Lamborghini bosses confirmed the company is planning on releasing a plug-in hybrid version of its Urus super-SUV, which should go on sale in 2018.
Speaking to Autocar, Lamborghini chief of research and development Maurizio Reggiani said the Urus would be the brand’s first (and only) hybrid. The Urus plug-in will be sold alongside a more conventional sibling, powered by a twin-turbo 4.0L V-8. Like its platform-mates, the Bentley Bentayga and Audi Q7, the Urus will feature a novel 48V electrical system, enabling active anti-roll suspension and a host of other technologically advanced features.
Reggiani also said the design of the SUV has evolved significantly from the concept car first shown in 2012. To provide massive thrust, the R&D chief said turbocharging was absolutely mandatory for the Urus, while natural aspiration will be reserved for the brand’s other models.
That backs up the report we heard last year that claimed the 4.0L V-8 would be unique to the Urus within Lamborghini’s lineup. However, we still suspect the engine will be shared among other vehicles in the Volkswagen AG family. An engine with similar specifications powers various Bentley and Audi high-performance vehicles, making up to 605 hp.
Lamborghini expects to reveal the production-spec Urus sometime in 2017, with the first examples hitting the road the year after. U.S. customers may have to wait a bit longer for the Urus than our Continental neighbors, but expect to see the Lamborghini SUV on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians before the end of 2018.
Tags: Lamborghini Prepping 2018
