Lamborghini Huracan Causes A Storm At UF

Since its release, the Lamborghini Huracan has, as the name suggests, taken the supercar scene by storm! The name, Huracan, is derived from Taino, an Arawak language of the West Indies, which, when translated means ‘storm’. The Spanish modified the word to ‘hurakan’ which ultimately became ‘hurricane’ in English. Whichever language you prefer, the word can be used figuratively to describe something powerful, impetuous and capable of causing turmoil. The Lamborghini Huracan certainly looks and sounds the part!

Causing the ruckus is a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated V10 multipoint injection (MPI) and direct stratified injection (DSI) engine delivering a maximum power of 580 CV (426 kW) at 8000 rpm and a maximum torque of 540 Nm (398 lb.-ft.) at 6500 rpm. The Lamborghini Double Clutch (Lamborghini Doppia Frizione – LDF), double wishbone suspension rear wheel drive configuration provide fun and power. The carbon fibre and aluminium chassis delivers an enviable power-to-weight ratio whilst increasing torsional rigidity for better control through bends, assisted by Pirelli P Zero tyres fitted to 19-inch Kari Argento rims. The driver can choose from three modes to suit the purpose of the outing: Sport mode provides some oversteer and therefore ups the fun factor; Corsa for those days at the track and Strada for daily driving.

This particular Huracan RWD Coupe (also known as the LP 580-2), was collected by its owner who had, during the long wait for delivery, booked it into UF’s Brands Hatch Detailing Studio for a complete New Car Protection Package, to include alloy wheels, glass and leather treatments as well as paintwork protection using Kamikaze Collection ENREI Coat, a 2-stage ceramic sealant using the very latest in Japanese and German nanotechnologies.

However, prior to the Huracan’s arrival, the owner received an invitation to drive to an event at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, home of the Belgian Grand Prix, an opportunity which proved to be too good to pass up! Immediately on its return, the Huracan was delivered to UF’s Brand Hatch Detailing Studio. Having been driven for around nine hundred miles the car had collected a considerable amount of contamination, however in addition to this, there were signs of more serious defects in the Rosso Mars metallic paintwork.

The initial stage was to remove the debris the Huracan had collected during its drive. Decontamination using paintwork-safe non-contact methods are used at UF’s Detailing Studios. Specialist products are tailored to each type of contamination and can be sprayed onto the surface. Left to dwell, their active ingredient works to break the bond that the contamination has formed with the substrate. After a short period of time, these elements can be rinsed away before the main wash process. This helps to prevent incurring swirls and scratches caused by inadvertently rubbing dirt, grit, etc, trapped in the pile of a wash mitt, over the paintwork.

Bug remains were firmly stuck to the front of the vehicle. Left in place on unprotected paintwork these will etch into the clearcoat and cause permanent damage.

The Huracan was also covered in a fine dust, acid rain fallout and water spot marks.

The process to safely remove all of the various contaminants began with an initial application of Bilt-Hamber Surfex HD followed by Gtechniq W8 Bug Remover to soften the bug remains, loosening them from the clearcoat and allowing them to be rinsed away.

The lower half of the bodywork and the alloy wheels were treated with Gtechniq W6 Iron & General Fallout Remover, a non-contact product that neutralises ferrous particles (usually derived from brake pads which shred during heavy braking). This was allowed to dwell before being safely rinsed off using a Kranzle K-1152 Pressure Washer. The wheels were then washed using a separate Wheel Bucket with Grit Guard, Wheel Woolies and Gtechniq G-Wash high-foaming shampoo.

The whole car was then pre-cleaned using Ultimate Snow Foam. The thick foam gently lifts larger particles of dirt and grit away from the surface of the vehicle, encapsulating them within the suds.

The car was rinsed once more before washing using the Two Bucket Method: the Wash Bucket contains a solution of shampoo, in this case, G-Wash, a pure shampoo without gloss enhancers or additives which may leave a residue on the paintwork. The Rinse Bucket contains clean water. Both buckets have Grit Guards in the bottom. A wash mitt is loaded with soapy wash water and a section of the car cleaned. The mitt is then rinsed in the Rinse Bucket water, brushed across the Grit Guard, dislodging dirt and grit from the mitt which settles to the bottom of the bucket. The mitt is then dunked into the Wash Bucket and reloaded with shampoo and the next section of the car cleaned. In this way, dirt particles are prevented from being reintroduced to the paintwork, helping to prevent wash swirls often incurred when dirt remains trapped in the mitt and is rubbed back and forth across the vehicle.

When new cars are transported from the factory to the dealership, typically they are protected from the elements and accidental knocks with temporary covers and or a rust-inhibiting wax. Once removed, the residue left behind is often ignored and this encourages other contamination. To tackle this and also the road tar collected during the drive to Belgium, the Huracan was sprayed with Gtechniq W7 Tar & Glue Remover, allowed to dwell for five minutes before rinsing off.

Finally, an Aqua Gleam De-ionising Water Filter was attached in-line with the hose to give the Huracan a final, pure water rinse.

The car was dried using soft microfibre drying towels and brought into the detailing studio where the many nooks and crannies were air dried using an air blower. Any remaining hard water spots were removed using Kamikaze Collection Silica Scale Remover.

It’s quite usual for water to become trapped in tight areas, such as grilles, around badges, in the headlight and taillight recesses. These droplets can cause streaks on the paintwork, as well as having the potential to interfere with the coating application. An air blower forces all the water out of the tight areas to avoid this happening later on during the detailing process. – Matt Back, UF Detailing Studio

To check the integrity of the finish prior to sealing, the paintwork was thoroughly inspected using a SCANGRIP Sunmatch 2 light. The extent and placement of any damage was recorded for referencing prior to the machine polishing stages.

There is a misconception that paintwork on new cars will be absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It’s not uncommon to discover sanding marks, holograms and buffer trails from substandard machine polishing at the factory, as well as swirls and scratches from hurried wash techniques at the dealership. Experience has shown that you cannot be too careful when it comes to inspecting the paintwork. It’s essential that all defects are removed prior to applying a protective sealant. – Matt Back, UF Detailing Studio

Multiple paint depth readings were taken on each panel using a PosiTest DFT Paint Depth Gauge.

Displaying depth readings of between 110 and 125 microns (µm), the paintwork was consistent in its application but unexpectedly soft in consistency. Given the pre-existing issues uncovered during the inspection, it was even more important to protect the paint with a durable ceramic sealant to help prevent future damage.

To tackle the more severe defects, a RUPES LHR 12E Duetto dual action polisher was used with a RUPES Green Medium Polishing Pad and Koch-Chemie H8 Heavy Cut Compound. Once the heavier blemishes were removed, the green pad was swapped for a RUPES Yellow Polishing Pad and the paintwork refined using Menzerna Super Finish Plus 3800.

The smaller areas were machine polished using a RUPES BigFoot LHR 75 Mini, the shorter throw allowing for more concentrated polishing.

The windscreen was etched in places with hard water spots which could not be removed by chemicals alone, so these were machine polished to reveal crystal clear glass.

With the damage removed and clarity and colour restored to the Rosso Mars paintwork, every surface of the Huracan was wiped with a solution of Gtechniq Panel Wipe to prepare for the sealant. As with most nano-coatings, Kamikaze Collection ENREI should be applied within strictly controlled environmental conditions, with particular attention paid to temperature and relative humidity. Studio gauges measure ambient conditions, whilst an infra-red thermometer was used to ensure that the panels were at the optimum temperature for sealant application.

Kamikaze Collection ENREI is a two-layer ceramic coating system, the first layer acting as a primer, ensuring the surface is smooth and uniform. Its molecular structure increases the surface area, allowing the molecules in the second coating to form an increased number of bonds with the primer, ensuring the highest level of protection and longevity. ENREI provides superior resistance to chemicals, repels water and therefore waterborne contamination, oils and grime. Additionally, it provides exceptional gloss. The method of application is as integral to the performance of ENREI as the formulation and therefore ENREI is available as a service only through Kamikaze Collection trained and certified detailers.

The wheels were removed so that the calipers and the front and back of the rims could be protected with Kamikaze Collection Stance Rim Coat. This heat resistant coating inhibits brake dust from adhering to the treated surface, making maintenance washing much easier. Water, dirt and oils are also repelled.

The coated wheels were placed under infra-red lamps to accelerate the curing process.

When configuring the Huracan, the owner had opted for the Sport & Style Package, which included the exhaust surround, front spoiler and rear trim being finished in satin black. The exhaust tips were also coated with Stance Rim Coat to protect from soot build-up.

The upgraded interior featured Alcantara and leather, both of which required protective coatings to prevent staining from accidental spillages as well as from UV fading. The leather was first cleaned using Colourlock Mild Leather Cleaner before the Alcantara was cleaned using Colourlock Alcantara & Textile Cleaner. Once the Alcantara was dry, Colourlock Waterproofing Spray was applied. The leather was protected using Colourlock Leather Shield which, in addition to stain and UV protection also provides abrasion resistance.

The exterior trim was protected using Swissvax Opaque Wax, specifically designed to protect the appearance of satin or matte finishes without adding gloss.

Windows were coated using Kamikaze Collection Intenso Coat. This lays down a hydrophobic barrier that encourages rainwater to roll into beads on contact and allows them to be easily blown away, even when driving at relatively low speeds. This helps make driving less difficult and tiring during bad weather conditions and helps prevent water spot marks from evaporating raindrops. The slick formulation eliminates the issue of annoying wiper squeaks or juddering during use.

With Stance Rim Coat fully cured, the wheels were replaced on the Huracan and the whole car given a final application of Kamikaze Collection Over Coat, providing enhanced protection from water spotting and further boosting the gloss levels.

UF Detailing Studio – Award Winning Detailing. Call 0333 800 8004 to discuss your requirements.