Million Air Winter 2021

DISCOVER

Motoring by Alexandra Cheney

At first blush, the winter season and convertibles may not seem complementary. But whether clocking time on the slopes or avoiding the cold, this trio of drop-tops provides options — from active all-wheel drive and performance traction control systems to camouflaged hardtops

Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder

Rather than piloting headlong into an identity crisis, Lamborghini is continuing its tradition of big-displacement, naturally aspirated engines. There’s not a turbocharger in sight (yet) for the Raging Bull; instead, there’s a 5.2-liter V10 that pumps out 610 hp, better known as the Huracán EVO RWD Spyder. A sibling of the Huracán EVO 4WD Spyder, the RWD powertrain makes a bold statement thanks to its new front splitter, framed front air intakes and rear diffuser. And that’s merely the cosmetic debut. The specially tuned performance traction control system liberates the driver; it is purpose-built for “adrenalin- producing performance in all conditions, consistently delivering torque and assuring traction even as the Spyder is realigning after sharp cornering or drifting,” according to Lamborghini. Pragmatically speaking, the Spyder’s soft-top roof stows within 17 seconds under the rear hood, even while driving up to 31 mph. Color and trim options abound thanks to Lamborghini’s Ad Personam bespoke design department that works one-on-one with owners to customize their cars. Acoustically speaking, the RWD Spyder taps into the Lamborghini lineage of gurgling and growling. But a one-two punch is fast approaching. EU emissions will require particulate filters for gasoline cars in 2023, and by 2027 the EU will lower vehicle noise limits to 68 dB (currently 74). Fear not: Brand engineers are already pondering how quiet a Lamborghini can become. 2022 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder from $229,428, lamborghini.com