RAGING BULL
Urus: Lamborghini’s new SUV

Beijing/Sant’Agata Bolognese—At the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini presented its interpretation of the ultimate super athlete in the SUV segment. The Urus combines a very Lambo exterior design, a radically complimentary interior and gobs of performance with versatility and usability thrown in. Output of around 600 horsepower and lightweight design technology assures that this puppy can haul. At the same time, Lamborghini says the Urus will offer the lowest CO2 figure of all comparable vehicles. As an SUV concept with four generous seats, a useable luggage compartment, variable ground clearance and permanent all-wheel drive, the Urus should deliver a high degree of driving fun. The interior, too, matches the standards of this super athlete with materials featuring carbon fiber technology like the patented Forged Composite®. The Urus means that a Lamborghini can now be used by a household as its primary car—or that’s the manufacturer’s hope. It does expands the brand’s customer base—appealing to families and to the drivers of Lamborghini super sports cars who have thus far driven SUV models from other brands. The Urus may do for Lamborghini what the Cheyanne did for Porsche. Target markets are primarily the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, the Middle East and China. The manufacturer says the annual production volume could conceivably be around 3,000 vehicles. “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,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “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.”

Heritage and Name As has long been the tradition at Lamborghini, its name is derived once more from the world of bulls – the Urus, also known as Aurochs, is one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle. Urus bulls could measure up to 1.8 meters at the shoulder. The Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past 500 years, is still very close to the Urus in its appearance. Concept and Technology At a length of 4.99 meters, it fits into the typical sporty SUV class. At a height of 1.66 meters, however, it is considerably lower than its competitors. Together with its width of 1.99 meters, the Lamborghini Urus boasts proportions of an athlete for the SUV segment. The key to its performance is primarily the drive – the heart of every Lamborghini. The target has been set – expect around 440 kW / 600 hp. Permanent all-wheel drive with traction control is, of course, a given. Lamborghini says its Urus will beat all comparable competitors when it comes to CO2 emissions. To achieve this, the manufacturer says the Urus will be considerably lighter than its competitors, sticking firmly to the company’s lightweight design philosophy. The steps to achieve this include an intelligent material mix for the structure and bodyshell and systematic lightweight design in the interior, too. Lightweight design is the decisive prerequisite not only for moderate fuel consumption, but also for dynamics and handling. A low center of gravity and a highly variable bodyshell height are among the solutions. The Lamborghini SUV is also notable for its innovative, adaptive aerodynamics. In combination with the variable bodyshell height, the height-adjustable front spoiler facilitates a good approach angle and excellent obstacle clearance. At its lowest setting, however, it aids stability at high speeds. The form is, of course, aerodynamically refined. At the upper edge of the rear windshield is a deflector that diverts the airflow along the rear windshield and onto the adjustable spoiler. In combination with the likewise adaptive rear spoiler, the aerodynamic balance of the Lamborghini Urus can even be adjusted to suit the prevailing driving conditions.

Interior Automobili Lamborghini has considerable experience in the use of carbon materials, and exhibits this innovative technology in the Urus concept car. The center tunnel is particularly notable – an open, skeletal carbon fiber structure made from Forged Composite®. It carries through the entire interior and is only partially clad in leather-upholstered cushioning. Single cushions also clad the four bucket seats. The seating position is lower and flatter than in any other vehicle in the segment. Also all four bucket seats are made from Forged Composite®. The Lamborghini Urus concept car also features an extremely minimized operating philosophy. Behind the steering wheel are only the shift paddles for the dual-clutch transmission. All other functions such as indicators, lights and windshield wipers are incorporated into either the multifunction steering wheel or the center console. The driver is delivered information via a freely programmable TFT screen behind the steering wheel. Secondary functions like navigation, entertainment and climate control are operated via a touchscreen on the center tunnel. A further touchscreen is available for rear seat passengers. For more information about Lamborghini products, go to lamborghini.com