The plug-in hybrid Lamborghini Urus has been launched, and this year will also see the ST-X racing car.
Lamborghini is adding a race version and a plug-in hybrid variant to its high-performance SUV, Autoblog reported last week.
The two models appear to be at opposite ends of the fuel consumption spectrum, but it turns out they are not that dissimilar.
Chief engineer Maurizio Reggiani told Autoblog that the race-spec Urus ST-X will likely make its debut at the 2020 Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals in late October, at least in demonstration form.
"There will be a demo race, where we will announce the format," Reggiani said.
Lamborghini previewed the ST-X in 2018, revealing the car last October. At that time, Lamborghini said it was interested in a one-make series of SUV urls, with the winners of the four Super Trofeo classes competing in a one-off ST-X race together. (Editor's note: Call it IROC.)
The ST-X will resemble a stock Urus, but will have standard racing safety equipment such as a roll cage and fire suppression technology, but it is unclear if it will use the same twin-turbo V-8 as the Urus.
It is also unclear whether the upcoming Urus plug-in hybrid will be a hybrid powertrain combining the same V-8 with an electric motor and battery. Reggiani said the plug-in powertrain is still under development at Lamborghini, but it is unclear how the electrified powertrain will be used.
Reggiani suggested that instead of the typical "Conserve" or "Eco" mode in the Urus, Lamborghini could use electrification to enhance performance beyond the current Urus. That would be in line with what the automaker is claiming about future electrified powertrains (more smiles, not fuel savings), but we will have to wait and see what Reggiani and Lamborghini will announce.
According to Autoblog, Reggiani did not say when the PHEV Urus will be available, but more details will be announced soon.