666hp for Devilish 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante

More powerful, lower, wider and lighter, the new Performante version of Lamborghini’s Urus is claimed to be one of the world’s fastest SUVs. The Performante’s power rises by 16hp to 666hp, with 850Nm of torque at 2300-4500rpm. With overall weight reduced by 47kg and better aerodynamics, 0-62mph takes 0.3sec less (3.3sec) while the top speed is 190mph.

Handling, stability and responsiveness are all sharpened, says Lamborghini, with a new differential delivering better torque distribution. The steering is recalibrated for better precision and feedback, while the rear-wheel steering activates faster.

A new drive mode – Rally – complements the Urus’s existing Strada, Sport and Corsa modes. Rally mode is designed for loose surfaces, offering amplified oversteer characteristics, with unique anti-roll and damping settings.

The Performante makes wider use of composite materials, and is claimed to have the highest number of carbonfibre parts in its segment. The front end features a sharper design, with a carbon front bumper and splitter featuring black intakes to boost cooling, while a new ‘air curtain’ draws airflow over the front wheels. The new carbonfibre bonnet features deep cuts and a carbon air outlet. The roof can also be ordered in optional carbonfibre.

At the rear is a new rear spoiler with carbonfibre fins inspired by the Aventador SVJ, increasing rear downforce by 38%. The lower rear bumper/diffuser is in carbonfibre, with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic sports exhaust as standard. Overall length is up by 25mm.

New springs lower the Performante by 20mm, while the track is widened by 16mm, with carbonfibre wheelarch extensions covering new forged 22in lightweight wheels (optionally 23in). Specially developed, semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres (285/40 R22 front, 325/35 R22 rear) are fitted.

Inside, the cockpit features black Alcantara with unique hexagonal seat stitching; leather is optional. A matt black Alcantara/leather steering wheel complements anodised black aluminium interior trim, which can be extended with an optional ‘Dark Package’. The UK price is set at £204,312, around £30,000 more than the standard Urus. The first customer deliveries will start by the end of 2022.

The Urus Performante has set a new record in the production SUV category on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the US. Its time of 10min 32.064sec beats the previous record of 10min 49.902sec, set in 2018 by the Bentley Bentayga.