Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 revealed

The latest Lamborghini Huracan variant has been outed, ditching its all-wheel drive setup for rear-drive propulsion. It pumps out less power and torque than its AWD sibling but is lighter, gets stiffer suspension and will deliver 'enhanced driving emotion' according to the Italian company.

The new exotic will be offered in Australia between quarter two and three of the year and, crucially, will be more affordable than the $428,000 AWD Huracan. Representing a saving of $49,100, the LP 580-2 is pegged at $378,900 – a veritable bargain in supercar terms.

Lamborghini uses words like 'sporty' and 'engaging' in its press release for the new model, with its three-mode driving system 'tuned to provide oversteering characteristics, emphasising authentic rear-wheel drive behaviour'.

The RWD Lambo will no doubt offer more intuitive power-sliding ability with engine output transferred exclusively to the rear axle. This also helps distance the Huracan from the AWD-only Audi R8 sports car, with which it shares its underpinnings and engine.

Power finds its way to the chunky rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the mid-mounted 5.2-litre V10 belting out 426kW (580hp) and 540Nm. Although that's down 22kW and 20Nm on the AWD model, the new Huracan is lighter by 33kg and its top speed is only 5km/h shy of its faster sibling's 325km/h.

The benchmark 0-100km/h sprint now takes a slightly longer 3.4 seconds with launch control.

Promising a completely new drive experience with a more aggressive edge, the new variant has weight distributed 40:60 front to rear. The spiritual successor to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 also gets firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer springs to sharpen cornering response.

The Sant'Agata company has also given the rear-drive Huracan a new look to differentiate it from its all-paw relation, but it'll take a real Lambo-phile to stop the differences. Up front the lower air intakes have been re-sculpted, which improves front end downforce according to the Italian car maker. Likewise a new rear spoiler and diffuser clean up turbulent airflow around the car's striking rump.

The interior appears largely unchanged from the AWD version, features a fully-digitised and customisable 12.3-inch instrument cluster along with jet fighter-inspired controls.

Lamborghini says colour options for the interior and exterior are 'limitless' and the Huracan LP 580-2 joins the likes of Miura, Countach and Diablo models in offering rear-drive dynamics.

"The rear-wheel drive model fits perfectly into our Huracan family, appealing to those wanting an even more intense driving experience, or who currently drive other rear-wheel-drive marques and aspire to driving a Lamborghini," said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

"This is the purest expression of a Lamborghini to date, with class-leading technological refinements. It is a serious car for serious drivers: it is maximum driving fun," he beamed.

Lamborghini Huracan AWD vs RWD
Power: 448kW vs 426kW
Torque: 560Nm vs 540Nm
Dry weight: 1422kg vs 1389kg
Top speed: 325km/h vs 320km/h
0-100km/h: 3.2secs vs 3.4secs