Lamborghini's Urus SUV expected to get its own twin-turbo V8

By Stephen Edelstein December 2, 2015

Lamborghini Urus concept — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When it comes to the powertrain of Lamborghini’s long-promised Urus SUV, rumors have been all over the map. Stories of everything from burly gasoline engines to hybrid and even diesel powertrains have made the rounds. Now, there’s a new possibility to consider.

The Urus will get a twin-turbocharged V8, Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann and R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani told Autocar recently. The 4.0-liter engine was reportedly chosen as a compromise between performance and fuel economy. While still likely to produce big power, it should be less thirsty than Lambo’s naturally-aspirated V10 or V12.

The Lamborghini brass say the turbocharged engine also produces lots of low-end torque, which they believe will help its off-road performance. The engine will be exclusive to the Urus, although the rest of the SUV will likely borrow heavily from the Volkswagen Group parts bin. The Urus will likely use a version of the VW MLB platform that underpins the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga.

Winklemann said he’s already sampled a prototype Urus equipped with the twin-turbo V8. He claimed the performance it offered was “more than any of us expected,” and promises that the Urus will be a “true Lamborghini.” The Lamborghini boss also said the Urus will be the “fastest among SUVs,” which will mean igniting a rivalry with fellow VW Group property Bentley and its 187-mph Bentayga.

The V8 may not be the only option in the Urus. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is still a possibility, Winkelmann said. The Urus is apparently being engineered to accept a battery pack and electric motor, just in case. Naturally, Lambo’s first SUV since the mental LM002 “Rambo Lambo” will be all-wheel drive, only.

Lamborghini now reportedly plans to debut the Urus at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, although it may move the launch up to the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. That’s somewhat later than previously discussed. Last year Winkelmann said the Urus would already be in production by 2017.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Best dash cam deals: Protect your ride from just $39

Rexing V1 dash cam

There are a lot of difficult drivers on the road, and a great way to protect yourself from potential insurance issues is with a dash cam. A dash cam will ensure everything that goes on while you’re driving is recorded. The best dash cams can typically record in multiple directions, making them a great option for Uber drivers who want to keep their customers safe and protect themselves from potential legal issues as well. You can save big on a new dash cam right now, as there are quite a few dash cam deals worth shopping. Below you’ll find what we feel are the best dash cam deals to choose from right now, so read onward for more details on how to save.
70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S -- $40, was $50

The 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S is the cheapest option in this list, but it doesn't feel like it because it's packed with features. The dash cam, which supports microSD memory cards of up to 64GB, records footage at 1080p Full HD resolution with night vision capabilities thanks to its Sony IMX307 image processor and f/2.2 aperture. With its built-in G sensor, the dash cam will detect an accident and lock footage to prevent overwrites. You can use voice commands to ask the dash cam to take photos or to start recording videos, and you can use its accompanying app to watch real-time footage and to download files to your phone.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024