The 600HP Lamborghini Urus SUV

Posted: 22 Apr 2012 12:35 PM PDT

Lamborghini presents SUV concept vehicle with extreme performance

Gallery after the jump!

At the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini presents the ultimate super athlete in the SUV segment. With the Urus concept car, Lamborghini is completely redefining dynamics and design in this category. The Urus combines unique design, a fascinating interior and outstanding performance with versatility and everyday usability.

Lamborghini presents SUV concept vehicle with extreme performance
Unique, powerfully dynamic design, interior with carbon fiber innovations such as Forged Composite®
Breathtaking dynamics thanks to 440 kW / 600 hp and lightweight design technology; best in class CO2 figure among the competition

Output of around 440 kW / 600 hp and Lamborghini's excellent know-how in the field of lightweight design technologies guarantee breathtaking dynamics. At the same time, the Urus will offer the lowest CO2 figure of all comparable vehicles. As an SUV concept with four generous seats, a versatile luggage compartment, variable ground clearance and, of course, permanent all-wheel drive, the Urus delivers unique driving fun with virtually no limitations. The interior, too, matches the standards of this super athlete with innovative materials featuring carbon fiber technology like the patented Forged Composite®.

The luxury SUV segment is successful worldwide and promises continued strong growth – a luxurious and powerful SUV is the most emotional way to drive a four-door vehicle equipped to meet all the demands of everyday mobility and yet enjoy refined driving fun. The Urus means that a Lamborghini can now be used by a household as its primary car. This expands the brand's customer base enormously – appealing to families and to the drivers of Lamborghini super sports cars who have thus far driven SUV models from other brands. Target markets are primarily the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, the Middle East and China. The annual production volume could conceivably be around 3,000 vehicles.

"The Urus is a very concrete idea for the future of Lamborghini – as a third model line and as the perfect complement to our super sports cars," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "SUVs stand for freedom and emotion. SUVs make up one of the most successful market segments worldwide. The Urus is the most extreme interpretation of the SUV idea; it is the Lamborghini of the SUVs."

Lamborghini Urus – Heritage and Name

Permanent all-wheel drive is part of the Lamborghini DNA; but the brand from Sant'Agata Bolognese is also no stranger to the SUV segment – Lamborghini founded the super-luxury SUV segment with the legendary LM002. When it was unveiled in 1986, the LM002 was an absolutely revolutionary vehicle. An automobile suitable for off-road driving with a twelve-cylinder engine and 450 hp, a top speed of more than 210 km/h, a luxurious interior and, above all, an absolutely stunning appearance – it was utterly unthinkable at the time. The Lamborghini LM002 remained in production until 1992. And, although barely more than 300 units were ever built, the LM002 has secured its place in automotive history.

With the Urus, Lamborghini designers and engineers have created a new icon in automotive history – that much is certain. As has long been the tradition at Lamborghini, its name is derived once more from the world of bulls – the Urus, also known as Aurochs, is one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle. Urus bulls could measure up to 1,8 meters at the shoulder. The Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past 500 years, is still very close to the Urus in its appearance.

Lamborghini Urus – Concept and Technology

The Urus is the Lamborghini among SUVs. Its concept places design, performance and driving fun firmly and uncompromisingly front and center and redefines the benchmark for the competition. Yet it offers plenty of space for four people and a generous amount of luggage or shopping. The Urus is the Lamborghini for everyday use, for the family, for leisure pursuits with friends.

Most importantly, however, it is a true Lamborghini. The Urus has a unique, utterly unmistakable appearance. It looks powerful, but not bulky. It is muscular and highly athletic, but also elegant. At a length of 4,99 meters, it fits perfectly into the sporty SUV class. At a height of just 1,66 meters, however, it is considerably lower than all its competitors. Together with its width of 1,99 meters, the Lamborghini Urus boasts the perfect proportions for the super athlete in the segment.

The Urus has a unique, utterly unmistakable appearance. It looks powerful, but not bulky. It is muscular and highly athletic, but also elegant

The key to its performance is primarily the drive – the heart of every Lamborghini. The target has been set – expect around 440 kW / 600 hp. Permanent all-wheel drive with traction control is, of course, a given.

One target is clearly defined – the Lamborghini Urus will beat all comparable competitors when it comes to CO2 emissions. One important prerequisite for this is low weight. The Urus will be considerably lighter than its competitors, sticking firmly to the Lamborghini lightweight design philosophy. The steps to achieve this include an intelligent material mix for the structure and body-shell and, for the first time, systematic lightweight design in the interior, too. The consistent application of innovative carbon fiber technologies is a given – Automobili Lamborghini possesses unique know-how in this particular field.

Lightweight design is the decisive prerequisite not only for moderate fuel consumption, but also for dynamics and handling. The Urus will set new benchmarks here, too. A low center of gravity and a highly variable body-shell height are among the solutions. The Lamborghini SUV is also notable for its innovative, adaptive aerodynamics. In combination with the variable body-shell height, the height-adjustable front spoiler facilitates a good approach angle and excellent obstacle clearance. At its lowest setting, however, it aids stability at high speeds. The form is, of course, aerodynamically refined. At the upper edge of the rear windshield is a deflector that diverts the airflow along the rear windshield and onto the adjustable spoiler. In combination with the likewise adaptive rear spoiler, the aerodynamic balance of the Lamborghini Urus can even be adjusted to suit the prevailing driving conditions.

Lamborghini Urus – Design

Lamborghini design is unique. Every Lamborghini is an artwork of avant-garde design, a technical sculpture in rapid movement. Every Lamborghini is pure and minimalist – exhibiting a clear focus on what matters. The Lamborghini Urus concept car adheres to this logic just as firmly as the Aventador sports car. Extremely tight, razor-sharp lines define a precision that is at the very forefront of automotive design. And the clean, taut, finely executed surfaces show the exceptional degree of competence and experience possessed by Lamborghini in design, construction and body-shell manufacturing. The result is a tremendously precise design language with a strong technical appeal that is amazingly spirited and light in its expression.

It starts at the front, which already displays the clear family resemblance. The strong three-dimensionality with sharp lines, a clear arrow form, large air intakes left and right, the Y shape in the headlamps, the aerodynamically refined function of the elements and the lines that run from the hood over the roof to the rear of the vehicle – these characteristics of the Lamborghini design language are all evident in the Urus.

And yet every single detail has been reinterpreted – for example, the headlamps now take on a horizontal, heptagonal form and feature full LED technology consisting of two arrays each with three high-performance LEDs. LED light guides lend the daytime running lights their characteristic Y-shape, while the LED fog lamps are positioned beneath the huge air intakes. Between them is the adaptive front spoiler. Characteristic for the side view of the Urus is the narrow window surface that tapers sharply toward the rear. Together with the highly dynamic roofline and the extremely muscular rear wheel arch, they create a taut and powerfully sporty look. The marked indent formed behind the front wheel arch by the air intake breaks the side view to give it a surprising degree of lightness.

Substantial wheels are part of any Lamborghini, especially if it redefines dynamics in the SUV segment – the all-new 24-inch wheels sport a double-spoke design and are forged from matte-finish aluminum. Five carbon fiber winglets optimize ventilation. The Urus is painted in a rich, lightly shimmering red that offers the ideal contrast for the many body-shell parts made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer. A large proportion of the front spoiler, the complete side sills and the mighty rear diffuser all clearly display their carbon fiber origins. There are no conventional exterior mirrors, instead small and aerodynamically optimized cameras monitor traffic conditions behind the vehicle. These images are displayed via two TFT screens placed in ergonomically perfect positions on the left and right of the cockpit.

The rear end of the Urus is astonishingly round for a Lamborghini; it looks powerful, but in no way bulky. The narrow rear lights featuring the Y signature are connected by a black strip that adds emphasis to the car's breadth. The attention paid by Lamborghini designers to detail is evident everywhere, even on the exhaust system. The four hexagonal end pipes are carefully fitted into chrome surrounds.

The Urus center tunnel is particularly notable – an open, skeletal carbon fiber structure made from Forged Composite®

Lamborghini Urus – Interior

The Lamborghini Urus completely redefines the term sporty within the SUV segment, yet without restricting its everyday usability. This is particularly evident in its interior – the driver and up to three passengers feel like they are wearing a perfectly made-to-measure suit – carefully fitted, but comfortable. Yet there can be no doubt that what we are dealing with here is the ultimate sports car among SUVs. Virtually the complete interior is – in keeping with the Lamborghini lightweight design strategy – finished in carbon fiber reinforced polymer.

Automobili Lamborghini possesses a unique competence in the use of carbon materials, and exhibits this innovative technology in the Urus concept car. The center tunnel is particularly notable – an open, skeletal carbon fiber structure made from Forged Composite®. It carries through the entire interior and is only partially clad in leather-upholstered cushioning. Single cushions also clad the four bucket seats. The seating position is lower and flatter than in any other vehicle in the segment. Also all four bucket seats are made from Forged Composite®.

The Lamborghini Urus concept car also features an extremely minimized operating philosophy. Behind the steering wheel are only the shift paddles for the dual-clutch transmission. All other functions such as indicators, lights and windshield wipers are incorporated into either the multifunction steering wheel or the center console. The driver is delivered information via a freely programmable TFT screen behind the steering wheel. Secondary functions like navigation, entertainment and climate control are operated via a touchscreen on the center tunnel. A further touchscreen is available for rear seat passengers.

- Lamborghini

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The Volkswagen E-Bugster

Posted: 21 Apr 2012 10:30 AM PDT

ONEIGHTURBO

Volkswagen E-Bugster to make Asian premiere at Auto China in Beijing

The Beetle! – it is the successor to an automotive icon. The new car is considered the sportiest Beetle ever. Now Volkswagen is showing, in an Asian premiere at Auto China in Beijing, how this sportiness can also be transferred to a Beetle with pure electric drive. The E-Bugster was specially designed for this mission: a two-seat Beetle speedster, 85 kW in power, 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds, with zero emissions yet the sharpest of proportions.

Blue-e-Motion for a clean future

The central electric module of the E-Bugster has an innovative design; it weighs just 80 kg. The energy for powering the electric motor is stored in a lithium-ion battery whose modules are housed in a space-saving location behind the front seats. The battery's energy capacity of 28.3 kWh enables a range of at least 180 km in the urban world. And even in an enormous country like China, for the majority of commuters this is sufficient to drive to their workplaces and return home. Since the Volkswagen has a quick charging function, the battery can be 'refueled' within 35 minutes at suitable charging stations. At home, the battery of the E-Bugster can also be charged from a conventional electric outlet. The interface for the charge cable is located behind the normal 'fuel door' near the C-pillar.

Thanks to a new Combined Charging System, the E-Bugster can be 'filled up' flexibly via one interface using any available charging modalities. Possible are:

Single-phase charging with AC current
Ultra-fast DC charging at charging stations (quick charge)

This will be based on a new, uniform industry standard for the connectors of future electric vehicles that will be available to all manufacturers. And this standardization goes beyond the plug itself: in the Combined Charging System, the charge controller and the electrical architecture must be able to handle all charging types. This will reduce costs and simplify widespread global implementation of electric mobility.

Charging the battery while braking

Just how much energy the driver of the E-Bugster is requesting with the 'electric pedal' at any moment is shown in a power display. Instruments also include a driving range indicator and a display showing the battery's charge state. Also new in the Beetle is an instrument that shows the driver the intensity of battery regeneration. Regeneration refers to the recovery of braking energy: as soon as the driver's foot leaves the accelerator pedal and/or brakes, kinetic energy is converted into electricity, which is stored in the battery. This increases the driving range of the E-Bugster. By the way, Volkswagen calls the complete electric drive unit Blue-e-Motion.

Visions become versions

Bugster? That sounds familiar. Of course: Ragster! That was in January 2005 in Detroit, where Volkswagen presented a New Beetle as a speedster with a swept-back ragtop (folding roof) – the Ragster. A design vision for the Beetle of tomorrow – wider, lower, sportier. In 2005, the slogan for the concept's feasibility was expressed as: "Everything is conceivable!" In 2012, it had advanced to: "Everything is feasible!" Because the idea of the Ragster – wider, lower, sportier – became a reality (with the exception of the ragtop) in October 2011 in the current production Beetle. So, what does the name E-Bugster actually signify? That is easy to explain: a combination of the 'E' for electric models, the American nickname for the Beetle, 'Bug' and the vehicle type 'speedster' that describes a low, open-top two-seater.

Proportions of a sports car

The E-Bugster is a Beetle that could hardly be made to look more dynamic. Actually, it is a sports car. It has a height of less than 1,400 mm, which is about 90 mm less than that of the hard top Beetle. And the production model already looks really powerful with its sharply sculpted proportions. The E-Bugster's width (1,838 mm) grew by 30 mm, while its length (4,278) remained the same as that of the production car. The E-Bugster displays unique dynamic styling from every viewing angle. Design details of the production version were supplemented by new styling elements. In its stance on the road, the concept car looks as though it were cast as a single piece. There is a very simple reason for this: in developing the production model introduced in October 2011, the Beetle design team had already considered all potential derivatives for future models on its radar screen of possibilities. And that is in part how a speedster with an E-motor evolved, the E-Bugster.

Bugster front and rear

In front, it is the swept-back and wide windscreen that catches the eye; its glass extends laterally to a point above the A-pillars. The E-Bugster, which is equipped with LED headlights, is also distinguished by the highly customized bumpers of the production Beetle: designers integrated the daytime running lights to the left and right of the central air intake as bands of LED lights in a C-shape (naturally mirrored on the right side). Ever since the e-up! concept car was presented in Europe, this form of daytime running light has been a feature on Volkswagen electric vehicle studies. These styling elements also appear in modified form as reflectors in the rear bumper, which was also redesigned. The rear windscreen of the E-Bugster proves that the rear windows of a speedster do not need to restrict visibility like the arrow slits in castle walls: it is extremely wide.

Volkswagen E-Bugster to make Asian premiere at Auto China in Beijing

Speedster side profile

A speedster needs swept-back windows and a low roof, and the E-Bugster has them. First, let us survey the car's profile. The wheels beneath the flared wheel housings are 20-inch versions of the 18-inch Beetle 'Twister' wheels, equipped with 235/35 R 20 tires. From the side sill, the viewer's gaze moves upwards over the large, smooth continuous surface of the door and the contour line above the door handle that looks as though it were carved with a knife. Just a few centimeters above this point, the Beetle becomes a speedster: designers lengthened the chrome strip of the lower window border towards the rear; it now runs (as it did on the New Beetle Cabriolet) once around the car, from A-pillar to A-pillar. The hard top of the 'Bug' extends in a low arc above this chrome line. Following the roof radius – in classic speedster style – is the upper border of the side windows. The height between the chrome lower window border and the uppermost roof line is a low 400 mm. And that is how it should be for a speedster!

Progressive interior

The combination of high-tech equipment and dynamic performance is also reflected in the interior. Sport seats and a continuous centre tunnel in body color underscore the sportiness of the E-Bugster. The use of aluminum as the material for the door handles and belt guides, and the lightweight construction styling of the steering wheel also produce a direct connection between the exterior and interior. Starting the E-Bugster is a unique experience: the Start button not only activates the drive system; it also puts a light show into motion: first, the interior is immersed in a white light, then a blue light. It begins as a light pulse in the instrument cluster; from there the light emanates as a thin line of light, just one millimeter wide, coursing into the door window sills and around the air nozzles – a kind of visual awakening of the E-Bugster.

Volkswagen E-Bugster to make Asian premiere at Auto China in Beijing

Notes:
All features, data and prices apply to models offered in China. They may differ in other countries. Subject to changes are errors.

TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.

- Volkswagen AG

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