Lamborghini’s super SUV has become more extreme with the launch of the Urus Performante which just set a new record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Road.

Under the bonnet sits the same twin-turbocharged 4-litre V8 engine as the standard Urus, but the Performante has been tuned to produce 850 Nm of torque and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds.

This saw it set a new record in the production SUV category on Pikes Peak, crossing the finish line at 4302 meters in 10:32.064m and beating the previous 2018 record of 10:49.902.

“The Urus Performante takes the supreme performance and distinctive looks of Lamborghini’s ground-breaking Super SUV to the next level, retaining its luxurious versatility and delivering the most engaging driving experience: not only on road but in every environment, distinguished through an alluring design that denotes new benchmarks for driving dynamism in what is already a remarkable car,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. 

“The Urus set a new standard at its launch, taking Lamborghini’s design DNA and technological talent and delivering the world’s first Super SUV for a new era: the Urus Performante sets the bar even higher for the SUV segment.”

The top global seller for Lamborghini has had a redesign too, with a sharper, more prominent bonnet and bumper design immediately highlights the Performante’s super sports genetics yet retains the Urus’ innate elegance.

The Urus Performante’s extensive use of composite materials makes it the car with the highest number of carbon fibre parts in its segment, which contribute to an overall weight saving of 47kg. 

“The Urus Performante’s very bold and characterful design perfectly integrates the improved aerodynamics incorporating the front bumper’s air curtain, with significant visual differentiation including the new lightweight carbon fibre engine bonnet and extensive use of carbon fibre throughout reminding of its ‘Performante’ heritage. This benchmarking Urus is designed as a unique driver-oriented Super SUV,” says Mitja Borkert, Head of Design.

The front bumper and splitter in carbon fiber sport assertive new lines: new black front air-intakes deliver increased engine cooling and maximum expression of the SUV’s super sports heritage. A new air curtain draws airflow over the front wheels, within an aerodynamic design theme that decreases drag the new bonnet’s air outlet contribute to the overall aerodynamics efficiency and helps the engine cooling. The newly-designed rear spoiler increases rear downforce of the Urus Performante by 38 percent.

New steel springs lower the Performante’s chassis by 20 mm, with a wheel track that is broader by 16 millimeters, over which wider carbon fiber wheel arches embrace new optional 23in or forged 22in lightweight wheels with titanium bolts and specially developed Pirelli tires.

Alongside the standard drive modes, the Urus Performante introduces a new RALLY selection, elevating the Super SUV’s fun-to-drive sportiness to a thrilling new level on dirt tracks.

The Urus Performante is priced from A$465,876, (approx. NZ$519,337) and will arrive quarter two 2023.