Lamborghini Urus, the spiritual successor to the LM002, was supposed to be launched by 2017. Now though, according to Rupert Stadler, business executive and chairman of Audi AG, the production version of the SUV is on track for a 2018 launch.
The Urus concept was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, back in 2012 and according to the words of Mr Stadler, the production model will stay true to the design of the concept and ‘won't be a softie’. The Lamborghini Urus will be based on Volkswagen Group’s third-generation SUV architecture. Now that Lamboghini engineers are done with updating the supercar lineup (read: the Huracan and the Aventador), they can now focus their attention on developing this all-new SUV.
The same platform will be used in the next-generation Q7, Porsche Cayenne as well as Bentley’s SUV. All these cars will share the architecture and major components, though each of these will offer a unique feel. The Urus is also expected to be offered in a hybrid guise powered by a V8 engine, which in conjunction with an electric motor will churn out around 670bhp.
Mr Stadler has also revealed that Audi was considering expanding its ‘Q’ lineup with a new flagship SUV. The car, expected to be badged Q8, will slot in between the Q7 and Bentley’s first ever SUV. The SUV will be more luxuriously specced than the Q7 and will be pitted directly against the Range Rover. This announcement comes quick on the heels of BMW announcing that a new flagship SUV, the X7. With sales of luxury cars seeing an immense growth, a growing number of car manufacturers are exploring new segments to cover a bigger audience.
