IT COULD be argued Lamborghini
invented the modern performance
SUV with the hulking LM002 (see
p86) and 30 years on it has wrestled
back the title of world’s fastest
and most extreme off-roader.
Takingjust3.6sectostormfrom
0-100km/h, the Urus matches the
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
before barrelling on to a top speed
of 305km/h, besting the Bentley
Bentayga by 4km/h.
Propelling its 2200kg mass to
such absurd velocities is a 4.0-litre
twin-turbo V8 producing 478kW at
6000rpm and 850Nm from 2250-
4500rpm. An eight-speed automatic
is the only gearbox option, feeding
the immense power to all four
wheels through an integrated front
differential, Torsen centre diff and
active torque-vectoring rear LSD.
Torque split is 40:60 front-to-rear
under normal driving circumstances,
however, the bias can alter between
70:30 and 13:87 depending on
dynamic demands.
Adaptive air suspension,
electronically adjustable anti-roll bars
and all-wheel steering work hard
to fight physics and the brakes are
the biggest fitted to a production car,
consisting of 440mm carbon-ceramic
rotors and 10-piston calipers up front
and 370mm rotors and six-piston
calipers at the rear. Wheel options
range from 21 to 23 inches wearing
rubber between 285/45 and 285/
front and 315/40 and 325/30 rear.
Six driving modes feature: the
familiar STRADA, SPORT and CORSA
joined by NEVE (snow) as well as
TERRA (off-road) and SABBIA (sand)
in vehicles fitted with the optional
off-road package. Alternatively, the
driver’s favourite combination of
settings can be saved to the EGO
mode, accessed via the ANIMA
switch on the centre console.
Australian pricing is $390,
before taxes, on-road costs and,
importantly, options. Applying GST
and LCT brings the ask to around
$525,000. While the Urus wears an
SUV shape, its price and performance
means its main opposition is likely
to be the Porsche Panamera Turbo
S Sport Turismo and Ferrari GTC
Lusso as much as SUV rivals like
the Bentley Bentayga and Porsche
Cayenne Turbo.
Owners will have to check their
garage space, though, as the Urus is
wider and very nearly as long as a
Mercedes-Benz S-Class. You can read
our prototype drive on page 80.– SN
Lambo
Urus
breaks
cover
Lamborghini reveals rapid 478kW Urus SUV
Hotstuffcomingsoon
The News
Five seats standard,
but those seeking
amoreexclusive
rear-seat setup can
turntheirUrusinto
a four-seater12 january 2018 motormag.com.au