Editor-in-Chief's Note: Back in October I wrote a column entitled, "Sergio Polishes the Golden Cannoli as the sale of FCA is nigh." In it I described the "G.O.A.T." and his frantic search for a partner/buyer to bail his ass out since the FCA business "plan" isn't sustainable. I suggested that Hyundai is a likely candidate and the rumors not only persist, but they're growing louder by the day. Marchionne all but confirmed it last weekend when he told the media that, according to Reuters, "We already buy components from Hyundai... let's see if we can agree on other points, especially for the development of transmissions and hydrogen." Marchionne was paying lip service to the fact that FCA is nowhere with advanced technology, and he is desperate to find a corporate entity that will give FCA some breathing room. But it goes much deeper than that. Marchionne is knee-deep in negotiations with Hyundai, and don't be surprised if it's the End Game for FCA. -PMD
(Lamborghini images)
Automobili Lamborghini has launched its third model - the Lamborghini Urus - "the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle," according to the manufacturer. Lamborghini PR minions suggest that the Urus "creates a new niche in the luxury segment with bench marking power, performance and driving dynamics, unparalleled design, luxury and daily usability." Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, had this to say: "The Lamborghini Urus is a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments." The Urus is powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 delivering 650HP (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm of maximum torque achieved at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7HP/liter, the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3.38 kg/hp. The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.8 seconds and has a top speed of 305 km/h, making it the fastest SUV currently available. The AWD system has active torque vectoring and four-wheel steering, and it comes with carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension and active roll stabilization. It will be available in the U.S. in the spring of 2018 with a starting MSRP of $200,000. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Questioning whether or not the world needs another high-performance SUV is a waste of time at this point, because there's an insatiable desire for these vehicles at every price point. I'm sure Lamborghini will sell every Urus they make as it becomes the new "it" ride, at least for the moment. -PMD
Automobili Lamborghini has launched its third model - the Lamborghini Urus - "the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle," according to the manufacturer. Lamborghini PR minions suggest that the Urus "creates a new niche in the luxury segment with bench marking power, performance and driving dynamics, unparalleled design, luxury and daily usability." Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, had this to say: "The Lamborghini Urus is a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments." The Urus is powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 delivering 650HP (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 850 Nm of maximum torque achieved at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7HP/liter, the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3.38 kg/hp. The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.8 seconds and has a top speed of 305 km/h, making it the fastest SUV currently available. The AWD system has active torque vectoring and four-wheel steering, and it comes with carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension and active roll stabilization. It will be available in the U.S. in the spring of 2018 with a starting MSRP of $200,000. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Questioning whether or not the world needs another high-performance SUV is a waste of time at this point, because there's an insatiable desire for these vehicles at every price point. I'm sure Lamborghini will sell every Urus they make as it becomes the new "it" ride, at least for the moment. -PMD
