Lamborghini is developing a new SUV based on its Urus concept unveiled in 2012 .
Lamborghini Urus Concept
Enlarge Photo. The new SUV, whatever it ends up being labeled, will enter production in 2018and is set to be the first turbocharged Lamborghini. As we previously reported, it will likely be the marque’s first hybrid, too.
At launch, the sole powertrain will be a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The information was confirmed to Autocar by Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann and R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani. The engine is said to be a unique design, though it will likely share much in common with twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8s being used by fellow Volkswagen Group brands like Audi and Bentley.
One of the primary reasons for going with a turbocharged engine is low-end grunt. Reggiani explained that this was necessary for getting a bigger vehicle like an SUV off the line as quickly as one of Lamborghini’s supercars. It will also prove handy in off-road situations.
Prototypes are already up and running, which means we should have our first spy shots soon. Given the length between the start of production and the reveal of the Urus concept back in 2012, the look of the SUV is said to have evolved somewhat. According to Winkelmann, the production version will be bigger and more practical than the concept. Of course, there will be hardcore versions too, including a potential SuperVeloce.
Underpinning the vehicle will be the SUV version of VW’s MLB Evo platform, which made its debut in the latest Audi Q7 and has since made its way into the Bentley Bentayga. The platform will also be used for next-generation versions of the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg.
_______________________________________
Follow Motor Authority on Facebookand Twitter.