Lamborghini’s road cars can be treated like a royal family, with a clear lineage and impeccable pedigree. What you are looking at is a scale-model replica of its newest track-bred prince, one that was created from carbon to surpass any other super-exotic. A model that, itself, continues a new-found heritage for impeccable accuracy and high play value.
Presenting, for the LaLD audience, Tomica’s 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Performante.
(Originally drafted 13 September 2018)
PROLOGUE
Now, I’ll be straight with you: this is a long-overdue review. I originally planned to publish this in 2019 but college, as usual, got in the way. Between projects and extra-curricular work, it proved difficult to find time for shoots and writing. Now, however, I’ve finally put them all together for you. Read on.
Forgiato in Fibra (Forged in Fiber)
Before the Aventador SV and SVJ came about, it was the Huracan Performante that held the mantle as the fastest new Lamborghini in the bullpen. Retaining all-wheel-drive grip, the Performante boasts 640PS, 30hp more powerful than the original, and is lighter thanks to its patented forged carbon parts.
But the headline innovation the Huracan carries is ALA, an in-house active aero solution that is lighter than the competition while giving the Perfomante 750% more downforce compared to the base model. Along with magnetic suspension damping and re-calibrated steering, this car was, at one point, the fastest-lapping welterweight on the Nordschleife, though initially the record was hotly-disputed for tampering allegations.
So good was the Performante that Richard Hammond loved driving the car, saying it finally got the ferocity he was looking for back when he took the base Huracan for a spin. I’ll take his word for it—after all, I can never own the real thing. So let’s see if this 1:62 replica is a competent stand-in.
L’aria Diventa Un’arma (The Air Becomes a Weapon)
Straight out of the box and foil-wrap, Tomica’s casting amazes. The first stand-out are the prints, from badge to headlamps, legible (if a little too small) “Performante” cursive and clean, crisp Tricolore striping, and even the back, which still has taillights (but they get eaten by shadows) and badge.
The next pass is equally brilliant: I gradually realize just how well Tomica shaped this body, with every line, crease and edge matching that of the real thing. And it’s all coated in sparkling bright yellow paint that takes well to natural light without being too thick but instead accentuating the shadows where they may appear.
Even the windows are pristine, clear enough that one can see the detailed engine cover and interior, even in the (admittedly) heavy tint. As a collectors’ item, then, it’s a resounding success.
Piccola Pietra Preziosa Gialla (Precious Little Yellow Gem)
Faults? Not many, though I suppose detractors of Tomica’s wheels on something this realistic will dock at most four points from this otherwise excellent casting. Which is true—the Huracan had amazingly-done lace wheels and it would be nice to swap HW’s lace rims on these. They also jiggle a little too much on its axles, which gives a queasy impression.
Another may lie in its weight. It’s light, almost to a fault, which can lead one to believe this toy is a lot less robust than it is. But the model has seen some hard knocks on rough concrete and survived without a dent or chip, which shows its robustness even if it’s easy to toss.
Suffice to say, then, if you are a Tomica fan or want the Performante on your stable, this is the model to get. It will be difficult to find for retail prices in the West, but for those who can get it, they won’t be disappointed. This Huracan was revealed in the year that proved to be the Tomica’s finest hour for exotics, and it shows every time I look and play with the car.
Three years ago in December, I declared that Tomica’s Huracan Performante was as good as the real thing. That assessment hasn’t changed one bit.
LaLD!
+ Accurate body-casting
+ Excellent paint and clear detailing
+ Robust and play-tolerant
BaLD!
- needs lace wheels
FINAL VERDICT: A
EPILOGUE
So ends my review of the Lamborghini Huracan. After a long time in writing hell, this feature is finished at last. I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing the photos.
Thank you for reading!