Lamborghini Huracan Performante gains twin turbochargers

The Lamborghini Huracán is known for its glorious naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 power plant, but as is the way of the tuner world, AMS Performance has decided it requires a pair of turbochargers. Coming in at the price of Rs 34 lakh (price in the US) installed, the package pumps the Italian supercar up to over 900bhp from the standard car’s 631bhp.

At the heart of the ‘Alpha 9’ package are two Garrett turbochargers, with a pair of intercoolers, motorsport-grade heat exchangers and ECU and transmission tuning all provided to help produce the figure. AMS Performance claims the quality of work has been engineered to be up to factory standards, if not better. The kit raises power to an excess of 900bhp and around 813Nm of torque on 93 Octane fuel. AMS says even more power can be had with higher-quality petrol, and also maintain the car drives just like stock till you mash the pedal.

As you’d expect, the performance gains are impressive. Though the 0-100kmph time isn’t disclosed (presumably due to the need for the turbochargers to spool), 100-160kmph comes in a simply ridiculous 2.19sec, 100-210kmph in a quoted 4.69, and the quarter-mile sprint at 9.0sec on road-legal rubber – for reference, the standard car is said to complete the quarter-mile in around 10.4sec.

The package utilises the Performante’s factory-fitted active aerodynamics system to provide more than just straight-line performance. Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) adopts forged composite components for weight savings, with active aero allowing the rear wing to produce less downforce and drag when it’s not needed – it can even be used for ‘aero vectoring’, aiming to improve the model’s cornering abilities.

Also available with the Alpha 9 package is the ability to switch engine maps on the go. A highly restrictive ‘Valet’ mode helps to prevent any nasty spool-induced accidents, with other options allowing the driver to increase power depending on the octane level of the fuel.

Installation takes place at AMS Performance’s Chicago headquarters or at a certified builder, and takes days instead of the months usually associated with such a conversion. Since we already know the Huracan Evo currently on sale in India shares much of its mechanical underpinnings with the Performante, it's safe to say both these cars can benefit from this kind of fettling. So if you (or anyone you know) owns this Lambo and wants some more power, please do give the AMS Performance office a buzz. Oh, and once they've worked their magic, don't forget to call us for a leisurely drive. We'll be waiting!