2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante debuts as lighter, quicker SUV

Building on what has been its most successful model in history, Lamborghini has unleashed the 2023 Urus luxury SUV in Performante trim, which has gone through a weight-loss regimen while packing more power under the hood. 

Exterior        

While the regular Urus measures 5,113mm, 2017mm wide, and 1,638mm on a 3,002mm wheelbase, the new trim stands 24mm longer with a marginal wheelbase increase of 4mm. However, the Performante is also 9mm narrower and sits 20mm closer to the ground, all while being 47 kilograms lighter than the standard model.  

It builds on the formula of Lamborghini's most successful model to date

The exterior has been largely retained, with notable design updates. On the fascia for instance, the Urus Performante adopts more streamlined slats on the grille, accompanied by a revised front splitter made of carbon fiber. These are complemented by a new air curtain that directs airflow over the front wheels. 

But the more noticeable enhancement can be found on the revised bumper and redesigned hood, now sporting air vents on either side and forged from carbon fiber. Even the roof is now offered in the material as an option, while the new rear roof spoiler with carbon fiber fins contributes 38 percent more downforce. 

Updated aero bits produce up to 38 percent more downforce

The Urus Performante hugs the ground on either 22-inch forged or 23-inch alloy wheels secured by titanium bolts and wrapped in specially developed semi-slick radials by Pirelli.

Interior              

Accommodations aboard the Urus Performante entail Nero Cosmus black Alcantara material with hexagonal stitching on the seats and Performante trim throughout. Further bespoke details when it comes to color and trim options are available with Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customization service. 

Carbon fiber materials extend to the interior  

An optional Dark Package extends the matte black treatment to other areas of the cabin, complementing the black Alcantara leather steering wheel and aluminum interior trim.        

Tech & Safety  

The carbon fiber dashboard is still inhabited by the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen central display, both showing off the new human-machine interface (HMI) design. An extensive array of connected navigation services is offered including Online Smart Routing, Traffic Light Information, Local Hazard Information, 3D City View, and Google Voice Search. The onboard maps get over-the-air updates as well.

Performante branding is present on the seat bolsters

A number of safety features are standard in the Urus Performante, including eight airbags, Speed Alert, Geofencing Alert, Valet Alert, Anti-theft Notification, and Online Roadside Assistance. Car finder and remote lock/unlock functions are likely enabled through smartphone connectivity.

Engine & Drivetrain        

Powering the Urus Performante is the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine with direct injection found on the current Urus, with the power unit tweaked to produce 657 hp. Torque remains at 850 Nm, now distributed more efficiently with a new differential. The Urus Performante can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, beating the standard Urus by a one-thirds of a second. An 8-speed automatic gearbox works with all-wheel-drive that features front, center, and rear differentials. 

Standard drive modes are now accompanied by a new Rally selection

Both the front and rear steering have been enhanced for quicker response. The three drive modes comprising Strada (Street), Sport, and Corsa (Race) have been re-engineered to give drivers flexibility in adapting to various driving conditions, accompanied by a new Rally option for dirt environments. 

Price

The 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante is available for $260,676 (around Php 14.6 million), with deliveries expected to commence by the end of 2022. 

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