After making its global premiere at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata, Bolognese in December, the highly-anticipated Lamborghini Urus makes its grand appearance on Malaysian shores. It’s touted as the world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), creating a new niche market for the Italian supercar maker.
Applying its ever-so popular Lamborghini DNA with the versatility of an SUV, the Lamborghini Urus is designed to impress in multiple facets. The Lamborghini Urus gets its name from one of the largest, wildest ancestors of the domestic cattle, which are also known as Aurochs. It bears a close resemblance to the modern day Spanish fighting bull.
Sitting at its core is a new front-mounted, 4.0 litre petrol V8 twin-turbo aluminium engine. This will be the first Lamborghini sports car to feature a turbo engine, although it will only be on a V8 engine. It can deliver up to 650 hp at 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 850 Nm at 2,250 – 4,500 rpm. It hits a top speed of 305 km/h and is capable of hitting 0-100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds.
To ensure you get the maximum torque with smooth provision, the Lamborghini Urus comes with a compact engine that optimises the car’s naturally low centre of gravity through its low-mounted position. Its twin-scroll turbochargers run in parallel to provide maximum power while reducing turbo lag.
The cylinder firing sequence is backed by its two separate exhaust flows, eliminating cross-interference. There is also a double overhead camshaft with variable valve timing, which allows the new cylinder-liner technology to reduce its weight without compromising on its performance.
Powering the Lamborghini Urus is an automatic eight-speed gearbox, an electrohydraulically controlled planetary gearbox that is tuned to give out quick low gear ratios and longer high gears. To optimise on fuel consumption and emission, the Lamborghini Urus features a slip-controlled converter lock-up clutch and a specially developed torque converter. Not only does it save on fuel consumption and emission, it also guarantees the engine to be highly responsive.
When it comes to super sports cars, hearing the roar of the engine is half the experience. Lamborghini looks to build on that experience with a 360° approach to its engine, exhaust system and chassis. Depending on which driving mode is selected via the Tamburo, the V8 twin-turbo is calibrated to vary the sound and feel of the Lamborghini Urus.
As for the Tamburo, it is a driving mode selector located on the center console, which controls all dynamics of the vehicle systems. You can also select your preferred driving mode through the Tamburo according to surface conditions or to your own preference. As mentioned earlier, the driving modes are – STRADA, SPORT, CORSA, NEVE (snow), TERRA (off-road) and SABBIA (sand).
- STRADA – adjusts height according to the speed of acceleration
- SPORT – lowers to provide greater stability and precision
- CORSA – enhanced precision and optimised performance with roll at a minimum
- NEVE (snow) – provides greater grip and reduces understeering
- TERRA (off-road) – provides greater grip and reduces understeering
- SABBIA (sand) – provides greater grip on terrains while improving agility
Taking a leaf out of the Lamborghini LM002 as well as other Lamborghini sports cars, the Urus features a two-thirds body and a one-third window ratio, much like many other Lamborghini supercars. The front borrows cues from both the Lamborghini Miura and Aventador through its peaked mound of the bonnet. There are also accented by diagonal hood lines, first seen on the Lamborghini Countach. Aerodynamic efficiency also comes into play via its low-level front spoiler.
The front headlights of the Urus is set in a horizontal position paired with LED lighting in Lamborghini’s familiar Y-shape. Another aspect of both the LM002 and Countach is its front and rear wheel arches, which can house from 21- to 23-inches. There are a wide variety of tyres available, ranging from summer, winter, all-season, all-terrain and sports tyres. This is paired with the Urus’ braking system, which comes with high thermal resistance while accommodating frequent and heavy breaking. Whether its from high speeds or in extreme conditions, the Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) are the largest and most powerful available. It measures at 440×40 mm at the front while the rear carries it slightly smaller at 370×30 mm.
Being able to seat a total of five passengers, the Urus is the embodiment of a luxury SUV blended with the dynamism of a super sports car. Featuring Lamborghini’s signature design, the interior sports a luxurious design and finish, coupled with a low but comfortable super sports car seating position. It’s three-spoke steering wheel comes with a vibration damper, targeted at making comfort a priority throughout all driving conditions. There are also multifunctional switches located on the steering wheel, which controls the Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS). This is all aided by a fully-digital TFT display panel, which showcases the Urus’ main information in a customisable 3D display.
Within the cabin of the Urus sits eight speakers, driven by four channels with a Bang & Olufsen Sound System as well as 3D sound. This sound system was done in collaboration between Lamborghini, Fraunhofer IIS and HARMAN to create a natural and immersive 3D sound experience from the front and all the way to the back.
Lastly, the Urus comes equipped with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This comprehensive level of safety, security and driving assistance aids in making your drive as smooth and safe as possible. While cruise control is part of the standard issue, there is also an innovative PreCognition system that is capable of preventing a possible collision. Other optional ADAS systems include a traffic management system, a top-view camera and even a trailer coupling mode. The Urus also comes with a keyless fob, making it a ‘push-to-start’ vehicle.
The Lamborghini Urus will be available come Spring 2018 at a retail price of US$200,000 (approx. RM784,133.07).
