Lamborghini Urus unveiled – Beijing Auto Show

Lamborghini have unveiled a stunner, which is the norm, but this time they have done something different. The bull people have unveiled their concept SUV, Urus, just before the Beijing Auto Show. The Urus boasts of a 608PS engine and features full time all-wheel drive.

Measuring a shade less than 5 metres, the Urus is not Lamborghini's first SUV. Back in 1986, they had introduced the LM002, a military-spec SUV which remained in production until 1992, though only 300 units were built. The Urus' height of 1.66 metres is said to be lower than what its competition like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport have to offer. Despite having a massive powerplant, Lamborghini claims that the Urus will beat its competitors as far as the CO2 emissions are related. The low kerb weight of this SUV is said to be the key factor behind this achievement. Extensive use of carbon fibre has enabled Lamborghini to tuck away some of the lard that SUVs are usually known to carry. The front and rear spoilers can be adjusted depending on the driving conditions. At the upper edge of the rear windshield is a deflector that diverts the airflow along the rear windshield and onto the adjustable spoiler.

The company aims to sell more units (approximately 3000 units each year) of the Urus than its supercars because Lamborghini is projecting this as an everyday vehicle. Target markets are primarily Germany, Russia, UK, USA, Middle East and China, the latter being the biggest market for Lamborghini.

Just like its siblings, the Urus derives its name from an ancestor of the modern day Spanish fighting bull, the Auroch.

The Urus displays a clear family resemblance, an arrow form with large air intakes and the Y shape in the headlamps â€" typical Lamborghini elements. The headlamps have a full LED light technology while the fog lamps are also replete with the same feature. There aren't any conventional rear view mirrors in the Urus, instead it has two small cameras which monitor traffic conditions behind the vehicle and project the images on the two TFT screens which are placed on the left and right of the cockpit. The tail of the Urus gets narrow rear lamps, connected by a black strip. The four hexagonal tail pipes are fitted into chrome surrounds.

Another interesting element is that only the shift paddles are placed behind the steering wheel while buttons for indicators, lights and windshield wipers are incorporated into either the multifunction steering wheel or the centre console. Behind the steering wheel is a programmable TFT screen with functions like the entertainment, navigation and climate control being operated via a touchscreen on the centre console. The rear seat passengers also have a touchscreen infotainment system.

Though it's still a concept, Lamborghini looks all set to put it through the production lines in the next two-three years.