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Pope Francis gets a papal-themed Lamborghini Huracan

Lamborghini picked a special recipient for the newest and rarest version of its Huracan RWD, giving an ultra limited-edition version of the supercar to Pope Francis in a ceremony Wednesday at the Vatican attended by company executives. The new Popemobile, it's not. Fittingly, according to Catholic News Agency, it's the seventh version of the Huracan, the Italian company's entry-level model. It's set to be auctioned at RM Sotheby's on May 12, 2018, with orders from the Holy See to split the proceeds between three charitable causes: restoring villages on the Nineveh Plain in Iraq, helping victims of human trafficking and supporting missionary work in Africa. The papal Huracan RWD is done in Monocerus white with Tiberio yellow stripes running along the hood, roof and body, reflecting the colors of the flag of Vatican City. It was blessed and autographed by the pontiff in the presence of Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali, board members and two employees who helped build the car. The Huracan is the successor to the Gallardo, Lamborghini's best-selling model of all time, with a design inspired by the hexagonal form of the carbon atom. It's powered by a naturally aspirated, 5.2-liter V10 that makes 602 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Normally, the sports car starts $199,800. But a version blessed and autographed by the pope? Priceless...Related Video:

Lamborghini may bring a hybrid Espada successor to market in 2025

Lamborghini's CEO Stefano Domenicali was recently interviewed by Automotive News. And in the interview, there are some tantalizing tidbits about future product plans. In particular, he talks a little about the company adding a fourth mainline car to its current lineup of Aventador, Huracan and Urus. Note, this probably wouldn't have any affect on a super-limited production model like the rumored hypercar based on the Terzo Millennio. The news outlet specifically asked if it would be a successor to the Espada grand touring car, and while doesn't explicitly say that it is, he does mention the importance of space and getting the right powertrain. So it sounds like it will be something at least more practical than the company's current supercars. Domenicali also noted that we won't be seeing this new fourth Lamborghini for a while. It's targeted to come out between 2025 and 2027. When asked about an electric variant, he said that the current plans are just for a plug-in hybrid version. He doesn't rule out the possibility of a full electric, but the company hasn't seen the demand quite yet for a full electric Lamborghini, and the company would want to work with Volkswagen to figure out how such a car would fit in with the larger corporation's plans and goals. That particular tidbit would be a sign the aforementioned hypercar won't feature an electric powertrain like the Terzo Millennio concept with which it supposedly shares its design. The other product information Domenicali talked about was related to hybrids. He again confirmed that the next Aventador and Huracan, or whatever the successors are called, will feature plug-in hybrid powertrains. The first will be a V12 plug-in for the Aventador replacement, and the Huracan replacement will have a V10 plug-in. The company is still working on a Urus plug-in hybrid, too. It has, however, had some problems getting the desired performance from test engines that have included twin-turbo V6s and a V8. You can read more about what's next for Lamborghini in the full Automotive News interview. Related Video:

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.