It has actually been 5 years since Lamborghini first unveiled their SUV concept, the Urus, at the Beijing Motor Show in 2012. And since then it has been see-sawing between remaining a viable but ultimately unrealised vision (like the Estoque saloon), or a full-fledged addition to the Lambo stable.
In 2013, further hints that the Italian automaker was serious about the Urus came from then-CEO Stephan Winkelmann who stated the company’s future plans was very much in-line with having a high-performance SUV.
Now, though, via an interview with Digital Trends, current CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that production will begin in April 2017, with prototype test cars being the first to roll off the line. After a few months, customer-bound examples will then begin to be manufactured.
In the conversation, Domenicali said that they expect the Urus to account for a sizeable chunk of annual sales and, to preserve the marque’s supercar exclusivity, will cap the number of Huracan and Aventador models to 3,500 per year.
In contrast, Lamborghini expects to produce and deliver in excess of 3,000 examples of the Urus once production is in full swing, essentially doubling their sales with this one model alone. To accommodate for this, their factory in Sant’Agata has expanded considerably and should be able to meet the demand targets the Audi-owned supercar maker has set for its foray outside the their two-door mid-engine niche.
The powertrain that lives under the Urus’ bonnet is still a bit of a mystery, however. It’s flagship V12 isn’t likely to fit, making the smaller V10 from the Huracan more of a possibility. Domenicali says that hybrids will have a future in Lamborghinis, and the all-wheel drive Urus makes the best case yet for them to implement such a system.
Should they not mind borrowing an engine and powertrain combo from their German benefactors, Audi (and the VW Ground at large) certainly as a deep reservoir powerful and economical options from which to choose.
For more on Lamborghini vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
