In a bold endeavour, renowned tuner ABT Sportsline has set its sights on Lamborghini, unveiling its latest creation – the ABT Urus Scatenato, aptly named for its promise of unleashed, raging performance. Limited to a mere 99 units, this exclusive offering marries power and exclusivity in a breathtaking display of automotive prowess.
Taking its expertise from enhancing VW Group vehicles, ABT begins its transformation with the performance-oriented Lamborghini Urus, adding a remarkable boost of power and subtle design refinements. The base model Urus Performante already boasts an impressive 666hp from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. However, ABT’s Power R technology elevates this figure to an astonishing 810hp, a remarkable addition of 144hp.
The first ever electric Lamborghini will debut as a concept at this year’s Monterey Car Week in California, which will take place from August 18 to 20, 2023.
Lambo’s first EV which will join the Revuelto, Urus, and the impending Huracan replacement as the Raging Bull’s fourth model line, and is scheduled to go on sale in 2028.
Lamborghini and Audi have been in bed under the Volkswagen Group for what seems like eons now. And part of the benefits of that relationship is spreading out costs for model development because investing a lot of money in a niche product entails taking a lot of financial risks.
The first and second-generation R8 models shared the same underpinnings with the Gallardo and Huracan. But Ingolstadt has now made it clear that there won’t be a third, while Sant’Agata has declared that a brand-new baby Lambo will make its debut in 2024.
After many successful years, the Huracan replacement will be an all-Lamborghini endeavor, according to Asia-Pacific area director Francesco Scardaoni. So where did all that money needed for an all-new model development come from? The success of the Urus of course. The Urus is to Lamborghini what the Cayenne is to Porsche, both are savior models.
Since the 1990s, SUVs have grown in popularity phenomenally – to the extent that event at the topmost segment of the market, manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce have had to include such models in their range. And further evidence of the importance of this type of vehicle can be seen in how many carmakers have chosen it to be the first bodystyle for their new electric vehicles.
Even among supercar manufacturers, demands for SUVs is evident from their customers and an example can be seen in the Lamborghini Urus setting sales records. Labelled by the company as a ‘Super SUV’, the Urus has set the record of being its best-selling model in the shortest time ever. Since its market debut in 2018, 20,000 units have been produced, with the 20,000th unit being delivered to a customer in Azerbaijan.
“From the first moment we presented the Urus concept at Beijing motor show in 2012, to its market debut in 2018 and each year since, the Urus has proved its instant and continued appeal as a true Lamborghini, born from our super sports heritage and the world’s first Super SUV, the LM 002,” said Stephan Winkelman, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “The Urus is a perfect complement to our super sports model ranges, providing a luxurious and high-performance daily drive for those who identify with our authentic Italian brand.”
The overall growth in global sales has been impressive, reaching the record of 8,205 units delivered in 2019 – that was double the volumes achieved in the period before the Urus went on sale. From 2018 to the end of 2021, a total of 16,000 SUVs were delivered worldwide to 5 continents, with 85% of customers being new to the marque.
Catalyst for transformation
The Urus has been the catalyst for doubling company volumes and the size of the factory has gone from 80,000 to 160,000 square metres. To manufacture more efficiently, Lamborghini Manufacturing 4.0 was established as an innovative approach to production technologies to support assemblyline workers. In 2019, the Urus paintshop was inaugurated and since 2020, the Urus supply chain became more sustainable through replacing the Urus bodies’ transportation by truck with train, and the cut of CO2 emissions by 85%.
The environmental initiative followed the announcement of Lamborghini’s ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’ future global program, involving a complete switch to hybrid technologies by 2024 and the vision for a new fully-electric model in the second half of the decade. Cor Tauri starts from a holistic vision of the company’s sustainability strategy: a 360° approach that spans from the products to the entire factory site, from production lines to offices.
Adventures all over the world
Over the past 4 years that the model has been on sale, it is estimated that Urus owners around the world have covered more than 360 million kilometres in total. Where Lamborghinis were once only seen on highways, the Urus gives owners new adventures away from the highways. Besides many private journeys, events organised by Lamborghini have seen the SUV travel along the highest roads to the most extreme off-road environments. To prove that it can ‘Unlock any Road’, the Urus has set a new high-speed record for ice-driving on Russia’s Lake Baikal and going up the world’s highest driveable road (India’s Umling La pass at 5,884 metres).
Soul of a super sportscar, functionality of a SUV
The Urus continues to have a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 650 ps at 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm of torque at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 ps/litre, it boasts of one of the highest specific power ratings in its class, as well as the best weight-to-power ratio of 3.38 kgs/ps. This enables it to go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.6 seconds and reach 200 km/h in 12.8 seconds, after which it will top out at 305 km/h.
After paying so much for an Urus, it is to be expected that customers will spend a bit more to personalise their SUV. For this, Lamborghini has its Ad Personam services which offer special exterior colours as well as other exclusive options.
In 2011, Lamborghini sold 1,602 supercars (there was no Urus then), not a record result but the numbers were still impressive considering the financial situation in many parts of the world that year. Ten years later, in 2021, the company delivered 8,405 vehicles worldwide, the highest number ever in the history of the company. In spite of the pandemic still ongoing, sales increased by 13% on 2020.
The contributor was double-digit growth in all 3 of the macro-regions where Lamborghini is established: America (+14%), Asia Pacific (+14%) and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa, +12%). The company maintains a fairly balanced split between them in global volumes which stand at 35%, 27% and 39%, respectively.
In terms of individual markets, the USA was still Lamborghini’s best market (2,472 units, +11%), while China moved into second place (935, +55%). They were followed by Germany (706, +16%) and the United Kingdom (564, +9%). There was also an increase in the figures for Lamborghini’s home market of Italy, where 359 cars were delivered in total (+3%).
Reflecting market trends, the most popular model was the Urus Super SUV, with 5,021 units delivered – almost 60% of the total volume in 2021. It was followed by the V10-powered Huracan, which saw a strong increase in sales up to 2,586, thanks to the strong impetus provided by the Huracan STO. In addition, 798 Aventadors (V12 model) were delivered all over the world.
During the year, the company launched 3 new products – the Huracan STO – Super Trofeo Omologata, a road-legal model that was inspired by the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO racing cars; the Aventador Ultimae, final series of the Aventador model; and the Countach LPI 800-4, an unorthodox icon featuring ground-breaking design and technology that celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of the original supercars.
2021 also saw Lamborghini announcing its future electrification strategy. ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’ (Toward Cor Tauri) is the name of the path that will lead the company through the decarbonization of its future models and the manufacturing site. Throughout the product electrification process, there will be a constant focus on identifying technologies and solutions that can guarantee top performance and driving dynamics.
More than €1.5 billion will be spent over the course of 4 years, during which time Lamborghini will launch its first hybrid production model and electrify its entire range by the end of 2024. Subsequently, a fourth fully electric model is due to be added to the range in the second half of the decade.
“This record has provided confirmation of four factors for us: the solidity of our strategic plan, our brand’s outstanding international reputation, the competence and passion of our people and the exceptional professionalism and dynamism shown by our 173 dealers in 52 markets, who have continued to invest alongside us at a challenging, uncertain time,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
The sales outlook continues positively into the new year, thanks to a substantial order portfolio that already covers almost the entire production planned in 2022. Additionally, Lamborghini plans to introduce four new products during the coming 12 months.
“We are stronger than ever as we prepare to embark on a period of profound transformation and move towards an even more sustainable future. In 2022, we’ll be doing our utmost to consolidate the current performance and get ready for the arrival of our future hybrid range from 2023 onwards,” added Winkelmann.
The Lamborghini Urus is celebrating 4 years since its launch in December 2017, during which time 16,000 units have been delivered worldwide. With 650 bhp, the Super SUV has supercar performance for the road but it has also shown an ability to face extreme challenges. On Lake Baikal in Russia, the Urus set a speed record on ice with a top speed of 298 km/h and an average speed from a standing start of 114 km/h over 1,000 metres. It also reached the highest motorable road in the world at the top of the Umling La Pass in the Himalayan part of India, more than 5,800 metres above sea level.
The capability of the Urus inspired Lamborghini’s designers to explore new possibilities for off-road super sportscars and in 2019, they came out with the Huracan Sterrato, a concept car based on the V10 Huracan which drew on off-road expertise developed with the Urus.
It was not the first time that Lamborghini’s designers explored high performance and off-road capabilities. In the 1970s, Lamborghini’s test driver Bob Wallace modified two models to create desert-going high performance sportscars – the Jarama Rally and the Urraco Rally.
The Sterrato concept is based on the Huracan EVO with the same 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine producing 640 bhp. The Huracan EVO’s LDVI (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata) with predictive logic, controls the Sterrato’s systems including 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, modified suspension and torque vectoring, anticipating the next moves of the driver to ensure perfect driving dynamics.
Calibrated for off-road driving (including low-grip surfaces) and tuned to maximize traction and acceleration, the LDVI system in the Sterrato provides enhanced rear-wheel drive behaviour, producing more torque together with additional stabilization in oversteering manoeuvres.
The Sterrato is intended for rough and demanding environments and its appearance illustrates this. More ground clearance is necessary in rough terrain so 47 mm is added, with the car’s front approach sharpened by 1% and the departure angle enhanced by 6.5%.
The wheel track is enhanced front and rear by 30 mm, with 20-inch wheels on balloon tyres set into widebody wheelarches with integrated air intakes. The larger tyres have been specially developed with increased sidewalls to improve the absorption of bumps and also provide good grip. Wide, rugged, open shoulder blocks with self-cleaning qualities provide excellent off-road surface adherence with improved traction and braking and are highly damage-resistant.
When driving over rough terrain with rocks and loose stones, the underside is at risk of being damaged. To prevent this, the Sterrato is fitted with underbody reinforcements and body protection, including a rear skidplate that acts as a diffuser. Aluminium reinforcements are integrated within the front frame and covered with an aluminium skidplate, with aluminium-reinforced sideskirts.
The bodywork’s special protective composite material includes stone-deflecting protection around the engine and air intakes and mud guards in hybrid materials of carbonfibre and elastomeric resin. An off-road LED light package puts a LED light bar on the roof and LED lights with flood function on the bumper.
A specially-designed interior trim reflects the sporty off-road character of the Sterrato, featuring a new lightweight titanium roll-cage, 4-point seatbelts to the new carbonfibre bi-shell sports seats, and aluminium floor panels.
In spite of the pandemic that affected the whole world last year and this year, Lamborghini has not seen decreased sales. Quite the opposite in fact: for the first 6 months of 2021, the sportscar maker delivered 4,852 cars and SUVs globally, making it the best half-year ever, with a 37% increase over the same period of 2020. In fact, even when compared to 2019 before COVID-19 hit, the growth in the same period is 9.9% in 2021.
Sales continue to rise
And sales of all Lamborghini models are on the rise, with orders taken already covering production until April 2022. The most popular model in 2021 is the Urus SUV with 2.796 units delivered, followed by the Huracan (1,532 units) and Aventador (524 units).
The US market again took the most units (1,502), followed by 602 units exported to China (including Hong Kong and Macau (602). Other major markets included Germany, the UK, Japan, the Middle East and Italy. Globally. Lamborghini’s network consists of 168 dealers in 51 markets.
“This exceptional result is a double confirmation for us. It is proof of the solidity and strength of this brand, which is enjoying growing appeal despite a period of continuous challenges and uncertainty,” said Lamborghini’s President & CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.
“It also endorses the positive reception to our new industrial plan for future electrification of our product range, in which we will invest over 1.5 billion euros by 2024. Lamborghini’s course is set for a period of great transformation, where technological innovation and sustainability will go hand in hand with a focus on maximum product performance and loyalty to the brand’s DNA,” he said.
Urus also sets record
The Urus stands out not only as the most popular model but is also the highest produced model in the company’s history – in the shortest amount of time since its launch. Three years after it was introduced to international markets, the Super SUV has crossed the threshold of 15,000 vehicles produced.
15,000th unit for UK market
The 15,000th unit is for the British market, configured with the latest Graphite Capsule set of colours and finishes. The exterior has the new shade of Grigio Keres Matt, with Verde Scandal details. The two-tone interior is dedicated to the new collection in Nero Ade/Verde Scandal.
The Urus has significantly contributed to the overall increase in Lamborghini sales since it entered the market in December 2017. The company’s total volumes doubled in 2019, the first year it was fully marketed.
Fastest car on ice
With a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 650 ps/850 Nm, the Urus is one of the fastest Super SUVs currently on the market. It is certainly the fastest car on ice, having set a speed record on the ice of Lake Baikal in Russia in March this year. On that run, it hit a top speed of 298 km/h and an average speed from a standing start of 114 km/h over 1000 metres.
110 years ago, if you wanted to buy the popular Ford Model T, you had a choice of just one colour – black. Henry Ford decided to offer only one colour, largely because he wanted to maximize economies of scale by buying the biggest volume of paint so costs would be lower. Black was also quick-drying which appealed to him because he wanted to accelerate production.
Today, however, apart from limited edition models, a single colour would not go down well with customers who like freedom to choose. Still, there is a limit to colour choices for mass-produced models because the paint shop can only cater to a certain number of colours at one time. And of course, volume is again a consideration but definitely, there’s more than one colour to choose from!
More exclusive colour choices
Because Lamborghini sells cars which are expensive and exclusive, it is willing to meet almost any demand by customers when it comes to colours. Its dedicated paint shop which opened in 2019 incorporates benchmarking Artificial Intelligence applications alongside combined craftsmanship and technologies, extending the potential and volume for exclusive color choices.
As well as the new pearl colours in yellow, orange and green, reflecting the customer demand for sporty and vibrant exteriors, it has now come out with a new design edition, Pearl Capsule, for ‘new adventures in colour’ for the Urus Super SUV.
First exclusive customization option
This first exclusive customization option for the Urus is created by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design department. The assertive two-tone exterior finish embraces Lamborghini’s traditional high-gloss 4-layer pearl colours of Giallo Inti, Arancio Borealis and Verde Mantis in combination with high-gloss black roof, rear diffuser, spoiler lip and other details. The sporty matt grey tailpipes are complemented by 23-inch high-gloss black rims with body colour accent.
The interior trim is based on a unique 2-tone color combination, featuring the hexagon-shaped upholstery stitching Q-Citura with logo embroidery on the seat, plus carbonfibre and black anodized aluminium details. Available exclusively on the Pearl Capsule, the optional fully-electric seat features airy perforated Alcantara for exceptional comfort.
The Urus Pearl Capsule for the Urus offers an extended range of colors and features following the first full year of Urus production in 2019. With more than 8,300 SUVs delivered worldwide since its launch, the most popular colour options have been elegant hues of greys, closely followed by Lamborghini’s trademark yellow.
Enhancements for coming model year
Alongside enhanced standard and optional equipment, including the most comprehensive ADAS equipment in its segment, Urus owners will now be able to match their personality even more. They can choose from an updated standard colour palette and a continuously-expanding range of special colours, as well as further interior customization offered by Lamborghini Ad Personam.
“The Lamborghini Urus has attracted an extremely diverse clientele since its launch, with exceptionally varied lifestyles,” said Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO, Stefano Domenicali. “Nearly 80% of those customers – of whom around 10% are women – are new to the Lamborghini brand, enjoying the versatility of their Urus whether for business, family outings or of course, leisure time. The colours preferred by owners has varied enormously, with a strong mix of more understated choices as well as traditional sporty Lamborghini colors.
“The next step for the Urus, appealing to a broad client base looking to continue their adventures everywhere from the city to the sand dunes, from the countryside to ski resorts, is to extend our Super SUV’s features and customizability. Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program and Lamborghini colors are an integral aspect of our brand. The new options allow Urus owners to choose exteriors and interiors reflecting their personality, lifestyle, and their chosen adventures in the Urus,” he explained.
Besides more colours choices, the coming model year of the Urus will offer the richest level of standard equipment in terms of technology, safety and ADAS. Notable product improvements include an exclusive new key design and updated optional Parking Assistance Package, including state-of-the-art Intelligent Park Assist. This system allows the car to park itself by managing steering, throttle and brake for automatic parallel and perpendicular parking, at just the push of a button. Optional equipment includes a new premium Sensonum sound system, featuring a 730W amplifier and 17 speakers.
Automobili Lamborghini memperkenalkan model Super Sports Utility Vehicle (SSUV) – diberi nama Urus – sekaligus membuka relung baharu dalam segmen kenderaan mewah dalam satu majlis pelancaran yang berlangsung di New Zealand.
Pengurus Automobili Lamborghini Bahagian Oceania, Andrea Ruggiero meluahkan rasa teruja dengan pelancaran di Auckland.
“Kami gembira kerana dapat menganjurkan Pelancaran Urus Dynamic buat julung kalinya di Auckland dengan klien eksklusif dan petugas media diberi peluang untuk merasai sendiri prestasi dinamik Urus.
“Urus merupakan petanda aras baharu dalam segmen Super SUV yang sebelum ini dianggap sebagai mustahil. Seperti jentera Lamborghini lain, Urus turut tidak terkecuali dalam menampilkan identiti Lamborghingi terutamanya dari aspek rekaan, prestasi, dinamik pemanduan di samping boleh dipandu dalam apa jua keadaan,”jelasnya.
Pengurus Besar Lamborghini Auckland, Greg Brinck turut berasakan Urus mampu melakar kejayaan di New Zealand.
“Kami menjangkakan kejayaan di sini tetapi apa yang lebih mengejutkan, permintaan model ini telah mengatasi jangkaan awal kami!”
Urus dilengkapi enjin 4.0 liter V8 dengan turbo berkembar dan mampu menghasilkan 650 hp pada 6,000 rpm dan 850 Nm pada 2,250 rpm.
Meskipun berstatus Super SUV namun Urus mampu mencapai 0-100 km/j di bawah 3.6 saat!
Dengar saja nama Lamborghini hampir pasti harga yang ditetapkan perlulah setaraf jadi tidak hairanlah Urus ditawarkan dengan harga NZD 323,00 (hampir RM900,000!)
The alluring Lamborghini Urus aka “the fastest production SUV in the world” has finally made its official debut in New Zealand thanks to Automobili Lamborghini. The first-ever Super Sports Utility Vehicle marks a bold move for the country’s market for something that’s luxurious and powerful paired with great usability and unmatched design. (more…)