2018 Lamborghini Urus unchained: official photos

AFTER a protracted campaign of concepts, disguised prototypes, teaser videos and an accidental leak, Lamborghini has finally pulled the covers from its Urus SUV and let slip key details, including confirmation that its 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 petrol will pack a mighty 478kW/850Nm punch.

With that weaponry slotted into its unapologetically styled snout, the first Lambo SUV in more than 30 years will blow all other high-performance off-roaders out of the water – except the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, which manages another 44kW over the bull.

With a Torsen type four-wheel drive system the high-rider has the traction to match its power and can leap off the line with all the aggression associated with the Raging Bull brand. The zero to 100km/h dash is dealt with in just 3.6 seconds.

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Want one? If this fearsome-looking high-rider has you tempted, Lambo will ask $390,000 before on-road costs and early adopters can expect to see their Urus arriving in autumn 2018.

In the build-up to the final reveal, Lamborghini has been drip feeding hints about the car’s ability to negotiate a diverse range of terrains including loose surfaces as well as the brand’s natural habitat – the race track, enabled by adaptive air suspension, active roll stabilisation and rear-wheel steering.

When off-road, the systems work together to increase ground clearance and slippery-condition traction, but when on the road a 48-volt sub-system powers the electromechanical roll-cancelling system to minimise body movement in addition to a lowered ride-height.

A majority of power is allocated to the rear axle for improved dynamics under most conditions but the 40/60 split front to rear can be altered according to the driving style, surface conditions and the choice of six Anima driving modes.

Rear axle steering turns the wheels up to three degrees for increased maneuverability and the equivalent of a 600mm shortened wheelbase at low speed, but boosted stability at higher speeds.

Strada, Sport, Corsa and Neve modes are intended for road driving, while Sabbia and Terra are for the more adventurous Lamborghini owner looking to hit the sand or unsealed trails.

No kerb weight has been provided but Lamborghini has certainly not under-braked the Urus with a mighty set of carbon-ceramic discs measuring 370mm at the back axle and 440mm on the front end grabbed by massive 10-piston calipers.

The first technical specifications have also revealed the Urus is big. With a 5112mm length, 1695mm width and 1648mm height, the tall Lambo is similar in proportions to the Tesla Model X. It also has a similar 3003mm wheelbase and a nose that overhangs by 1068mm and a rear overhang of 1041mm.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard and the 4.0-litre V8 is likely to be related to the version that powers Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo, albeit in a detuned state of 404kW for the German.

Exterior styling certainly carries the Lamborghini conspicuous mantra with a heavily raked roofline borrowed from one of its coupes, an intimidating stance and a family resemblance that strongly ties the Urus to its supercar siblings.

Angles and hexagon design themes carry over from the exterior styling to the interior where the clean and sharp cabin centres around a fully digital set of information screens and instrument cluster, while a ‘Tamburo’ (or ‘drum’) controller consisting of a gear selector, flanked by driving mode selectors could have been lifted directly from a commercial jet.

Acres of carbonfibre hint at an eye-watering asking price, while semi-aniline leather upholstery brings a touch of big GT cruiser comfort.

The Urus might be the first Lamborghini in years to offer room for more than two occupants, but it is no seven seater with the second row limited to just two passengers, although rear occupants appear to lack little in comfort compared with the front.

Bucket seats with electric adjustment, zoned climate control and generous central storage are duplicated in the back.

As for the name? In keeping with Lamborghini’s decidedly bull-themed convention, Urus is another word for Aurochs – a large Eurasian ox that was the ancestor of domestic cattle. How appropriate.

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