Lamborghini has made waves in the automotive industry by releasing their newest offering, the 2023 Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. This off-road version of the Huracan sports car is a departure from Lamborghini’s typical offerings, but it promises to be a rollicking way to say goodbye to internal combustion. Lamborghinis from here forward will move to electrified and electric powertrains, making the Huracan Sterrato a unique addition to the brand’s legacy.
The Huracan Sterrato has been designed to deliver the super sport feeling, the fast driving of a car like the STO, on off-road terrain such as gravel, snow, and dust. The car has been lifted by about 1.7 inches, and the wheelbase is slightly longer than the standard Huracan. The Sterrato also features wider front and rear tracks and specially developed Bridgestone dueller all-terrain tires, making it capable of delivering the off-track experience that Lamborghini has promised.
According to Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini’s chief technical officer, the Sterrato is not just an aesthetic modification. The wheelbase is longer, and the tire diameter is also longer, with strong modifications of the basic car. “So it’s not only elevated and that’s it. We’ve spent a lot of effort in the fine-tuning,” Reggiani says.
Despite the ground clearance limitations, the Sterrato could theoretically be capable of off-road driving. However, the mission is not slow driving and climbing things but to transfer the super sport feeling of a car like the STO to off-road terrain. Lamborghini wants to provide the off-track experience, which is why they made a compromise with the ground clearance, says Reggiani.
The Huracan Sterrato retains the naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine that puts out 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, and it still has Strada and Sport calibrations. However, the Sterrato also offers a Rally mode for better traction on loose surfaces.
The Huracan Sterrato’s top speed is limited to 160 mph due to the all-terrain tires. Still, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, making it a powerful and capable car both on and off-road.
Lamborghini wasn’t sure how the public would react to the Huracan Sterrato, but it has already proven more popular than anticipated. Dealer feedback has shown that the modifications make the car more livable for daily use, thanks to the higher driving position and the ability to tackle speed bumps, potholes, and awkward parking spaces. This is the first time that drivers won’t have to fear daily usage of their Lamborghini, says Reggiani.
The Huracan Sterrato will begin its limited production run in February 2023. Lamborghini has not yet revealed the pricing, but it is expected to be higher than the $222,000 911 Dakar.
The Sterrato will remain a one-off for the Huracan for now, but Lamborghini has not ruled out producing future Sterrato models. As the brand pours more research and development into electrified powertrains, the Huracan Sterrato stands as a unique offering that promises to deliver an exhilarating off-road experience.
