.

The 3.5-litre EcoBoost V-6 with its 365 horsepower and monster 420 lb-ft of torque carries over unchanged, as does the 5.0-litre V-8 with 385 horses and 387 lb-ft. The 6.2-litre V-8 is no longer available in the ‘regular’ light-duty models, instead being reserved for the SVT Raptor and larger Super Duty.

However, there’s a new 2.7-litre EcoBoost V-6 that splits the existing ‘sixes’. Using more durable materials for the upper block, and allowing for much closer tolerances for crankshafts and other internals, means it’s theoretically better prepared for pickup work.

Its 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque – the latter nearly equalling the V-8's – are more than enough to haul smaller items and boat trailers. The 2.7 EcoBoost also get Ford’s first crack at a non-hybrid stop-start system, which will help improve fuel efficiency figures, once they’re officially released.

Speaking of efficiency, Ford said that the whole line should consume anywhere from five-to-20 per cent less fuel this year over last. And while Ram is making noise with its eight-speed box, for now at least, all F-150s use the same six-speed automatic transmission, with either rear- or four-wheel drive.

DRIVETRAIN

The 2015 F-150 is offered with a choice of four engines. Returning are the base 3.5-liter, naturally-aspirated V-6; the mid-level 5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated V-8; and the range-topping, twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. Ford is dropping the 6.2-liter V-8 that previously held the range-topping position.

All-new for 2015 is the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 with an Auto Start-Stop system — a first in the light-duty pickup segment — that puts down 325 horses and 375 pound-feet of torque. The Auto Start-Stop is said to be specially tuned for truck use and will not activate when in tow mode or four-wheel-drive. The system shuts the engine off whenever the truck is stopped, then restarts the engine within milliseconds of the brake being released. Combined with the aluminum body construction, we imagine the 2.7-liter EcoBoost will give class-leading fuel economy numbers.

In addition to the thousands of hours laboratory testing done in developing the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, Ford ran the 2013 Baja 1000 with a disguised 2015 F-150 powered by one. Just like the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 did in the Baja a few years back, the engine performed admirably, finishing the race.

Type twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6          3.5-liter V6

Horsepower                          325 HP                                    283 HP

Torque                                                   375 LB-FT                                         255 LB-FT

VIDEO

Video by : Autoguide.com

By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars

Posted by : Shahen Tharammal

2015 Lamborghini Huracan - Review

PRICE : For 2015 Lamborghini Huracan $250,000

The all-new Huracan LP 610-4 takes over for the outgoing Gallardo as Lamborghini's "entry-level" supercar. Its outrageous styling and blistering track performance are in the best Lamborghini tradition, but the Italian automaker has also made of point of baking in enough high-tech luxury and convenience features to make the Huracan less of a raging bull in daily driving situations.

With fierce, fighter-jet-inspired lines and a full contingent of gaping air intakes, it's impossible to mistake the Huracan for anything but a Lamborghini. There's more than enough muscle to back up the menacing look, with a 5.2-liter V10 mounted amidships producing 601 horsepower at a screaming 8,250 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.

The mill, which utilizes both port and direct injection to maximize power and efficiency, pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission - a traditional manual is not available - and a traction-enhancing all-wheel-drive system. This setup enables the Huracan to rocket from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 3.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 202 mph.

Balancing out the supercar's accelerative abilities are massive, nearly fade-free carbon ceramic brakes and an available magnetorheological adaptive damping system that provides nimble handling in addition to a respectable degree of ride comfort. The dampers, along with AWD system, engine parameters, transmission settings and steering ratio, can be adjusted to suit the driver's needs. Three different modes - Strada (street), Sport, and Corse (race) - can be selected via a steering wheel-mounted knob. Notably, the latter offers launch control for fast, easy drag strip runs.
Inside, the cabin continues the outrageous theme of the exterior with an aggressive, futuristic dashboard highlighted by hexagonal airvents and, in place of traditional analog gauges, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument panel. The latter can be configured with a large central speedometer and other vehicle info, a full-width navigation display, or a combination of both.

A sleek "floating" center stack was designed with user-friendliness in mind - credit Lamborghini's parent company, Audi, for that - while also providing a bit of dramatic theatre in the form of the starter button. It's protected by a bright red cover that, like a cruise missile fire control, must be flipped up to get the action underway. As one would expect, stitched nappa leather adorns much of the interior, and alcantara inserts can also be spec'd.

EXTERIOR

The elegance of a Lamborghini is in the beauty of its highly concentrated power - every line and every detail pursues the need for speed, dynamics, performance. Design is an essential element of the Huracán LP 610-4, too - unmistakable, hermetically sealed and completely free from ornamentation.

The dimensions frame the contours of a dynamic wedge measuring 4,459 mm long, 1,924 mm wide and 1,165 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm. Taut curves contrast with sharp edges, which require innovative technology in working with aluminum and carbon fiber and with geometric surfaces. A characteristic basic form for Lamborghini is the hexagon - visible in the front air intakes and their three-dimensionally formed mesh inserts, in the side windows, in the intake openings for the engine and in the standard-fit wheels in Giano design.

The arrow-shaped front end of the Lamborghini Huracán angles sharply downward like the nose of a shark, with two pleats adding contour to the hood. The flat, angular headlamps are fitted only with LEDs - an innovation in this class of super sports car. Light guides produce the daytime running light, forming two Y-shaped contours in each headlamp and giving the Huracán the look of a predator ready to pounce. With a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, the LED light is very close to that of daylight, providing excellent road illumination and putting very little stress on the eyes. The LEDs are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and are extremely energy efficient.

A massive air intake, cut deep into the front end and stretching across its full width, dominates the front of the Huracán. Fins painted in body color cut strong diagonal lines through it. As on a race car, the lower contours of the air intake jut forward to form a splitter.

The avant-garde character of the Lamborghini design is particularly evident from the side - the Huracán LP 610-4 is a fast-moving technical sculpture.

Its aluminum cladding stretches tautly over the mighty 20-inch wheels; a single, flowing line runs from the front end over the roof to the rear. The roof arcs slightly over the heads of the driver and co-driver, these contours continuing onto the luggage compartment lid and through the extremely low-lying C-pillars.

Starting at the headlamp, is a line that runs over the front fender to define a broad, angled edge on the door. Together with the flat, dropping roof arc, the rising door edge presents a three-dimensional frame for the side windows - which are set into the flanks like gemstones. Where these lines meet at an acute angle is the upper intake that feeds the engine with air.

The lower intake for cooling air emerges from the angular sill in front of the wide, rear wheel arch. The absence of the large, vertical air intake that was a feature of the Gallardo, brings athletic tension and powerful flow to the flank of the Huracán.

In its standard format, the engine cover between the extremely low-lying C-pillars consists of three large, matte-black polymer fins in homage to the classic Miura. Lamborghini offers an optional transparent cover that reveals a clear view of the V10. In this version, the engine bay is clad in visible carbon fiber, made using Lamborghini's patented Forged Composite Technology.

The rear end of the Huracán also has a highly three-dimensional form. Like the intake at the front end, the wide, meshed outlet for ventilating the engine bay is cut deep into the rear. Above it are the narrow rear lights, likewise fitted entirely with LEDs. Similar to the front headlamps, their light also takes on a Y-shaped contour. The four end pipes of the exhaust system flank a large diffuser; its substantially dimensioned elliptical fairings are chromed and perforated.

Each design detail of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 celebrates the esthetic of function; the designers from the Centro Stile worked closely together with the aerodynamic experts. The large air intakes at the front of the super sports car specifically direct the cooling air and headwind to increase down pressure on the front axle. The spoiler lip at the rear works together with the rising diffuser in the underbody to improve airflow around the rear of the car - the Huracán does not require a movable rear spoiler. The underbody is completely clad, with NACA channels directing headwind to the radiators.

Lamborghini offers the Huracán in 17 colors, including seven new ones. The flat colors are Bianco Monocerus and Nero Noctis. The metallic tones come with the names Bianco Icarus, Blu Achelous, Grigio Lynx, Grigio Nimbus, Nero Serapis and Rosso Mars. The pearlescent shades are Arancio Borealis, Giallo Midas and Verde Mantis. Also available from the Ad Personam individualization program are the matte paint finishes Bianco Canopus, Giallo Horus, Grigio Titans, Marrone Apus and Nero Nemesis. The metallic colors from Ad Personam - Blu Caelum, Grigio Admetus and Marrone Alcestis - complete the color palette.

INTERIOR

The state-of-the-art interior of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 offers wonderful consistency in its design, a thrillingly sporty character and relaxing comfort for long-distance driving. The distinctive feature of the exterior design - the sharply defined hexagonal body and surfaces - plays a dominant role here, too. The dashboard is low-slung and features hexagonal trim elements on its extremely slender fascia. The instrument display and air vents look like standalone, add-on components. A console stretches from the dashboard to the center tunnel.

Inside the Huracán, the driver and co-driver enjoy more space and better visibility than in the Lamborghini Gallardo - both are just as evident on a trip to the race track as they are on the daily drive into work. The low seats with their pronounced contouring and integrated backrests provide the body with excellent grip and support. In the standard version, they can be electrically adjusted for the angle of the backrest and longitudinal position. Further electrical functions for seat height, seat angle and the length of the seat cushion are available as options.

The operating concept for the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 is strictly focused on the driver. He/she can use the buttons on the flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel to manage the many vehicle functions, including indicators and windshield wipers; the two large shift paddles serve to control the dual-clutch gearbox. In executing all actions, the driver can keep eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel at all times.

Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch TFT screen with a high resolution of 1440 x 540 pixels. The virtual cockpit presents all critical information in razor-sharp 3D graphics with sophisticated visual effects. Working in the background is a super-fast graphic processor, the Tegra 30 chip from the Tegra 3 Series by Nvidia. For the rev counter, for instance, it generates 60 frames per second, ensuring absolutely homogenous movement of the needle.

The driver can switch between three display screens. In Full drive mode, the large, central rev counter dominates the view, flanked by displays for fuel level and water temperature. Speed is shown as a digital read-out. In Mixed mode, the rev counter is smaller and moves to the left, with a window for infotainment functions like the navigation map occupying the right half of the display. In Full Navi and Infotainment mode, the map fills most of the monitor. Regardless of the mode selected, the display along the lower edge shows all the important warning and advisory symbols.

There are further display and control elements on the long center console, ergonomically arranged as if on a lectern. The uppermost one is a narrow TFT display for the climate control, which can be switched to show oil pressure, oil temperature and voltage. Beneath it is a strip of switches for secondary functions, accompanied by another group of switches on the left of the cockpit.

In the center of the console are the controls for the automatic air conditioning and the infotainment system. Its main control is surrounded by buttons that provide direct access to the main menus of the navigation, phone, info, radio, media and sound functions; a further rotary control is for volume adjustment. Arranged horizontally on the center tunnel are the start/stop button beneath a red flap, the transmission buttons for neutral, park and reverse gear and the button for the electronic parking brake. Two glove boxes, a cell-phone tray and two door pockets accommodate the small things of everyday life.

The uncompromising precision and attention to detail with which the interior of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 is crafted, is rooted in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship and sets new benchmarks in the league of super sports cars. Luxury materials indulge the senses with their fine look and feel; their selection and the choice of colors on offer are clear evidence of the fine touch and keen eye of the Lamborghini designers. The upper area of the dashboard is clad in dark Alcantara to avoid reflections in the windshield. LEDs provide the interior illumination, too - there is not as single conventional bulb anywhere on or in the car.

One color dominates the interior of the Huracán - Nero Ade black. The dashboard, center console, the center panels on the seats and the door panels are all clad as standard in soft leather, with Alcantara setting accents on the air vents and on the inside of the door mirrors. To complement this, customers can choose from four interior variants. They can use these in a number of ways - depending on the variant - to individualize the lower zone of the dashboard, the center console, door grips, door mirrors, the center panels of the seat backs, the air vents and the cladding on the A-pillars and roof beams.

The Elegante two-tone interior comes with a choice of nine contrasting colors and additional leather options; the upper part of the center console gleams in high-gloss black, with the air vents painted in matte dark gray. In the one-tone Sportivo interior, much of the cladding is made from Alcantara in Nero Ade, while the two-tone Sportivo interior offers Alcantara in six contrasting colors. Alternatively, the two-tone Sportivo interior also comes with supple nappa leather. As an option, the stitching - a total of 30 meters - is also available in a contrasting color. The program is rounded off by further options such as Lamborghini logos and lettering for the interior, or foot mats with leather piping.

SPECIFICATION

► Year : 2015
► Make : Lamborghini
► Model : Huracan
► Engine : V10
► Transmission : Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch
► Horsepower @ RPM : 610 @ 8250
► Torque @ RPM : 413 @ 6500
► Drivetrain : AWD
► Displacement : 5.2 L
► 0-60 time : 3 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed : 211 mph
► 0-100 time : 8.5 sec. (Est.)

TECHNOLOGY

Compared to the Aventador, the Huracán is a bit less lavish and more Spartan. Don’t worry; it’s still a wondrous place to be.

Eight-year-old me would be thrilled to know that the interior of a Lamborghini is almost exactly the combination of jet fighter and Batmobile he always dreamed. The Huracán continues the racecar-inspired trend of doing away with stalks behind the steering wheel. Accordingly, those controls have been relocated to the steering wheel itself, just like on the 458.

On the center console lies another array of jet fighter-like switches that control the 12.3-inch infotainment unit, which is centered behind the steering wheel. At first glance, onlookers might assume the LCD instrument cluster/infotainment screen as has been taken from the all-new 2016 Audi TT.And they’d be right to presume so; it has.

The Huracán’s “virtual cockpit,” powered by the same Nvidia Tegra 3 Series processor you might find in a tablet, can display crisp 3D graphics on its 1,440 × 540 pixel screen with astonishing speed – up to 60 frames per second. With the toggle of a few switches, the screen can display a centralized tach, speedo, or infotainment screen, or a split screen with either sets.

Turn attention back to the center console and drivers will find a strange looking pentagonal silver doohickey that Lamborghini might well have stolen from a crashed alien spacecraft. Don’t be fooled; that’s just the gear selector, Though it looks funny, it works just like a normal knob, with reverse on the top, a new “park” switch beneath it, and a manual button behind that, which puts the transmission into manual shift mode.

Although the Huracán is smaller than the Aventador, it surprisingly has more interior space than its big brother. I didn’t find that I had to hunch to fit my six-foot-five-inch frame into the car. In fact, sitting comfortably, I had some headroom to spare. Cleverly, Huracán designers included a little kneepad on the edge of the center console, so that driver’s didn’t wear a hole in their pants or want to amputate their knee after a long drive.

FEATURES

The new super sports car from Sant'Agata Bolognese leaves the factory with an exceptionally high level of standard equipment. It encompasses a host of high-end technologies including the Iniezione Diretta Stratificata dual injection, the stop & start system, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission Lamborghini Doppia Frizione and the all-wheel drive with the new electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch. In the carbon-ceramic brake discs and the new ANIMA dynamic drive mode system the Huracán offers two more first-class features.

All light functions are fulfilled by LEDs - from the LED headlamps to the interior lighting. The seats are equipped with electric backrest adjustment, while the electric exterior mirrors have a fold-in function. Automatic climate control is also standard, as is tinted glass all around. Two front airbags and head/thorax airbags protect the driver and co-driver in the event of an accident, with belt tensioners completing the package.

Further standard equipment features in the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 are the versatile multi-function steering wheel, the shift paddles for the LDF transmission and the 12.3-inch display, which presents all key instruments in a range of virtual views. The Lamborghini Infotainment system is also standard and includes a radio with CD/DVD drive, an audio interface and six speakers.

The interior of the super sports car comes as standard in Nero Ade black with soft leather and Alcantara. Customers can also choose from a number of additional variants - the two-tone "Elegante" interior, the one and twotone "Sportivo" interior and the two-tone "Sportivo" interior with nappa leather. Following market launch, Lamborghini will expand the Ad Personam program - alongside exclusive colors and yarns, it offers a host of additional features for making the car as individual as its owner's fingerprints.

The equipment list for the Huracán includes further comfort options: an optical parking assistant front and rear - which can be enhanced with a reversing camera - fully electrically adjustable heated seats and an armrest. In the field of infotainment, Lamborghini offers a navigation system with extremely detailed 3D graphics, a Bluetooth interface and a digital radio tuner.

For the exterior, there is a transparent engine cover together with engine bay cladding in carbon fiber. Optional wheels in Mimas design also set powerful accents. The LDS steering system with its variable ratio and MagneRide electromagnetic damping make the already extremely dynamic handling just that little bit more thrilling. The tire pressure warning display rounds off the range of chassis options.

TRANSMISSION

Superfast, virtually imperceptible gearshifts without any interruption in torque - the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 comes with a completely new transmission. Where the Gallardo still used the e.gear automated manual transmission, its successor features the Lamborghini Doppia Frizione (LDF) 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It is exceptionally efficient and its ratios are closely set for maximum sporting performance.

The LDF transmission, mounted behind the V10 at the rear of the Huracán, is extremely compact at less than 60 centimeters long. Its control and actuation is via a separate block, where the electronic, mechanical and hydraulic components all work together. An oil pump supplies oil to the gear sets, clutch and integrated differential; thermal management is handled by an oil-to-water and an oil-to-air heat exchanger.

In Lamborghini's new dual-clutch transmission, engine power flows along a twin drive shaft and two output shafts. Two multi-plate clutches positioned one behind the other operate two mutually independent partial gearboxes. Clutch K1 sends the torque via a solid shaft to the gear sets for gears 1, 3, 5 and 7. Rotating around the solid shaft is a hollow shaft. It is connected to 14 clutch K2 and drives the gear sets for gears 2, 4 and 6, as well as reverse gear.

The two partial gearboxes are permanently active, but only one of them is connected to the engine. When, for example, the driver is accelerating in third gear, the second partial gearbox already has the fourth gear engaged in preparation. The gearshift takes place through switching the clutches - K1 opens and K2 closes in just a few hundredths of a second. The driver can shift gears himself via the steering wheel paddles, or make use of the fully automatic drive program. When maximum acceleration is required, a touch of a button hands the business of engaging the clutch at optimum engine speed over to Launch Control. It makes sure that the engine power is delivered to the road with a perfectly regulated degree of tire slip.

One classic Lamborghini strength is all-wheel drive - for more than 20 years, it has stood for the ultimate in dynamics, traction and stability. Back in 1993, the Diablo VT was the first Italian super sports car with four driven wheels. In the Huracán LP 610-4, too, superior traction means that drivers can accelerate out of corners earlier than those in rear-wheel drive competitors - with a brand new all-wheel drive system developed from the ground up strictly for maximum performance.

At the second output shaft, the LDF transmission incorporates a connection with the prop shaft that runs through the V10 crankcase to the front axle. There, an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch handles the matter of torque distribution - marking a further step forward compared with the viscous coupling of the Lamborghini Gallardo. Inside is a set of plates running in an oil bath. The metal friction rings are arranged axially in pairs - one ring in each pair is permanently interlocked with the casing that rotates with the prop shaft, the other with the short output shaft leading to the front axle differential.

Under normal driving condition, the multi-plate clutch diverts only around 30 percent of the engine torque to the front wheels - meaning the Huracán has a strong rear-drive bias. However, should traction at the rear axle diminish, the clutch can smoothly and in a matter of seconds divert up to 50 percent of torque to the front wheels by pushing the plate set together in a controlled manner. However, a maximum of 100 percent of the torque can be distributed to the rear axle. At the rear axle, a mechanical differential lock integrated into the LDF transmission improves traction even further.

DRIVETRAIN

A not-so-surprising revelation about the Huracán is the choice of engine Lamborghini

opted to use for its new supercar. For its latest piece of work, Lambo opted to bring back an uprated version of the Gallardo’s 5.2-liter, V-10 engine that produces 610 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 413 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm.

That’s serving notice to Ferrari that it needs to put in the work to improve the 458 Italia , otherwise the Huracán will just blow past it. The Huracán’s increased power over the 458 also means that it can hit 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and it takes only 9.9 seconds to go all the way from 0 to 124 mph. Top speed wasn’t fully divulged, but LAmbo did say that it will exceed 325 km/h (202 mph).

Power for the new Lambo is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox and if you’re feeling the vibe of optional driving modes, the Huracán has three modes - Strada, Sport and Corsa - you can choose from. These systems impact just about every part of the car, including the gearbox, suspension, steering, exhaust, stability control and the all-wheel-drive system.

In terms of raw numbers, the Huracan’s V-10 is also Euro 6 compliant, enabling it to have an average fuel consumption of 18.8 mpg in the U.S. (12.5 liters / 100 km).

Doing the stopping is a standard set of carbon-ceramic brakes, and variable steering ration allows the driver to whip the new Lambo through the twist with the flick of a wrist.

ENGINE

The Huracán maintains the 5.2 L naturally aspirated V10 engine from the Gallardo, tuned for 610 PS (449 kW; 602 hp). To ensure its balance and performance, the car is mid-engined. The V10 has both direct fuel injection and multi-point fuel injection. It combines the benefits of both of these systems; it is the first time this combination is used in a V10. To increase its efficiency the Huracán's engine also includes a start-stop system.

SAFETY FEATURES

Air Bag-Frontal-Driver                        Yes

Air Bag-Frontal-Passenger                 Yes

Air Bag-Passenger Switch (On/Off)     Yes

Air Bag-Side Body-Front                     Yes

Air Bag-Side Body-Rear                      No

Air Bag-Side Head-Front                     No

Air Bag-Side Head-Rear                      No

Brakes-ABS                                          Yes

Child Safety Rear Door Locks             No

Daytime Running Lights                        Yes

Traction Control                                     Yes

Night Vision                                          No

Rollover Protection Bars                       No

Fog Lamps                                            No

Parking Aid                                           No

Tire Pressure Monitor                            Yes

Back-Up Camera                                  No

Stability Control                                    Yes

Other FeaturesElectronic Stability Control (ESC) :

► ABS And Driveline Traction Control
► Side Impact Beams
► Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
► Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
► Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags w/Passenger Off...
► Driver And Passenger Side Airbag Head Extension
► Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Height...

VIDEO

Video by : Autoguide

By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars

Posted by : Shahen Tharammal