Bred for the track and already racking up records across the world, Lamborghini’s best-selling sports SUV platform has released the upgraded Urus Performante version in India, around four months after its global unveil. Prices for the more track-focused version of the Lamborghini Urus start at Rs 4.22 crore (ex-showroom).
From bumper to bonnet, the Urus Performante is a sort-of revisit to Lamborghini’s adrenaline-soaked roots, giving naysayers (who may have mocked Urus owners for being ‘soft’) a reality check. This comes in the form of a host of features with one goal in mind – breaking laptime records.
The Performante accomplishes this by – unsurprisingly – packing a host of performance upgrades across its lithe 3,006mm wheelbase. There’s the obvious stuff, such as the all-new front bumper, carbon fibre splitter, wheel arches, diffuser and double-spoiler array, new cooling vents, optional 23-inch wheels, new steel springs for a lower stance, and that sweet, sweet titanium Akrapovič sports exhaust – letting loose a devilish 666PS and 850Nm from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mill to wake up anyone within earshot.
The most impressive details about the Urus Performante, however, aren’t so obvious and dramatic – until you’re on a track, of course.
For starters, it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that Lamborghini’s new super-SUV cracked the top spot at Pikes Peak this year because of oh-so crucial downforce – a major priority for Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini’s Head of Design.
“The Urus Performante’s very bold and characterful design perfectly integrates the improved aerodynamics incorporating the front bumper’s air curtain, with significant visual differentiation including the new lightweight carbon fiber engine bonnet and extensive use of carbon fiber throughout reminding of its ‘Performante’ heritage,” explained the ex-Porsche car designer.
In summary, these elements shave off 47 kilograms and add a stunning 38% to the car’s rear downforce and an overall downforce boost of 8%, allowing drivers to take advantage of the Performante’s widened wheelbase, new torque-optimising differential and incredible Pirelli Zero Trofeo R rubber – giving high-speed corners a serious run for their money.
At the wheel, there’s even more surprises at hand – starting with the steering itself, which has been recalibrated for better high-speed performance and agility. Lamborghini’s ace-in-the-hole here comes in the form of a surprising new RALLY selection for the car’s modes – allowing drivers to spank the anti-roll and damping systems beyond what was previously considered possible on the platform.
Despite the focus on performance, the Performante is still pretty luxe, with Nero Cosmus black Alcantara as standard, with a unique hexagonal seat design paired with leather cabin surfaces, Performante trim doors, roof linings, and more.
There’s even a special ‘Dark Package’, giving several indoor elements a matt black finish, lending the Performante a shade of aggressive appeal even within the cabin.
