Not all exotic supercars are immune to depreciation these days. While it's true that certain models - particularly the most sporting ones from Stuttgart and Maranello - can appreciate in value before they've even been built, others, including this Lamborghini Huracan Performante, do still go through the more traditional practice of jettisoning value after a nanosecond on the forecourt. Good thing, too - that means it's still possible to bag a seriously exotic supercar with a big discount in 2020.
Think back to when the Performante launched back in 2017, and you'll be hard pushed to find anyone unimpressed by its talent. Where the regular Huracan's appeal centred around that V10 engine and its design, the Performante added handling prowess into the equation. It was, and still is, a tremendous driver's machine. The point was hammered home at the Green Hell, where a Marco Mapelli-driven Performante smashed the production lap record, then held by the Porsche 918 Spyder, by five whole seconds.
We remember the lap's onboard footage well. Compared with the Aventador SV, it looked more composed and keener on the front axle, too, with Mapelli chasing the throttle through ultra-high speed corners. It all seemed really rather serious and potentially un-Lambo-like - but PH's first go in one confirmed that this track performance translated beautifully onto the road.
Now, the trend has continued with the Huracan Evo and been maximised in the brilliant RWD version, although when the Performante launched it seemed to appear from nowhere. The pre-Evo-spec Huracan, as impressive as it was, had always played second fiddle to the likes of McLaren's 570S. Yet here was a car that was as fast as its direct rivals, while also being first-rate to pilot. The V10, now wound up to 640hp, was as scintillating as ever.
We declared the £215,000 model an outstanding success. Sure, all-wheel drive meant that it could never quite be called 'pure' in the same way a McLaren's 675LT could but as a way of turning buyers' heads while retaining the established Lambo flair, it nailed the brief. Three years later, its influence on the regular Huracan is clear, to the extent that while the much-improved Evo might leave some asking why you'd go for a used Performante over a new Evo. In response to that, we refer you to Mapelli's lap. This car is super special.
Because of that, you might expect Performante values to barely slide. But the derivative did its job and sold handsomely, meaning there are a few to choose from. This one has seen just two years of life and 2,500 miles - and dropped £55k from the original list price. The fact it's on sale at a Ferrari dealer suggests the former keeper's switched to a product of Maranello, but don't let that detract from the fact that this is one of the decade's pre-eminent supercars. We suggest striking now while the iron is tepid.
SPECIFICATION | LAMBORGHINI HURACAN PERFORMANTE
Engine: 5,204cc, V10
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 640@8,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 442@6,500rpm
MPG: 20.6
CO2: 314g/km
Recorded mileage: 2,500
First registered: 2018
Price new: £215,000
Yours for: £159,995
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