The Urus Just Got Meaner
Lamborghini has given its super SUV the Performante treatment.
Earlier this month, a “new” Urus model set a record for the production SUV category at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event. It covered the 20km stretch, which has 156 corners, in 10 minutes and 32.064 seconds. That’s nearly 18 seconds (17.838 seconds) faster than the previous race-day record set by the Bentley Bentayga in 2018 – the year when the original Lamborghini Urus was launched.
That “new” model has shed its camouflage. It’s called the Lamborghini Urus Performante. And the new derivative in question debuted in the flesh at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Those aware of how the folks over at Sant’Agata Bolognese work, anything with the “Performante” tag means lighter, tighter and faster.
The Urus Performante uses the same 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8. But, there’s more oomph. With 657bhp/850Nm tap, it can hit 100kmph from nothing in 3.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the standard SUV, and the top speed is 306kmph. Helping its cause is a slick 8-speed automatic transmission, feeding the power to all four wheels. And in the drivetrain is a new differential, which, as per Lamborghini, distributes torque even more efficiently.
More oomph is just part of the story. The Urus Performante also benefits from a lighter package, courtesy of more extensive use of composite materials. The bonnet, for instance, is made from lightweight carbon fibre, and so are the front bumper, splitter, lower rear bumper, diffuser and the fins on the mad-looking rear spoiler. Also, the exhaust system is made of titanium, reducing the overall weight. For a fee, Lamborghini will even equip the “super SUV” with a roof and 23-inch rims made from carbon fibre. By default, however, the Urus Performante dons forged 22-inch lightweight wheels.
What else? Oh yes, the aerodynamics. A redesigned front air curtain that not only improves engine cooling but also decreases drag. Then there’s the rear spoiler, which helps increase the downforce by 38 per cent. The Urus Performante also rides 20mm lower to the ground and has a 16mm wider track, thanks to the new springs. And because of the new front and rear end, the SUV’s length has grown by 25mm.
The interior is bathed in Nero Cosmus black Alcantara, and the seats don a new hexagonal pattern. Accompanying them are the trim pieces finished in black anodised aluminium. Optionally, one could have the Urus Performante with a cabin draped in leather. Lamborghini also offers different colour and trim options for the door and the headliner. And, of course, the Ad Personam brings in virtually limitless customisation choices.
The Lamborghini Urus Performante costs just north of USD 260,000, and deliveries will commence before 2022 comes to a close. How do you like it?
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