If your flying itinerary finds you visiting Bologna Airport in Italy, there’s a good chance you’ll be shepherded from the runway to the ramp by a ground-hugging Lamborghini Huracán Evo. For the seventh time, the supercar maker has provided one of its top models to the airport for “follow me” escort duty. This one will remain in service at the airport only until Jan. 7, 2022, so be sure to make your flight plans accordingly.
The arrangement makes sense, given that the airport is 16 miles from Lamborghini’s factory at Sant’Agata Bolognese. Lamborghini decked the car out with Verde Turbine matte green paint, high-visibility orange graphics and the orange beacon lights and communication radio required for all vehicles that operate on the airside of the airport.
The Huracan Evo debuted in 2019 with its 631-HP naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine providing 443 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. All that power and torque are pushing around just 3,135 pounds of curb weight. Zero to 62 MPH is 2.9 seconds (Why 62? It’s European; that’s 100 kph). And if you’d like a pace car to escort you to V1 on your takeoff, the Evo has a top speed of 175 kt (202 mph).
What a waste to put this car in a role where it can only travel at the speed of a “brisk walk.” Because that’s the fastest we ever taxi, right? Right?
I remember my time working as a ramp rat at CYHM. We had lots of fun in the supplied “pos” vans burning out and skidding around the ramp. A Lamborghini might be fun, but being all wheel drive, there is no way it can spin around on the ice/grass/gravel as easily as the 1989 GMC Safari Van with no traction control or abs to get in the way. 😀
If it wasn’t for the fact that it’s stuck using roads, it would be faster than most of our planes. I’m guessing it’s more expensive though, and gets similarly questionable mileage.
I told some of the maintenance guys at work that my 172 gets about 12 MPG. They huffed, “My big ol’ duallie can match that.”
“Not at 140MPH,” I said.
In yet another crushing blow to the modern Italian psyche, the driver re-education program is now forcing the foreign concept of “what’s behind you DOES matter”.
What a hoot! I am glad the Italians set a precedence in “follow me” cars by using a Lambo. Since it has a Audi V-10 in it, at least it will be relatively reliable for the year its idling around the ramp. This makes it a possibility that US airports will have a Hellcat Redeye, Corvette, SS Camaro’s or snake bitten Mustangs as follow me cars. Are you paying attention Signature?
I can hardly wait for the ex-State Trooper Chargers to become airport courtesy cars. Those will make a “quick” run to the local diner lots of fun and truly quick.
Obviously a poor financial decision but I applaud it!
The Italians understand art and aesthetics.
I have 2 Italian high performance motorcycles, and 3 Italian hand built racing bicycles and they are all functional art.
God bless them!