The News for December 2nd, 2022

Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. This week: Lamborghini finally unveils specs for the all-terrain-ish Huracan Sterrato, Corvette will be spun off into its own sub brand in 2025, Toyota teases a new Grand Highlander SUV, and your news for the week.

Lamborghini reveals specs for Huracán Sterrato

A few weeks after Lamborghini gave us a first glimpse at their off-roader-ish Huracán, we’ve got the full rundown on the numerous upgrades that have been thrown at it. Between the 911 Dakar and the Huracán Sterrato, a new class of all-terrain sports cars has been thrust upon us. Whether they catch on with anyone except VAG is anyone’s guess. Here’s how Lamborghini will make their case for it.

Built upon the latest Huracán, the Sterrato retains the 5.2-liter V10 and AWD system, but with some adjustments. The glorious V10 is “limited” to 601 horsepower, which is the same as the “normal” RWD Huracáns produce but is down a bit compared to other AWD models. But with the seven-speed DCT, electronically controlled AWD, and the rear mechanical locking differential, it should be more than capable of putting power down on solid ground and some loose surfaces. 0-60 takes just 3.4 seconds.

Making some sort of off road performance a possibility in this V10 supercar is a range of suspension and electronic upgrades. Ground clearance on the Huracán Staccato is improved by a whole 44 mm/1.7 inches, perfect for going over some grass or maybe even gravel driveways. Track widths are widened as well by +30 mm front and +34 mm rear. There’s of course a full array body protection, including an aluminum skid plate at the front and reinforced sills. A roof mounted air intake helps to supply the engine with clean air when driving on dusty trails. Traction is provided by Bridgestone Dueler AT002 tires which were engineered just for the Huracán Solitaire.

The Huracán Stagflation is limited to just 1,499 units worldwide and production starts next February. You’ll know when it’s out when you see it being jumped by crypto bros on the YouTube homepage.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Report: Corvette will become its own sub brand

Car and Driver is reporting that what we all thought was inevitable is becoming a reality by 2025. Corvette, which has been a two-seat sports car since the 50s, will become its own sub-brand so the GM marketing team can slap Corvette logos on anything but a two-seat sports car. It’s worked so far for Ford with the Mustang Mach-E which has enjoyed good sales despite it being pretty much the exact opposite of what Mustangs have been since 1964 (and-a-half).

The C&D report claims that beginning in 2025, the Corvette brand will be about more than just sports cars. A “sleek four-door coupe and a brawny crossover”, both EVs, will be the first new “Corvettes” under this brand strategy. Their source for the story described them as “copies of nothing” and “encapsulated emotional purity”. Sure. The full report at C&D goes into a few more details about what sorts of tech we can expect from these vehicles.

I feel there’s only so many ways you can make a sporty crossover or stretch a Corvette into a “four-door coupe” (referred to by non-insane people as a sedan). What about these cars will be “Corvette”? There’s more to a name like Corvette besides that it goes fast. We’ve plenty of examples of brands using a legendary name on something that doesn’t even come close to living up to its history, and GM has been guilty of that as recently as the new Blazer. Maybe things will be different this time and they’ll actually do the name justice. I know people working in the performance side of things at GM. When they put their mind to something, they can exceed any and all expectations and come out with something incredible. But this doesn’t seem like a move that the engineers at GM would be making. It sounds like nothing but a marketing tactic to find another way to sell the same EV at a higher price.

But what will absolutely be predictable is the shit storm from die hard Corvette fans when they see an electric crossover with a Corvette badge. As a Mustang owner all I can say is: first time?

[Source: Car and Driver]

Toyota teases Grand Highlander

The Chicago Auto Show will set the stage for a whole new SUV from Toyota. Positioned above the Highlander but – I’d imagine – below the Sequoia will be the Grand Highlander. It’ll be a new-ish design that promises to be “sophisticated, spacious, and powerful”. They also call it “the ultimate road-trip vehicle”. Whatever it ends up being, I’ll bring you more news in early February when it debuts – provided I care enough about it.

[Source: Toyota]

What’s your news for the week?

So that’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.

Have a good weekend.