New for 2017

The Avio is a limited-edition version of the current Huracán LP610-4.

An Aviation-inspired supercar

It’s hard to make a Lamborghini even more special, but the company keeps succeeding. The Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Avio is a limited-edition model inspired by aviation. It wears colors inspired by the Italian Air Force Academy, and even has its own insignia. Because why be just a supercar driver when you can pretend to be a fighter pilot?

Performance

If you’re going to build a car inspired by fighter jets, the Lamborghini Huracán is a pretty good place to start. The Avio is based on the current Huracán LP610-4 model, retaining the supercar’s ferocious performance.

As with all current Lamborghini models, there’s a bit of decoding to be done here. “LP” stands for “longitudinale posteriore,” referring to the engine’s longitudinal position behind the driver. The number “610” refers to the 5.2-liter V10’s power output on the metric system. In the U.S., it’s actually rated at 602 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. The “-4” refers to the car’s all-wheel drive.

Not mentioned in that alphabet soup, but still an important part of the performance picture, is the vehicle's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This super-fast transmission has multiple programmable modes, including a “Corsa” (Italian for “race”) mode that incorporates launch control and a system that pre-selects gears under certain conditions.

Helping make the Huracán LP610-4 Avio less intimidating to ordinary drivers is its all-wheel-drive system, which can juggle power to match changing driving conditions. It normally sends 30 percent of the power to the front wheels and 70 percent to the rear wheels, but can also initiate a 50/50 front/rear split or send 100 percent of the power to the back wheels.

The model’s performance figures are identical to those of the standard Huracán LP610-4. That means 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds, and a top speed of over 201 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 17 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 21 mpg highway).* That may not seem very impressive, but it’s pretty good for a supercar and is achieved in part by a cylinder deactivation system for the engine.

Features

The Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Avio is only available as a coupe, and all Huracán models are two-seaters. Lamborghini won’t discuss the price, but even if you can afford one, putting an Avio in your driveway requires some luck. That’s because only 250 were made.

The Avio features the same standard equipment as other Huracán LP610-4 models, including LED lighting, power seats, automatic climate control, multifunction steering wheel, infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display screen, and leather and Alcantara interior trim. A front-end lifting system and navigation are also standard on the Avio.

Design

The Avio takes the Huracán LP610-4’s dramatic design and adds references to the world of aviation. Who could think of a better combination than supercars and fighter jets?

Lamborghini gave the Avio a distinctive livery, with offset racing stripes and an “L63” logo on the doors. The “L” stands for Lamborghini and the “63” represents 1963, the year the company was founded. The Avio is available in five model-specific colors: Grigio Falco, Blu Grifo, Grigio Nibbio, Grigio Vulcano, and Verde Turbine. The colors’ names are taken from the coats of arms representing courses at the Italian Air Force Academy.

The interior is trimmed in black leather and Alcantara, the latter with a laser-engraved hexagonal motif. The Alcantara is used on the seat center sections, the armrest, knee supports, and parts of the door panels. White contrast stitching adds a further highlight, and each car includes a special plaque to denote its provenance. Both the exterior and interior can also be customized through the Lamborghini Ad Personam program.

The Huracán is the perfect starting point for an aviation-themed special edition because sitting in one already makes you feel like you’re inside an airplane. The engine start button is under a flip cover, just like the ones used for weapons switches on military aircraft. The seating position is fairly low to the ground, but the interior is still relatively spacious and visibility is as expected for this type of vehicle.

Safety

Safety equipment on the Avio mirrors that of the standard Huracán LP610-4. That means standard anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, front and head/thorax airbags, and an optional rearview camera and park-assist system.

Verdict

The Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Avio is about as close to being a fighter pilot as most people will get.

Couldn’t get your own Avio? For more information on other Lamborghini models, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.

Image: Lamborghini