The first Lamborghini Sports Utility Vehicle gets Rave Reviews
Who would think that the sleek, smooth and speedy Lamborghini profile would submit to a role in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) category? According toForbes, the SUV transition is complete and the result will be called the Lamborghini Urus. The name comes from an ancient line of Spanish bulls and is supposed to evoke thoughts of freedom and emotion.
The Lamborghini Urus boasts a 600 horsepower engine, full time all wheel drive, LED fog lamps, and big 24-inch wheels. The body of the Urus has a higher clearance than most sedans but, at only 1.6 meters or 5.24 feet, the sleek vehicle is considerably lower than most mainstream SUVs.
The real excitement comesfrom the shapethat boldly swaggers forth with tight Lamborghini like curves and Italianate angles. This vehicle excites the eye. The headlights are in a "Y" shape that, in combination with the angular elements, takes car design to a futuristic level that may wind up being widely copied. The cockpit and seats have large white sections that remind the viewer of "Star Wars" Imperial soldier uniform sections mixed in with an incredible fantasy marble.
The Urus is only at the concept stage right now. The first painful news is that the Urus may take up to three years before full production begins, meaning that excited customers will have to try to order early, then wait until 2015. The other painful news is the price tag of $200,000.
The SUV was presented at the the Beijing Auto Show on 22 April, and was presented to journalists in early April. The SUV has already garnered praise for cultural references, staying true to the Lamborghini heritage, incredible finesse and aggressive design. 3,000 of the Urus SUVs are expected to come out in the biggest production round ever for a Lamborghini model.
The competition for extreme luxury SUVs is going to be hot. Porsche has had success with the Cayenne and BMW is expanding its SUV line. A four seat FF Ferrari is coming soon, and Tesla is producing an electric model.
In the end, serious competition will be coming from theBentley EXP 9 F SUV.The Bentley EXP 9 F has the distinctive Bentley lines and a split rear gate with an awning and door that doubles as a picnic table. Also, such treats as an umbrella and deluxe picnic basket will supplement the serious side of the car. According to Forbes, the serious side of the Bentley EXP 9 F means that "A W12 engine could produce 600bhp and 800 Nm of torque with a top speed and 0-60mph time faster than any SUV on the market today".
