During my time online, I’ve witnessed some ridiculous antics with Lamborghinis. There was that cringeworthy YouTuber who towed cars using one on a U-Haul trailer, and the Huracan Sterrato owner who believed a slight suspension lift was sufficient to tackle the snowy terrain near Lake Tahoe in February. Thankfully, the owners of this Huracan Super Trofeo in Thailand exhibit more common sense than those examples. You might raise an eyebrow when you find out PSC Motorsport swapped in a Honda K20C engine into its Italian-built race car, but you’ll soon realize the shop had its reasons.
Originally, the track-focused vehicle was powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine, but that was replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder from a Civic Type R. It’s now playfully dubbed the Hondaghini, a name that rolls off the tongue yet may upset purists. At least it maintains its speed.
PSC Motorsport implemented numerous modifications to enable the Huracan Super Trofeo to race around circuits like Chang International Circuit in Buriram. That’s where the Hondaghini recently triumphed in the annual year-end, 12-hour Idemitsu Super Endurance race. A Garrett G30-725 turbo replaced the small stock turbo, allowing the engine to reach 655 horsepower at the rear wheels with its most aggressive tune. The Bangkok-based racing team later reduced it to 350 hp to comply with the performance balance regulations of its racing class.
The final results of that endurance race were quite striking. PSC’s Super Trofeo finished seven laps ahead of the second-place vehicle, being one of only three cars in the SP class, alongside a Honda Integra DC5 and a Civic Type R FD. You can catch the mid-engine racer dashing past Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz hatchbacks in this clip on Edd Ellison’s YouTube channel:
Ellison has been covering the build for about a year, documenting each phase as PSC honed it into the victorious racer it is today.
It’s worth noting that the Hondaghini features a DRS wing akin to those in Formula 1—err, previously utilized. It connects to the car’s MoTec ECU, activating low-drag mode once the speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, which is about 75 miles per hour. It’s no surprise a car designed with impressive aerodynamics can outperform numerous modified hatchbacks, yet it’s still quite amusing to observe them all racing simultaneously.
I can confidently state that this is likely the world’s sole K20-powered Huracan Super Trofeo, and it will most probably remain so for a considerable time. The only potential for change is if PSC decides to build a second one, which, who knows—it succeeded the first time.
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**Lamborghini Huracan: A Track-Focused Variant Crafted to Rival Japanese Compact Vehicles**
The Lamborghini Huracan, a beacon of Italian automotive brilliance, has fascinated car lovers since its introduction in 2014. Renowned for its eye-catching design and thrilling performance, the Huracan has positioned itself as a strong competitor in the supercar arena. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Lamborghini has considered the idea of developing a racing variant of the Huracan specifically targeting Japanese compact cars in motorsport competitions. This article explores the characteristics, performance upgrades, and implications of such a model.
### The Idea of Competing with Compact Vehicles
The motivation for creating a racing variant of the Huracan designed to vie with Japanese compact cars stems from the increasing popularity of grassroots motorsport. Events like time attacks, drifting contests, and amateur racing have experienced a boom in participation, often being led by agile and lightweight Japanese cars. By developing a variant of the Huracan that focuses on nimbleness, reduced weight, and cost-effectiveness, Lamborghini intends to penetrate this growing market.
### Performance Enhancements
1. **Weight Reduction**: The racing variant would emphasize lightweight construction using materials like carbon fiber and aluminum to minimize overall weight. This would enhance responsiveness and maneuverability, enabling the Huracan to effectively compete against lighter Japanese compact cars.
2. **Engine Tuning**: While the standard Huracan comes with a naturally aspirated V10 engine generating around 630 horsepower, the racing variant could feature a modified version of this powertrain. Tweaks to the engine management system, exhaust, and air intake could result in better power output and quicker throttle response, making it competitive on the track.
3. **Suspension and Handling**: Enhanced suspension components would be crucial for the racing variant. Prioritizing adjustable coilovers, stiffer anti-roll bars, and improved aerodynamics would boost cornering performance and overall handling, essential for racing against nimble compact cars.
4. **Tires and Brakes**: The racing model would likely be equipped with high-performance tires tailored for track conditions, providing superior grip and stability. In addition, upgraded braking systems featuring larger rotors and calipers would ensure consistent performance under racing demands.
### Design and Aerodynamics
The Huracan racing variant would incorporate a more aggressive aerodynamic setup, including a front splitter, rear wing, and side skirts. These upgrades would not only enhance downforce but also elevate the vehicle’s overall visual appeal. The design would stay true to Lamborghini’s legacy while integrating functional elements that boost performance.
### Market Implications
The introduction of a racing variant of the Huracan aimed at competing with Japanese compact cars could pave new paths for Lamborghini. It would attract a younger audience interested in motorsport, potentially fostering brand loyalty and broadening the customer base. Furthermore, it could spawn a new series of racing events, cultivating a competitive atmosphere among fans of both Italian supercars and Japanese compacts.
### Conclusion
The Lamborghini Huracan racing variant aimed at challenging Japanese compact cars signifies an innovative strategy in motorsport. By concentrating on lightweight design, enhanced performance, and bold aesthetics, Lamborghini could redefine its role in grassroots racing. This initiative not only showcases the brand’s adaptability but also spotlights the shifting dynamics in motorsport, where traditional distinctions between supercars and compact racers are increasingly blurred. As the automotive environment embraces this evolution, the Huracan could emerge as an unexpected competitor in new arenas, demonstrating that even the most legendary supercars can evolve with changing times.
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