Desert Storm: Lamborghini teases dune-hopping Urus

Lamborghini has released a new video showing a disguised version of its forthcoming Urus SUV playing in the sand.

Released ahead of the mould-breaking Italian SUV's official December 4 unveiling, the video reveals the spiritual successor to the original 'Rambo Lambo' LM002 that was made from 1986 to 1993 and became popular with oil barons and Middle Eastern dictators.

In just 30 seconds of footage, Lamborghini attempts to show the Urus will be just as capable as its V12 ancestor, thanks to its Adaptive Network Intelligence Management (ANIMA) that allows the driver to scroll through selectable modes to suit the conditions.

Already spotted testing on the road back in May, much is already known about the Urus.

Sharing its MLB evo platform with the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, the Lambo SUV will borrow much of the technology in those SUVs -- including the four-wheel steering system shown off in the video.

What's unique for the Urus is that it gets an all-new Lamborghini-developed twin-turbocharged petrol V8 that's thought will push out around 485kW.

That means it should have the upper hand over its distant VW Group cousins when it comes to performance.

Expect the Urus, shortly after its launch, to beat the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV's fastest lap of the Nurburgring.

Once launched in the second quarter of 2018, Lamborghini will introduce more efficient versions that are thought to include a plug-in hybrid version and, potentially, even a diesel.

By the time the Italian SUV arrives Down Under in late 2018/2019, the Urus will be well underway to becoming the car-maker's best-selling vehicle of all time.

With an annual production of around 3500 cars a year, the new SUV will easily double Lamborghini's annual global sales.