Not so very long ago, when prestige car makers like the Italian supercar brands began talking about adding Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) to their catalogues, it seemed impure somehow. Well, they went ahead and did it anyway and proved the naysayers wrong. For example, last year we here at MHH International revealed the latest on the astonishing and mighty quick Lamborghini Urus and brilliant it was too. The latest news is that there is now an even faster and more desirable model: The Performante.
On The Outside
This new model raises the bar on Super SUV sportiness and performance with a design that emphasises its performance prowess be it on street, track or gnarly loose surfaces. This latest version bristles with bold, aeronautical styling from every angle: It’s not just from the front that the Performante commands the road. A pure, sharper, more prominent bonnet and bumper design immediately highlights the car’s super sports genetics yet retains the model’s innate elegance. Extensive use of composite materials makes it the car with the highest number of carbon fibre parts in this premium sector.
Sitting slightly lower than the ‘standard’ (if that’s an apt word for any version of this car) model and with a slightly wider track for even better road-holding, the deep cuts in the bonnet (hood), including an air outlet which is forged, they say, from lightweight carbon fibre in body colour or partially visible carbon fibre as an option, draws the eye down to the new front bumper. The roof, also optionally in carbon fibre, references Lamborghini’s sports cars. The front bumper and splitter (there’s that carbon fibre again) sport assertive new lines and a new air curtain draws airflow over the front wheels, to further aid aerodynamic design and help with engine cooling. The newly-designed rear spoiler, increases rear downforce by 38% we learn.
On The Inside
Inside, the cockpit features ‘Nero Cosmus’ black Alcantara as standard with a new hexagonal seat stitching design, the Performante trim style and further options which include a leather interior. Dedicated colour and trim options include extension of the Performante trim on doors, roof-lining, seat backrest and rear wall, with further customization options including interior matt carbon fibre details, red door handles, and a customized kick plate with a personalised logo.
The black Alcantara/leather steering wheel is trimmed in matt black as well as the aluminium interior trim in black anodized. With the optional “Dark Package”, the matt black treatment can be extended to other interior details including the lever of the Urus’ central pane, hosting controls such as the start/stop button and drive mode selector. A new HMI graphic, with a dedicated design for the Urus Performante, features on both the centre console screen and in a large arc across the main display where a full array of the latest in infotainment tech is configurable.
The re-engineered drive modes allow the fortunate driver to select the perfect set-up for every environment: in STRADA, the Urus provides a comfortable and luxurious ride with smooth damping. In SPORT mode there’s enhanced throttle response, with the rear-wheel steering more agile at low speeds and stable at high speed and a faster gear-shift. The sportier chassis set-up including new stiffer steel springs and specific damper tuning, maximising feedback to deliver serious driving fun. In CORSA, the Urus Performante’s race car persona is let loose with supreme handling: preferably on a track and in the right hands: This is not a toy. Needless to say, this fabulous driving experience is backed up by the very latest safety technology.
On The Road
The ‘standard’ Urus is a blast to drive so this model should be even more dynamic. The company tells us that the aero-rich Performante’s power is increased up to 659bhp (666PS), and its weight reduced by 47 kg, giving it a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio’. This beast accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62mph) in just 3.3 seconds, and brakes from 100 km to a standstill in 32.9 m. The Urus Performante draws on up to 850Nm of torque and a top speed of 306 km/h (190 mph), all matched by improved responsiveness, handling and stability.
The wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero tyres alongside, for the first time, a Pirelli semi-slick tyre has been developed to meet the characteristics of an SUV, with this particular variant developed in co-operation with Lamborghini. The result of the collaboration is a tyre with increased versatility, returning high performance both on dry asphalt with high ambient temperatures and on wet surfaces with colder temperatures.
Find out more about this remarkable SUV development by getting in touch with us. Find out how this car and many other models can be imported from the UK to Kenya, new Zealand and other global destinations via our long-established and comprehensive service.
