Lamborghini might not build the Asterion after all, but they are really considering making a hotter Superveloce version of their upcoming Urus SUV, according to the brand’s boss.
Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini CEO told Autocar that they are considering many special derivatives of the Urus, including a hardcore Superveloce version and an even more luxurious edition.
“We have more than enough ideas, but it is too early to confirm anything. All options are possible and we will work on evaluating them in the run-up to launch. If our customers want to see something, we’ll do our best to meet their needs” said Winkelmann.
The new Lamborghini Urus was confirmed for production after the Italian government offered some incentives in the form of tax breaks and other benefits to Lamborghini in order for them to create a new domestic manufacturing facility in Italy. The Italian brand will build the Urus at their updated Sant’Agata plant, which will receive a major investment in order to cope with the new manufacturing requirements. The famous plant will grow from 80,000 square metres to 150,000 square metres, almost doubling its size while Lamborghini will hire an extra 500 new employees.
Lamborghini’s boss also confirmed that the shape of the production Urus model will be based on the looks of the concept, but the interior will be much more practical and comfortable than the one the concept had.
“The look will evolve from the concept, but you will recognize it both as a pure Lamborghini and from the concept. Inside, it will have a look and feel that is a bit different from where we have been before. The surfaces are larger and the needs of occupants more around usability. The Urus must be capable of being a family’s first car all year round. It must have driveability, comfort, roominess and more”, he said.
“Top speed and performance may be important, but the Urus is more about having a car that delivers Lamborghini levels of emotion while being capable of being handled every day, on open and congested roads.”
Lamborghini claims that the Urus will be the fastest-accelerating SUV, refusing to go into any details about the engine line-up. Since the new SUV will be based on the same modular platform with the other big SUVs of the Group like the Audi Q7 and the Bentley Bentayga, it’s rather safe to say that the Urus will use a variation of the plug-in hybrid powertrain which is destined for the other models, with the Group’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 sitting under the bonnet.
If Lamborghini wants to keep its promise though, they will have to keep an eye on Tesla as they announced last week that the fully electric Model X will be capable of 0-60mph in a breathtaking 3.3 seconds.
The new Lamborghini Urus is expected to go on sale in 2018.