Track Tractor

An SUV for the track sounds as ridiculous as a supercar optimized for off-roading. And yet, Lamborghini says that around a typical racetrack, its new Urus Performante is quicker than the original 2015 Huracán.

- MIKE DUFF

2023 LAMBORGHINI URUS PERFORMANTE 

After experiencing the Performante on Italy's Vallelunga circuit, we believe it.

Lamborghini adds 16 horsepower to the 2022 Urus's twin-turbo 4.0liter V-8 for a total of 657 ponies, while the 627 pound-feet of torque is unchanged. The Performante exhales through an even raspier exhaust, and the eight-speed automatic boasts reduced shift times.

A new Torsen center differential can send more torque rearward, where an active diff apportions it side to side. The Performante rides 0.8 inch lower and ditches air springs for steel coils, losing the ability to vary ride height but sharpening handling. Lamborghini also retunes the adaptive dampers, active anti-roll system, and rearwheel steering for the Performante.