Lamborghini to reveal high-performance crossover concept at Beijing

Lamborghini has sent out a teaser invitation for the Auto China Motorshow in Beijing next week, where it will unveil its long-awaited third model line – thought to be a high-performance crossover (not SUV), more in the mould of an X6 M rather than a seven-seater Q7.

The outline shown in the invite suggests a front-end similar in profile to the company’s Estoque sports saloon concept, sharp lines, and a sloping roofline similar in profile to BMW’s X6.

Lamborghini Estoque, unveiled at the 2008 Salon d’Automobiles in Paris.

The rest of what we know if merely speculation. It seems sensible to assume that it will be based on the floor plan and chassis of Audi’s Q7 or Porsche’s Cayenne – VW Group has plenty of experience in building high-performance SUVs, so it would make sense to start with a proven base.

The engine is rumoured to be a 600bhp version of the Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V10, although a hybrid powerplant is also mooted – most likely petrol/electric.

The name, Lamborghini Urus, has been speculated although Lamborghini also recently trademarked the name ‘Deimos’, who in Greek mythology was the son of Ares and Aphrodite and the personification of terror, whereas ‘Urus’ may refer to Aurochs, an extinct wild ox which was the ancestor of domestic cattle, or Urus Khan, a direct descendant of the indomitable Genghis Khan.

Neither reference seems quite in keeping with bullfighting ancestry of Lamborghini’s other models, so we’ll just have to wait until the formal announcement next week.

Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s CEO, said at last month’s Geneva motor show that the company needed a third line in the mid to long-term, which would enable Lamborghini to win new customers to the brand – especially in China and East Asia where demand for luxury SUVs is booming. Even though Winkelmann implied that it would take 48 months to bring a new model from concept to production, they will not be starting from scratch with the Urus.

Lamborghini’s new model – ‘Revolutionary Presence’ – will be revealed at 12:30pm (local time) next Monday 23 April 2012 at the Lamborghini Stand, Hall E5.