Before the modern McLaren models came along, it was largely believed that all-wheel-drive was a prerequisite for a strong start, and a strong start gave you a much better chance of winning a quarter-mile drag race.
The 720S and the others before it showed everyone that a rear-wheel-drive car can launch pretty hard too, and if the opponent was still in front after the first 50 yards or so, then the power produced by the twin-turbo V8 would kick in and teleport the McLaren to victory.
However, a Lamborghini LP610-4 should be more than a match for a 570 PS (562 hp) McLaren that is the "softer" and "more sensible" version of the model it is based on. That model would be the 570S, with the 570GT sporting a more compliant suspension system, bigger stowage room, and added sound insulation for better usability on the road during longer drives. It's not really a GT per se, but it's more of a cruiser than the standard S.
The LP610-4 was Huracan's bread and butter version for the best part of the last six years. It houses a naturally aspirated V10 behind the cockpit and sends the 610 PS (601 hp) it makes toward all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It was never known as a drag racing monster, but its specs, as well as its name, definitely command some respect.
Despite the AWD system and McLaren's renown for being very lightweight, the difference between these two is actually marginal. With power output also reasonably similar, you'd think the Lambo's ability to move all four of its wheels should play a key role in handing the victory to the Italian supercar.
Well, that's what we thought, particularly since the race takes place on a regular, uneven surface, where grip is limited. And yet, there are other, more important factors we need to account for in this race. We're used to looking at the numbers - power, torque, weight, transmission - and maybe the tires, but we seem to take one thing for granted: the driver.
In this race, the human component was obviously decisive. The people who race are the people who own those cars, and while that should theoretically make them the best candidates for the job this side of a racing driver, it turns out that's not always the case.
We don't know why that is, but we can only imagine some people buy these cars for the prestige, not the performance. It doesn't take much skill to roll down a street and rev the engine, after all. Sadly, these awful drivers ruin what could have been a very close and interesting race.
"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie) Full profile
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