Lamborghini Urus to be powered by V8 twin-turbo

Lamborghini CEO, Stephen Winkelmann, has confirmed its all-new Urus SUV will be powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo instead of the firm’s existing V10 or V12 engines.

Calling the move to a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 “a major step” for the company, the decision to use a smaller capacity petrol is thought to be for CO2 reasons and for the low-end torque needed for an off-roader.

Revealing the decision to use the V8, R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani told British magazine, Autocar: “We decided that a turbo for a super sport SUV is the best choice. The engine must be light and powerful and with the capability - with this torque at low revs - to allow the car to be ‘elastic’ in every type of condition.”

Despite seemingly sharing its capacity, layout and same number of turbos with 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo used by both Bentley in the Continental GT and Audi in its RS6, Reggiani claims the 4.0-litre Lamborghini will use is unique to the Italian car-maker.

“This engine is not used by anybody else, only Lamborghini. To be the most powerful in the class it must have something that is dedicated to our brand. It must be able to produce the right amount power and torque, but do that in conjunction with the right transmission and chassis control that makes it a true Lamborghini.”

Winkelmann reasserted his claim that the Urus will be “a true Lamborghini because it will be fastest among the SUVs” and will have a lot of off-road capability, but the focus will be driving on the road.

Claiming to have evolved the design from the red car pictured to make the cabin roomier and even more luxurious, the CEO of the Italian car-maker said the production version of the Urus will keep the concept’s rakish lines.

Winkelmann also told Autocar that he wouldn’t rule out a plug-in hybrid version from joining the range later on.

Set to be officially revealed at the 2018 Geneva motor show, the Urus is expected to go on sale shortly after priced around $400,000, although that might change, says senior sources, if development progresses quickly.

If that’s the case, the Urus will appear at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2017 with the SUV going on sale late shortly after.