And then there’s the speed. Up until experiencing launch control in this Huracan, the AWD Porsche Turbo S was the only car that had physically disoriented me with its hole-shot acceleration. Now there are two.

But there’s a lot more to this new baby-Lambo than style, noise and speed. It’s a remarkably sorted piece that instantly hardwires itself to your driving mojo. The steering is laser sharp and telepathic, and the chassis secure and intuitive. Combine that with the insane thrust available at your right foot, and it feels like you’re strapped to the sexiest of jet-packs.

Sport mode dials much of the power aft (more so than in Corsa where stability control is off). Like the Audi R8, you can provoke a bit of tail slide without dire consequences. (Found that out on a rainy afternoon.)

One might argue that for about $100,000 less, you’ll be getting essentially the same car in the new Audi R8, which will have this 610-hp V10 in its top trim. The Huracan’s core is built in Audi’s German Neckarsulm plant and the engines come from Hungary.

Be that as it may, when it all gets put together in Sant’Agata Bolognese in Italy, the soul of the Huracan LP610-4 is Lamborghini through and through. For those who want the drama, mechanical edge and exclusivity of this gob-smacking slice of Italian exotica, that will be money well spent.

Competitors:
Aston Martin Vantage
Audi R8
Ferrari 488 GTB
McLaren 570S
Porsche 911 Turbo S

Pricing: 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4
Base price: $262,947
Optional equipment: $54,900 (Arancio Borealis pearl effect paint $5,000; navigation $3500; orange brake calipers $1500; transparent engine bonnet and forged composite engine bay $7700; sport exhaust with style package $4800; rear view cameras with parking sensors $4300; front lift system with Magneto-Rheologic suspension $7600; 20-inch forged Mimas wheels $8100; Lamborghini Dynamic Power Steering $2600; floor mats with leather piping and double stitching $800; contrast stitching $800; electric and heated seats $3100; bi-colour Sportivo seats with Alcantara $3900; branding package $1100)
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $317,847

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