MOTORING NEWS - Lamborghini recently revealed its first sport-utility vehicle (SUV) as the Volkswagen-owned luxury brand aims to obtain a share of this fast-growing market.
Lamborghini thinks the model, produced at its Sant'Agata Bolognese headquarters in Italy, could double its yearly sales volumes, which stood at 3 457 in 2016.
Called the Urus, the SUV could help it access new markets and consumer groups generally not attracted to its high-powered, low-slung sports cars.
Lamborghini confirmed to Wheels24 that order books will open in February 2018 for South African customers, with the first vehicles arriving in September.
"It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving characteristics and emotion," CEO Stefano Domenicali stated.
The first Urus SUV will be delivered in the European spring of 2018, with a retail price tag in Europe equalling R2,2-million, omitting taxes. Local prices will be confirmed closer to its local introduction.
The model establishes Lamborghini's entry into one of the fastest-growing automotive markets.
Worldwide crossover and SUV sales have increased to 26,47-million units in last year from 7,93-million a decade before, according to data from international research company IHS Markit. The forecaster expects further growth to 34,34-million units by 2020.
SUV sales at the high end of the market, which consists of the likes of Mercedes G-Class and Bentley Bentayga, have grown almost five-fold in the six years to 2016, IHS added.
The Urus has a 4,0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine with 650 horse power and top speed of 305km. It can race to 100km in 3,6 seconds, Lamborghini says.
"It will include driving modes that provide capabilities in off-tarmac circumstances such as snow or sand. This could make it especially appealing in markets where its sports cars are less ideal," stated Ian Fletcher, an expert at IHS Markit.
Fletcher predicts Urus' annual sales peaking at around 2,900 units in 2019 and 2020, comprising around half of Lamborghini's overall sales. The brand's line-up presently consists of the Huracan and Aventador sports cars.
Lamborghini, one of Volkswagen's stable of ultra-luxury brands along with Bentley and Bugatti, has stated that a plug-in hybrid version of the Urus will appear by 2020.
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