The Lamborghini Urus super SUV has been a success for the sportscar maker right from the time it went on sale in 2018. Within the first four years, 20,000 units were sold, making it the company’s best-selling model in the shortest time ever. Last year, of the 9,322 vehicles Lamborghini delivered worldwide, 5,367 of them were the Urus.
For most people, owning an Urus (which presently has an 18-month waiting list) is already something special. But there will be some who still want their luxury SUV to be more unique and are willing to pay the extra money for personalisation.
If you have the opportunity to land at Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, Italy, you may see a Lamborghini moving around on the tarmac. It’s not there for a ‘Fast & Furious’ shoot but does an important duty daily as a ‘follow-me’ vehicle that guides aircraft, typically after they land or when they are taxiing to take off.
Since 2013 (its 50th anniversary year), Lamborghini has provided its sportscar to the airport which serves Bologna, the home city of Lamborghini. “The presence of Lamborghini in this hub has a two-fold value: it endorses our relationship with the region that is home to us and with which we have strong bonds, but it is also an important ‘business card’ for both Bolognese and international passengers who have the chance to appreciate our brand up close. This is a local link but with a global vision, therefore right in step with Lamborghini philosophy,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
Recently, the partnership was extended until 2025, and to start of the renewed association, there is complete restyling of Lamborghini’s exhibition space located in the main entrance of the terminal’s ground floor. Passengers passing through will be able to view a Lamborghini model permanently on display, buy brand accessories and, if they are staying in the city for a while, book factory and museum tours.
Ever since Lamborghini launched its first SUV, the Urus, sales have been exceptionally high and propelled it to become the bestselling model for the Italian sportscar maker. In fact, in 4 years, it has produced over 20,000 of the SUVs, which makes the Urus the most successful model the company has ever produced.
But like any progressive company, Lamborghini has not left the Urus as it is and has been inspired by success to raise the bar on its Super SUV. With the new Urus Performante, there are revisions in styling and both the powertrain and chassis have also received improvements for higher performance.
“The Urus set a new standard at its launch, taking Lamborghini’s design DNA and technological talent and delivering the world’s first Super SUV for a new era. The Urus Performante sets the bar even higher for the SUV segment,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman & CEO.
Extensive use of carbonfibre The Urus Performante can be identified by a pure, sharper, more prominent bonnet and bumper design/ Deep cuts in the bonnet lines extend down to the new front bumper, and the bonnet has an air outlet forged from lightweight. A roof in carbonfibre is also available as an option, reflecting the Urus Performante’s extensive use of composite materials that makes it the car with the highest number of carbonfibre parts in its segment.
The front bumper and splitter in carbonfibre sport assertive new lines. There are new black front air-intakes which deliver increased engine cooling, while a new air curtain draws airflow over the front wheels. The aerodynamic design theme decreases drag to contribute to the overall aerodynamics efficiency with the newly-designed rear spoiler increasing downforce of the Urus Performante by 38% at the rear end.
In profile, the SUV’s lowered stance is accented by its prominent front, and rear wing and bumper, increasing overall length by 25 mm. The rear is equally distinctive by its purposeful high-performance design as the rear spoiler with carbonfibre fins takes design inspiration from the Aventador SVJ.
The lower rear bumper and diffuser are also in carbonfibre with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic sports exhaust as standard. This generates the characteristic Lamborghini resonance depending on the drive mode selected.
“The Urus Performante’s very bold and characterful design perfectly integrates the improved aerodynamics incorporating the front bumper’s air curtain, with significant visual differentiation including the new lightweight carbonfibre bonnet and extensive use of carbonfibre throughout reminding of its ‘Performante’ heritage. This benchmarking Urus is designed as a unique driver-oriented Super SUV,” said Mitja Borkert, Head of Design.
Ad Personam options available Inside, the cockpit features Nero Cosmus black Alcantara as standard with a new hexagonal seat stitching design known as the ‘Performante trim’. Customers have a wide choice of options in colour and trim, with further Ad Personam customization including interior matt carbonfibre details, red door handles, and a customized kickplate with the Ad Personam logo.
A new HMI graphic, with a dedicated design for the Urus Performante, features on both the centre console screen and in a large arc across the main display.
Increased power output Under the bonnet, the V8 twin turbo powerplant power has gained a 16 ps increase to 666 ps (640 ps for the Chinese market due to homologation reasons) with 850 Nm of torque to take it up to a top speed of 306 km/h. With overall weight decreased by 47 kgs, the Urus has a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 3.2, allowing it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and from 100 km/h to standstill in 32.9 metres.
The re-engineered drive modes allow the driver to select the perfect set-up for every surface condition to enjoy more comfort or sharper, stronger throttle response with enhanced agility. Besides the standard drive modes, there is also a new RALLY mode which provides more fun dirt tracks with amplified oversteer.
Prior to its global debut, the Urus Performante’s high level of performance was demonstrated when it set a new record in the production SUV category on the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Road, beating the record set 4 years ago.
Chassis upgrades Under the bonnet, the V8 twin turbo powerplant power has gained a 16 ps increase to 666 ps (640 ps for the Chinese market due to homologation reasons) with 850 Nm of torque to take it up to a top speed of 306 km/h. With overall weight decreased by 47 kgs, the Urus has a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 3.2, allowing it to go from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds and from 100 km/h to standstill in 32.9 metres.
New steel springs lower the Urus Performante’s chassis by 20 mm, with a wheel track that is broader by 16 mm, over which wider carbonfibre wheelarches surround the new optional 23-inch or forged 22-inch lightweight wheels with titanium bolts and specially developed Pirelli tyres.
Special-developed Pirelli tyres The tyres come alongside with an evolution of the Urus Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. For the first time, the Pirelli semi-slick tyre has been developed to meet the characteristics of an SUV, with this particular variant developed in co-operation with Lamborghini. The result of the collaboration is a tyre with increased capability, achieving performance both on dry asphalt with high ambient temperatures and on wet surfaces with colder temperatures.
A new Urus SUV will make its debut in the near future but even before its world premiere, it has already collected a new record in the production SUV category on the track used for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) in America.
Yet to make its formal debut, the new Urus was not entered in the official race but the time was recorded by the official timekeepers of the event. When it reached the peak, its record time was quicker than both the previous PPIHC-sanctioned non-race day manufacturer record of 12:35.610 set by Paul Dallenbach in 2014, and the current race day record of 10:49.902 held by Rhys Millen, set in 2018, in a Bentley Bentayga.
The Urus was piloted by hillclimb champion and Pirelli test driver, Simone Faggioli, holder of the rear-wheel drive record set in the 2018 ‘Race to the Clouds’, the name given to the PPIHC. Because it has not made its official debut, the SUV was covered with a camouflage wrap to conceal some of its styling features.
The timed drive took place on the same route as the race, with the road closed to traffic for the occasion. Starting from an altitude of 2862 metres, Faggioli tackled the 156 turns that wind for 20 kms, rising a further 1,439 metres to reach the finish-line at the top which is at an altitude of 4,302 metres. It took him 10:32.064.
“The decision to test ourselves at Pikes Peak reflects the Lamborghini spirit of ‘expect the unexpected’, and demonstrates the outstanding performance of the new Urus model to be presented shortly,” said Rouven Mohr, Automobili Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer. “Pikes Peak is the most famous hillclimb event in the world, as well as being extremely challenging for the car: the uneven track layout tests the chassis’ balance; the significant altitude differences stress the powertrain; and the weather conditions can change very rapidly between start to finish.”
The Urus, equipped with the standard twin-turbo V8 engine, was modified to comply with the safety regulations of the event. Some of the changes and additions were the roll-cage installed around the cabin; the standard seats replaced by a racing seat with 6-point harness; and a fire extinguishing system.
The tyres fitted (285/40 R22 and 325/35 R22) were an evolution of the Urus’ Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. For the first time, the Pirelli semi-slick tyre has been developed to meet the characteristics of an SUV, with this particular variant developed in cooperation with Lamborghini.
The result of the collaboration is a tyre with increased versatility, returning high performance both on dry asphalt with high ambient temperatures and on wet surfaces with colder temperatures.
Automobili Lamborghini recently held the APAC premiere of its new Lamborghini Urus in Malaysia at the Alya Sime Darby showroom. The event will mark the Urus’ first appearance in Malaysia, and the region.
Its global premiere was at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese in December 2017. Touted as the world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle (SSUV), the Urus carves a new niche for the brand in the luxury segment, setting new benchmarks across performance, driving dynamics and design.
The Urus was built upon a visionary approach that combines the Lamborghini DNA with the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. Here’s the promo video played at the recent launch:
The Urus also elevates the SUV to an unprecedented level – to be a Super SUV – with its power, performance, design, driving dynamics as well as daily usability in a range of environments.
“The Urus is expected to drive significant sales volume in 2018. Feedback from our customers has been very positive and some have already placed orders for the first allocation of units in 2018″ said Andrea Baldi, General Manager of Lamborghini Asia Pacific.
Marcus Chye, Chief Operating Officer of Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur added, “Malaysian buyers are some of the most discerning in the world. We are confident that they will appreciate the Urus as a true Lamborghini in design, dynamics and emotional excitement. All this while offering a new dimension in everyday ease of use and comfortable luxury”.
Here’s the full launch video plus 360-degree walk-around:
Lamborghini Urus SSUV Stuff That Matters…
Design, performance, driving dynamics and driving emotion – pure Lamborghini DNA
Suitable for everyday driving in a range of environments
4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine with 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque for maximum performance
Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and top speed 305 km/h
4WD system with active torque vectoring and four-wheel steering for perfect handling
440mm Carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension and active roll stabilization for maximum safety and comfort
Up to six different driving modes + EGO mode available via ‘Tamburo’ driving dynamics selector
Here’s the official Urus promo video from Automobili Lamborghini, and for more info log on to www.lamborghini.com.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo1pEPoYi8Y
A word from Automobili Lamborghini…
Sant’Agata Bolognese, 4 December 2017 – Automobili Lamborghini launches its third model the Lamborghini Urus, the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle, and creates a new niche in the luxury segment with benchmarking power, performance and driving dynamics, unparalleled design, luxury and daily usability.
“The Lamborghini Urus is a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments,” says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“The Urus fits perfectly within the Lamborghini family as a high performance car. It is the culmination of intensive development and passionate skill to create a new breed of bull: a Super SUV that transcends the boundaries of expectations and opens the door to new possibilities, for both our brand and our customers.”
The Urus features a 4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 hp/l the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3,38 kg/hp.
The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12,8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h it is the fastest SUV available.
Urus: a multi-faceted personality
The Lamborghini Urus is as much a luxury SUV as the most powerful, with a super sports car dynamism to be enjoyed by both driver and passengers. Its low-line coupé styling and commanding road position belie the very comfortable ride, higher ground clearance, and luxurious space within together with the latest technologies.
The Urus provides easy driving in the city, maximum comfort during long journeys, thrilling super sports car dynamics on the road and track, and versatile off-road abilities in a range of environments. The Lamborghini Urus has a dual personality: it is multi-dimensional. It can be specified to be as sporty or as elegant as the owner wishes, and can equally be used as a daily luxury drive or provide an exhilarating super sports experience.
Lamborghini has finally introduced its highly-anticipated SUV to the masses. It’s called the Urus, after a famous Spanish fighting bull – the nomenclature of choice for many of the automaker’s models. The styling is inline with lamborghini’s current design language, featuring a swooping bonnet, angular headlights and massive front bumper.
The front fascia, especially the lower region, have been assembled with a series of fins and honeycomb styled inlets that offer sufficient cooling for the car’s engine and also aerodynamic efficiency. The raked roof line makes the Urus look more like a hatchback than a full-fledged SUV. A minimalist approach to the LED tail lights, diffuser and bumper assembly lend a cleaner look to the entire look of the rear.
On the subject of engines, the Urus features a twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 powerplant that produces 650bhp and 850Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the road via Lamborghini’s all-wheel-drive system. Torque is split 40/60 between the front and rear, which changes depending on the chosen mode (Off-road, Snow, Sand or tarmac) and driving behaviour.
As such, the Urus is able to sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 305km/h. It has an air suspension system, that enables ride height changes as well as rear wheel steering, which at low speeds, turns in the opposite direction to the front ones, for better cornering ability. Lamborghini’s various driving mode selection enables the muffling of the exhaust note when discretion is needed.
Despite its size, the Urus’ body has been kept fairly light through the use of aluminum and Steel. This blend offers a good level of rigidity and lightweight properties, and contributed to it weighing only 2,200kg. It features frameless doors, torsional beams replacing a C-pillar, and cross-members made of aluminium.
Stopping power has been made available through the use of carbon ceramic brakes measuring 440 x 40 mm at the front and 370 x 30 mm at the rear. They are said to offer virtually no brake fade and optimizes pedal feel regardless of driving conditions. Wheel options range from 21 to 23-inches that can be fitted to a variety of tyre types that have been especially developed by Pirelli for the automaker.
Like other Lamborghinis, the interior has been layed out with a decent blend of sportiness and luxury appeal. There’s a decent infotainment system and a slew of connectivity options to cover your entertainment needs. It is coupled with an 8-speaker setup that can be upgraded to a high-end Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound and 1,700 watt output and 21 fully active speakers.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are fitted as standard and offer a decent level of safety and security to driver and passengers. The High Beam Assistant automatically fades headlights in and out of high beam mode as required, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control are also included as standard, as is the PreCognition system preventing or mitigating collisions.
The Urus is one of the the most technologically advanced Lambos in the stable and features keyless start, electrically operated rear taligate as well as a whole slew of others. Unlike other models, the Urus is meant to offer a blend of luxury, comfort and sportiness that isn’t really offered by other vehicle manufacturers.
