Lamborghini has officially showcased the SUV concept, Urus, at the Beijing Auto show following the leaked pictures on the internet and the media frenzy. It will go into production by 2016 and will be instrumental to achieve the goals Lamborghini has set for itself. The Urus aims to be the fastest SUV with the concept's top speed estimated at 300kmph.
Lamborghini has re-entered the SUV segment almost two decades after the LM002. Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann said they needed a third model line to provide sales stability and ensure profitability. According to them, nearly all Lamborghini owners owned a SUV as well, and hence, the 4X4 segment offers the best opportunity for success. There is also the matter of SUVs growing in popularity in developing markets, where their high ground clearance and the ability to seat five in relative comfort mean that they can be used more often than their temperamental supercar counterparts in extreme conditions like Mumbai's rush-hour traffic, or monsoon roads.
The 600PS Urus, codenamed LB 736, will be priced around Rs 78 lakh before taxes and duties. This means on price, it will rival the BMW X6 M and Range Rover. The production model will carry the rakish looks of the concept except the 24 inch wheels. It will have a comfort-oriented conventional interior. The Urus is based on the platform shared by the Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and the upcoming Bentley Falcon (EXP 9F concept). The Lamborghini will incorporate lightweight carbon-fibre structural elements combined with an aluminum intensive chassis to keep it light footed. Power will be transmitted through a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and a Torsen torque-sensing four wheel drive system.
Lamborghini wants the Urus to be environment friendly and beat all competitors at CO2 emission levels, which suggests it will have all the fuel-saving measures necessary to keep emissions low. It might even have an electric motor to help it achieve its emissions target. The Urus will provide some off-road ability, too, with its 160mm of adjustable ground clearance, although we don't imagine many owners will explore that aspect of their Urus.
