D8 THE BULLETIN • SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2021 One fine raging bull BY LARRY PRINTZ • Tribune News Service T rying to characterize the 2021 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder is difficult, but let me try. Extravagant, flamboyant, exaggerated, extreme, speedy, fast, brisk, rapid, quick, sharp, alert, loud, vocal, magnetic, alluring, compelling, captivating, charismatic, fun, entertaining, amusing, exciting, intoxicating, exhilarating, elating, thrilling, stirring, stimulating and rousing, it’s easy to love the 2021 Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder, the convertible version of the Huracán Evo mid-engine coupe. Some might argue it’s the quar- ter-million-dollar-plus price tag, which makes it all but unattain- able for most drivers, that drives the adoration. Perhaps. But those saying such things haven’t driven it. That’s when its true personality, one that’s far dif- ferent from the Lamborghinis of old, reveals itself. Lamborghinis once were tem- peramental beasts, with styling that was notable for its lack of restraint. That changed in 1998, when Volkswagen Group bought Lamborghini, adding a measure of civility and styling restraint without taming the brand’s riot- ous nature. The result is one of the world’s finest line of supercars, ones that are even more desirable than those produced under the auspices of company founder and tractor manufacturer Ferruccio Lamborghini. Introduced in 2014, the Hu- racán soon spawned a number of variants, including the Perfor- mante, featuring aerodynamic en- hancements, and the Evo, with all- wheel drive. This was followed a rear-wheel-drive version, allowing those who prefer to let it all hang out at the track to do exactly that. Its engine, a 5.2-liter V-10, is manufactured in Neckar- sulm, Germany and is shared with its corporate cousin the Audi R8. Producing 610 horse- power through a seven-speed du- al-clutch gearbox, it produces a deep rumble at idle, intensifying to racetrack loud at full scream. Unlike a smaller turbocharged mill, this is an engine that speaks with authority and delivers what it promises. It begins the minute you plop yourself into the carbon shell driv- er’s seat and reach between your legs to adjust the seat with the large lever. The driving position is classically Italian: knees bent, arms outstretched. Next, flip up the cover on the ignition switch and hit the red starter button. Flip the steering-wheel-mounted pad- dle shifter and bury the throttle as it works through the gears, de- livering an acoustically satisfying symphony: Bwah-Bwah-Bwah! Noise fills the cabin as engine power swells, producing a whip- lash-inducing shove. With a 0-62 mph time of 3.5 seconds, it’s not the fastest su- percar out there, but none are as passionately vibrant or as aurally flamboyant. It’s a sensation that connects directly to your central nervous system, electrifying your synapses with a heavy jolt of au- tomotive testosterone. This isn’t a car; it’s Y-chromosomes shod with Pirelli P Zeroes. Aiding and abetting this fast trip to magistrate’s court is a new Performance Traction Con- trol System, or P-TCS in Lambo lingo. This is your Huracán’s driving mode selector that con- sists of Strada, Sport and Corsa. Strada is the mildest of the three, minimizing rear-wheel slippage and managing torque delivery on low-adhesion surfaces. Sport allows the rear wheels to slide and skate during acceleration, al- though torque is limited so the driver can control the car. Corsa optimizes the car’s traction when cornering in high-performance conditions. As you might expect, Sport and Corsa also offer the most thrilling aural entertainment. These modes are best experienced on a track, which I didn’t have access to do- ing my test drive. I had to suffice with I-95 in South Florida, a driv- ing experience that’s much like a video game — except that you only have one life. To say that the Lambo is a per- fect accessory for safely navigating this endless gray ribbon populated by asphalt Andrettis is an under- statement. Its engine note is pure evil, causing most drivers to pull aside and let you pass. The excep- tions are white panel vans, whose exact business is suspiciously un- knowable, and Toyota Corollas. While feedback is fairly good, there’s not as much as in some competitors. The flip side is that its endearingly forgiving nature makes it an easy machine to pilot around town. When it comes time to lower the top, you’ll find it happens in a mere 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Once down, you’ll find wind management is excellent, even at high speed. Still, you can’t consider the Hu- racán as anything other than a thrill machine, automotive couture of the highest order. That’s because any sense of practicality is non ex- istent, although that shouldn’t be a surprise given this car’s mission. Photo by Lamborghini 2021 Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD Spyder Base price: $233,113 Engine: 5.2-liter V10 Horsepower/Torque: 610/413 pound-feet EPA fuel economy (city/high- way): 13/18 mpg Fuel type: Premium Length/Width/Height: 178/76/46 inches Curb weight: 3,326 pounds Weight/power: 5.45 pounds per horsepower Aside from the glovebox and two shallow map pockets, there’s no in- terior storage. And the front trunk is hardly better. But I do love the turn signals, which are activated by a sim- ple toggle switch on the steering wheel spoke, nestled by your left thumb. If every automaker used this design, more people might actually use them. If you noticed I haven’t said anything about the infotainment system. That’s because unlike most vehicles, which try to make up for their deficiencies through a heavy helping of technology, it’s the least interesting part of the car. Yes, it has an 8.4-inch verti- cal touchscreen that controls the audio system, climate control and other functions, including Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integra- tion and voice-control technology. Given the cabin is far from quiet, none of this will matter. For this raging bull is a racecar disguised as a daily driver, a raging bull of uncompromising fun and re- finement. Words hardly do it justice. EPIC TOWING & ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE Looking for a towing company you can trust? Look no further! We’re committed to serving you with honesty, quality, and value. Epic Towing is happy to help with all of your towing and roadside needs. Our friendly, experienced drivers are available 24 hours a day. Welcome to 3 Rivers Limo Co., your local limo service! We are here to transport you in luxury for any occasion! Our services include some of the following: WEDDINGS We can accommodate your wedding needs in so many ways! • Monogrammed champagne fl utes with your wedding party names or your last name in any color. • Custom colored napkins to match your wedding colors. • “Just Married” on your car windows. • Drivers dressed to match your wedding colors. (Ties, Suspenders, Pocket Squares, etc.) • So much more! QUINCEANERA CELEBRATIONS Book us for the whole day or just to arrive at your party in style. SERVICES WE OFFER, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Towing • Tire Change • Lockouts • Jumpstart • Winch Outs Fuel Delivery • Wrecker service TOWING & ROADSIDE SERVICES PROVIDED IN: Redmond • Bend • Sunriver Sisters • Tumalo • Eagle Crest 1097 NE 11th Street • Redmond • epictowingnw.com 541-306-9831 BRUNCH CRUISE Weekdays from 10am to 2pm, we cruise Bend or Redmond with up to 10 people at a special rate. Call us for more details. BIRTHDAYS FOR ALL AGES Kids birthday? We’ll fi ll a limo with balloons, candy and treats. Teen birthday? We will take them and all the skateboards & scooters to the park in style! Adult birthday? Grab some friends and some beverages & let us book a birthday to remember. Our Vehicles: Town Car - Seats up to 8 people Navigator - Seats up to 10 people We are open for booking via text and email 24/7 and by phone from 9am - 9pm Visit our Facebook for more ideas of what we can off er. https://www.facebook.com/3riverslimo 3riverslimoco.net