Even Sant’ Agata must concede to environmentalists.
Lamborghini research & development boss Maurizio Reggiani has confirmed that the upcoming 2018 Urus SUV will be the first, and only product in the brand’s lineup to benefit from a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
In an Autocar report, the R&D chief played up the Urus’ integration into the brand. “The design [of the Urus] is pure Lamborghini. It has evolved considerably since the concept, and the finished car is much better inside and out,” Reggiani said. He went on to mention how turbocharging will be “completely mandatory,” as an SUV requires the kind of torque that only forced induction can manage.
“A supersports car is completely different. You need the responsiveness of the engine, to feel the spark of every cylinder. We will keep normally aspirated engines for our other models. They are still the best choice.” No doubt, Lamborghini purists are heaving a massive sigh of relief. The Urus will also gain a 48V-powered active anti-roll suspension, that should ensure that the Lambo-SUV drives like any Lamborghini should, rather than feel like its spiritual predecessor, the LM002.
At present, Reggiani says that Lamborghini will be concentrating its R&D efforts into power, weight, and aerodynamics. “Handling is a function” of these, hence its priority. “We want to be a leader here, and we have a chance to change the rules of the game.”
We’re certainly looking forward to seeing the Urus come to market in 2018. If anything, to see how Sant’ Agata intends to attack this highly lucrative segment, dominated by competitors from Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, and even Maserati.
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