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Being the newest benchmark for Super SUVs, the new Lamborghini Urus Performante is worth a detailed inspection.
Lamborghini apparently started the Super SUV segment when it finally unveiled the Urus – following years of rumors, teasers and concept vehicle – in 2017. The Urus became the first vehicle to gain such status mainly thanks to its performance-focused character, with an output exceeding 600 hp.
Years since starting production of the Urus in 2018, Lamborghini has sold thousands of the Super SUV. Not only that, other carmakers or brands followed suit, creating Super SUVs that boasts power levels only before seen on supercars. The unprecedented demand for such a high-performance offering has led to the birth of worthy competitors such as the Bentley Bentayga and Aston Martin DBX 707.
Still, Lamborghini refuses to make the Urus just another first. It knows its Super SUV needs to stay as the king, even with the onslaught of rival offerings from other brands. Thus, just like it makes the Huracan and Aventador saleable by creating a more hardcore version, the Italian carmaker introduced the all-new Urus Performante.
The automotive world is now looking at a greater version of the world’s first Super SUV. Likewise, being the newest benchmark for Super SUVs, the new Lamborghini Urus Performante is worth taking a closer look.
When Lamborghini first took the cover off the Urus, the automotive world immediately knew it would spark a new fire. Most of the world’s drivers are going gaga over SUVs, and even Aston Martin succumbed to the demand with its Urus-rivalling DBX Super SUV. Such demand gave birth to a niche, which Lamborghini is now trying to shake up with the Urus Performante.
Behind the Urus’ hardcore character is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that is also found under the hood of other VW Group cars, such as the Porsche Cayenne. But the mill inside the engine bay of the Urus has received special tuning – it delivers 641 hp of max output and 627 lb-ft.
This power level, along with the fact that the Urus is a lightweight machine -- allows the Super SUV to shoot from nil to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. The Urus can also reach a top speed of around 189 mph, making the Lambo one of the fastest Super SUVs around.
Lamborghini built on the already hardcore character of the Urus and raised the bar with the Urus Performante. It didn’t just make the Super SUV lighter and more powerful, but also made various changes to its aerodynamics and torque distribution.
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Torque remains at 627 lb-ft, but Lamborghini optimized torque distribution by employing a new differential, increasing the ratio from 3.16 to 3.4 in drive conditions and from 3.02 to 3.33 when coasting. As a result of these revisions, the Urus Performante has become quicker than the Urus on the sprint, zooming from zero to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and achieving a top speed of 190 mph.
Lamborghini also improved the aerodynamics of the Urus Performante. This is thanks to elements such as a new air curtain, a new air outlet on the hood, as well as a newly designer rear spoiler. In fact, the new rear spoiler provides 38% more rear downforce for the Urus Performante.
As a testament to the performance of the Super SUV, the Urus Performante was able to set a new record in the production SUV category on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Road this year, arriving at the finish line in 10 minutes and 32.064 seconds. This example -- modified to comply with the safety regulations of the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb -- beat the previous record (2018) of 10 minutes and 49.902 seconds.
RELATED: How The 666-HP Lamborghini Urus Performante Outshines The Aston Martin DBX 707
As a more hardcore Super SUV, the Urus Performante has to match its performance with new looks. Central to this new dynamic look is the fact that the Urus Performance features a bi-color livery scheme the door handles, CFK air outlets over the bonnet and CFK spoiler lip are all in black to contrast the body color.
Interestingly, the Urus Performante has the highest number of carbon fiber parts in its segment. For instance, the hood including the air outlet are in carbon fiber. The hood is now sharper, matching the bolder bumper design. Featuring a lowered stance, the Urus Performante has deep cuts in the hood lines down to the new front bumper. The Super SUV comes with a new rear spoiler with carbon fiber fins.
Compared to the Urus, the Performante is longer with a wider track and wider wheel arches. It rides on forged 22-inch lightweight wheels with titanium bolts and specially developed Pirelli tires, and features a lightweight titanium Akrapovič sports exhaust.
Inside, Urus Performante features a cabin in Nero Cosmus black Alcantara, a new hexagonal seat stitching design, the “Performante trim,” and a new HMI graphics. Of course, customers can personalize their Super SUVs through the Ad Personam customization.
Julybien Atadero writes from the island of Cebu covering various automotive topics including new sports cars, classic muscles, pickup trucks and SUVs. While I like peace and quiet, I love playing with my kid. When I have nothing else to do, I watch documentaries and animations.