Lamborghini Urus Debut In April 2017; Spied Testing

It has been about five years since Lamborghini wowed (or dismayed, depending on who you are) enthusiasts worldwide when they showcased the Urus Concept high-performance SUV at the 2012 Auto China show in Beijing. Now, Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the production model based on the concept will retain the Urus name and that pre-series production of the model will begin in April 2017.

Lamborghini may reveal the production model of the Urus at the 2017 Auto China. The reveal could drum up excitement around, what the company hopes, will become the highest selling Lamborghini ever. The Urus is expected to be on sale in markets around the world, including India, in 2018.

Why the long gap between the reveal and the launch? The Urus is a very important vehicle for the company. If all goes well, 3,500 units of the SUV may be shipped out every year by 2020. To achieve this goal, Lamborghini will spend a lot of time improving its sales and after-sales facilities around the world, while also showcasing its capabilities to customers through private events. The company is also expanding its manufacturing facility at Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, to future proof it for increased demand.

What can we expect from the Urus? In terms of exterior design, the Concept is a good indicator. The Urus will follow the brand's angular stealth-fighter inspired design - but with a high-set SUV body.

Expect the production model to get significant changes, though. A recent spy shot shows that the Urus production model may not have as much ground clearance at the rear as the concept. The rear door window seems to be larger too -- this should make the cabin feel airier. The concept's Countach-like wheel arches seemed to have made it to the production variant.

The interior design should mimic the stylish exterior. Here, the concept may not be the best indicator as it was very outlandish. The Urus, unlike other Lamborghinis, will have to have a focus on rear passenger comfort too. While it will remain a driver-focused vehicle, rear passengers are also expected to be pampered to a great extent.

The Lamborghini Urus is based on a highly modified MLB platform. While the same platform also underpins the likes of the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga, the Urus is expected to feature a lot of exotic lightweight material, like carbon fibre. The engine will be placed under the hood at the front; for the first time in the company's recent history, a Lamborghini will feature a forced-induction unit.

The Urus will be powered by a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 motor; as with any Lamborghini, this motor will have a very high power output. The power will be sent to all four wheels via an intelligent AWD system. The Urus's drivetrain will be tuned for on-road performance and ability than hardcore off-roading. Lamborghini has confirmed that the Urus will be competent enough to be driven on ice, snow, rocks, sand or slush without compromising its on-road (maybe on-track?) abilities.

The Urus will also usher in a direction for the company: the use of hybrid propulsion. In lieu of tightening emissions regulations, Lamborghini has decided to use hybridisation; the extent of the hybridisation is unknown, but the Urus hybrid is expected to be launched by 2020.

The Lamborghini Urus's competition, for now, include the Bentley Bentayga, the Maserati Levante and the Range Rover. Future competition could include the Audi Q8, Aston Martin DBX, BMW X7, a Mercedes-Maybach SUV and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. 

Spy Shot courtesy pro-street.dk