It's quick ON and OFF the Road
Just two words. Rallying mode
Yes, it's quite punchy. We're at Vallelunga, a sweet-sounding course approximately 20 miles north of Rome. The fact that we're here at all in the new Lamborghini Urus Performante - all 2,150kg of it - demonstrates the company's faith in its fast-selling super-SUV.
However, on its outskirts lies an old Roman road, beyond which is a temporary dirt track/rally stage (not built by the ancient Romans). The Urus Performante's powertrain now includes a fourth option, Rally, in addition to the usual Strada, Sport, and Corsa modes on its 'Tamburo' drive controller. This lowers the ESP threshold and directs more power to the fun portion of the automobile via the torque-biasing rear differential. The outcomes are predictable.
We're not claiming the Urus Performante magically transforms into a Yaris WRC, but you can drive it in a way that tempts physics. It runs a touch wide in the tighter curves, but that's due to driver error more than car incompetence. While power-sliding a £209,000 (P13.7-M...without local taxes), 657hp, two-ton-plus SUV over a muddy, rutted track may appear luxurious, it's also entertaining.
It even lands safely after what our Finnish friends still refer to as a 'yomp.' One of the primary differences between the Performante and the conventional air suspension is the use of steel springs instead of the standard air suspension for more linear responses. It, along with the 48 volt anti-roll bar, creates a level of body control that is unsettling in a car of this sort.
Take us through some of the major changes
Sure. The steering and throttle have been modified for quicker reactions, and the active rear axle is likewise more responsive than on a conventional vehicle. The eight-speed transmission shifts more quickly. There's a new Torsen central differential, active torque vectoring in the back, and several aero changes. A redesigned air curtain on the front bumper reduces the turbulence around the wheel arches, while a rear spoiler creates 38% more downforce in that region (that figure is eight per cent overall).
The Urus Performante now rides 20mm lower and has a wider front and rear track than previously. A carbon fiber bonnet comes included, but if you want a composite roof, you'll have to spend extra. What about Akrapovi? A sports exhaust is installed, the bass frequencies and overall resonance of which are determined by the drive mode selected. There are also sound actuators within. Titanium bolts are included on the wheels, with three new designs available, including optional 23-inchers, in the spirit of marginal gains. The total weight loss is a modest but not negligible 47kg.
How does it make you feel?
Whether you like super-fast SUVs or not, there's no doubting that this beast can hustle on a track. We're running on sticky, specifically created Pirelli Trofeo R tyres, 285/40 front, 325/35 rear, and they certainly make a difference. On the rally stage, we were riding standard Pirelli P Zeros. There was one hole.
The power output of the 4.0-liter, dual turbo V8 has grown by 16 to 657hp, there is 850Nm of torque, and the turbos are now working harder. Lamborghini boasts the finest power-to-weight ratio in the class, and the new production SUV record established by the Performante recently at Pike's Peak - 10:32.064, 17 seconds quicker than the previous one - backs up that claim.
Rally mode, it turns out, loves looser surfaces to create large slip angles, but if you're committed, you can still drift it. The carbon ceramic brakes remain unaltered - 440mm front with 10 piston calipers, 370mm rear - and, while the pedal began to feel a little lengthy near the conclusion of the test, there are no major complaints. Personally, I would have preferred a touch more steering feel, and logistical issues stopped us from driving the Performante on the road. In Strada mode, I expect it to be demanding but not horribly unpleasant.
Inside?
Clients of Lamborghini are often extroverts, and the company's Ad Personam personalization program is a wonderland where ideals of excellent taste may be thoroughly stress tested. The Performante comes standard with Nero Cosmus black Alcantara, a new hexagonal seat trim, and a new Performante graphic on the HMI. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is as simple to use and snappy as ever. The chairs and the driving position are excellent. And the boot is enormous, if that counts.
That's useful to know. Rivals?
The Urus Performante competes with the Aston Martin DBX 707 and comparable Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and it says much about Lamborghini's current technical and design prowess. That much is apparent, regardless of how you feel about the aesthetics of this specific market segment. This is quite the gadget.
SOURCE: topgear ph
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