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Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 learns a few tricks from the STO

Lamborghini is keeping its promise of adding new variants to the Huracan line-up. Shortly after introducing the Tecnica, the middle child of the family, it unveiled a track-only model named GT3 EVO2 that benefits from several design updates and learns a few tricks from the STO. Here is a quick refresher course. The Huracan has spawned two basic racing derivatives since it entered production in 2014. The first one competes in the Super Trofeo one-make series. It received a round of updates that notably brought the EVO2 designation in June 2021. The second one races in GT3 endurance events around the world, and it's the one that Lamborghini just made several significant changes to. Lamborghini focused on updating three main areas: the drivetrain, aerodynamics, and safety. Power for the GT3 EVO2 still comes from a naturally-aspirated V10 engine that spins the rear wheels, but it gains 10 electronically-actuated throttle bodies added to boost efficiency. Four screws secure the system to the engine, an Essenza SCV12-inspired setup that facilitates maintenance by saving mechanics time. And, for better responsiveness, air reaches the engine via a system that consists of snorkel integrated into a roof-mounted scoop. Designers and engineers worked hand-in-hand to give the GT3 EVO2 a new aerodynamic profile. Some of the changes are easy to spot: the front splitter and the rear diffuser have been redesigned. Others are hidden from view: Lamborghini re-engineered the underbody panels. We're told that new aluminum-alloy pillars similar to the STO's make the position of the massive rear wing easier to precisely adjust. On the safety front, the Huracan now comes with a roll cage that features two rear pillars, carbon-Kevlar honeycomb side panels, plus new brake pads and calipers. ABS brakes and a track-specific traction control system remain on the list of standard features. Lamborghini will begin delivering the Huracan GT3 EVO2 in the second half of 2022, and the coupe is scheduled to make its competition debut at the 2023 edition of the grueling Daytona 24 Hours. The company noted that the teams currently racing a GT3 EVO will be able to buy a retrofit kit to turn their car into an EVO2, though pricing information for the kit and for the full car hasn't been released yet.  Keeping the Huracan fresh has paid off: Lamborghini recently built the 20,000th unit, a highly impressive feat in this segment. Related Video This content is hosted by a third party.

2022 Ford Maverick gets a surprising amount of attention

People notice the 2022 Ford Maverick. You could chalk it up to metro Detroit being a company town, but that’s too easy. The Maverick, despite its modest size, has presence. I expected the truck to draw curiosity. Aesthetically, the MaverickÂ’s closest rival, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, is far more eye-catching with a flashy grille and curves and creases front to back. The MaverickÂ’s squared-off truck demeanor makes it an understated attention-getter, and it does have some design flourishes, especially up front with the blocky headlights that Tetris with the grille. ItÂ’s not just the looks. The sub-$20K MSRP offers real value and is an articulation of FordÂ’s strategy to pivot from cars to similarly sized offerings. This is better than a Ford Focus, and it makes sense why Ford took such a big risk revamping its lineup. And the hybrid version gets up to 42 mpg. Ford sold 4,140 Mavericks in October, outpacing the Santa CruzÂ’s still-healthy tally of 1,848 units. Ford says the trucks were moving off dealer lots in an average of five days, which is a brisk pace. The Maverick is also bringing in young buyers, with a quarter of its sales to people 18 to 35 years old.  While the sales figures are interesting, the Maverick starts about $4,000 less than the Santa Cruz, and Ford sells more vehicles than Hyundai in the United States, so thatÂ’s just part of the equation. Ford and Hyundai will define success for their small trucks in different ways. TheyÂ’re both attention-getters, but the Maverick surprised me with its star power. It will be interesting to see if this segment has staying power for Ford, Hyundai and perhaps others. Other news and notes The North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Award finalists were announced this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Maverick and Santa Cruz both made the cut in the truck category, where they were joined by the Rivian R1T. The Honda Civic, Lucid Air and Volkswagen Golf GTI/R  will vie for top honors in the car segment. The Ford Bronco, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV70 make up the SUV field. Winners will be announced in early January. The finalists were culled from a field of 23 semifinalists. Full disclosure: IÂ’m a NACTOY juror.  HereÂ’s an odd one: Famed designer Marcello Gandini is disavowing the rebirth of the Lamborghini Countach. Lambo essentially restyled the Sian with a modern interpretation of the CountachÂ’s design cues.

Italian investigators search Lambo headquarters in VW probe

Italian investigators searched Lamborghini headquarters on Oct. 15 to look for evidence of managers' involvement in Volkswagen's emissions cheating. VW's main office in Verona was also inspected, according to Reuters. Lamborghini is owned by Volkswagen, and Lambo in turn is listed as the owner of VW Group Italia. Authorities wanted to find out if employees were conscious that the vehicles were skirting emissions rules. "It is one thing if I sell water and pretend it's wine, but if I sell water believing it is wine it's different." Verona chief prosecutor Mario Giulio Schinaia said to Reuters. Italian newspaper Gazetta del Sud reported that several managers in Italy were under investigation for alleged fraud. Prosecutors in Germany have also been rigorously investigating VW, and they recently staged a similar raid on the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. The automaker reportedly turned over documents and other data relating to the software defeat device. Meanwhile, VW's internal investigation has turned up little wrongdoing, though a recent leak suggested otherwise, and at least 30 managers could have known about the defeat device. The automaker has disputed that figure. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn testified before Congress that he believed only a few individuals were involved. The situation hasn't been easy on VW in the US, either. The Department of Justice has also been pursuing an investigation into the automaker. Plus, state attorneys general are filing lawsuits against the company for defrauding customers. VW has until Nov. 20 to explain a repair for the problem to the California Air Resources Board. Related Video: