Lamborghini release 'Urus' SUV concept

Lamborghini describe their bold-looking concept as the "SUV Super Athlete" - a reflection of its 440kW (600hp) V12 powerplant and lightweight body that delivers "extreme performance". Lamborghini also claim the Urus delivers the lowest CO2 emissions figure of any vehicle in its field.

In addition to lightweight materials inside and out, handling is claimed to be increased through the use of a unique variable-height bodyshell made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. Additionally, the adjustable front spoiler can be raised to clear obstacles or lowered to provide more downforce at speed, aided by a rear spoiler.

Measuring up at just under 5 metres in length and 1.6 metres in height, the Urus concept features permanent all-wheel-drive and is fitted with 24-inch wheels, rear-view cameras (instead of mirrors) and unique LED headlights.

Inside, the lightweight philosophy driving the Urus design is continued, with the transmission tunnel and four separate bucket-style seats made from a carbon fibre-style material called Forged Composite. Electronic gizmos are kept to a minimum, at least compared to other Lamborghinis, with information delivered via a programmable TFT screen behind the steering wheel. Secondary functions like navigation, entertainment and climate control are operated via a touchscreen on the centre console.

Following Lamborghini tradition, the 'Urus' name has a bullfighting connection. The Urus', or Aurochs, were the ancestors of modern domestic cattle and fighting bulls and stood almost 2 metres tall. The modern Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past 500 years, is still
close to the Urus in its appearance.

While still being promoted as a concept, the amount of detail in the spec and performance figures suggests the Urus is close to being a production reality. This was backed by Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelman's comments at the Beijing launch.
"The Urus is a very concrete idea for the future of Lamborghini - as a third model line and as the perfect complement to our super sports cars," Winkelman said.
"SUVs stand for freedom and emotion. SUVs make up one of the most successful market segments worldwide. The Urus is the most extreme interpretation of the SUV idea; it is the Lamborghini of the SUVs."

Lamborghini's press release from the Beijing launch bills the Urus as being an "everyday Lamborghini", ie. a daily driver, and indicates that, if the demand was there, around 3,000 Urus SUVs could be produced annually.

Lamborghini's last foray into the off-road field was the military-styled 'LM002' from 1986. Back than, the LM002 also wore the "ultimate SUV" tag, but soon earned the nickname of the "Rambo Lambo" as well! While its credentials were more in looks than off-road ability, the 450hp V12-powered LM002 did find favour with Saudi Arabian sheiks and a few Middle Eastern dictators before production stopped in 1992.