The alleged “new Lamborghini SUV” idea that’s been raising eyebrows since the Urus concept came out in 2012 is finally officially confirmed by the company. What exactly it will look like remains an exciting and terrifying mystery but it’s slated to come out, for real, in 2018.
The yet-unnamed SUV will be built in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. (Purists rejoice! Hah!)
Volkswagen, Audi, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, local economic representation, and Lamborghini’s union all had a hand in making this happen. So, now you know how to blame when this batshit high-performance on-road/off-road frankenmonster sprays sand in your champagne when it blows by you in Dubai. Or China, where “[Parent company] Audi is seeking to broaden Lamborghini’s lineup beyond two-seat supercars, which have limited appeal in emerging markets... where road conditions can be poor,” according to Bloomberg.
Lamborghini plans on building “around 3,000” SUVs a year, which will primarily go to the USA, China, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Germany, and Russia... probably in that order.
Shaking your fist and asking god “WHY” yet?
It’s pretty simple: Parent-company beancounters project this vehicle will double Lamborghini’s overall annual sales. So if you like Lambos, you might as well stop worrying and learn to love their SUV because it’s probably what’s going to keep the company solvent.
And hey, the damn thing just might be awesome anyway. Stay posted ‘til 2018. Nothing yet on whether this will be a “Rambo-Lambo” LM002-looking thing or just... a lifted Lamborghini. I’d say the Urus is probably a strong suggestion of where they’ll take the concept; “supercar style with more cabin and ground clearance.”
Andrew P. Collins is Jalopnik’s off-road and adventure guy. Shoot him an email at andrew@jalopnik.com or hit him up on Twitter @andr3wcollins to talk trucks.