Beijing motor show 2012: Audi confirms new Lambo SUV

This is the first teaser sketch of Lamborghini's dramatically styled and luxuriously equipped SUV concept that previews its long-touted third model line. The SUV concept is set to get its first public airing at the Beijing motor show next week.

The production version will go on to join the successor to today’s Gallardo and the recently introduced Aventador in what will be at least a three-strong Lamborghini line-up in 2016.

“I can’t comment in detail, but the speculation in the press is largely correct,” an Audi source said about previous reports outlining Lamborghini’s plans to gauge public response to an LM002 successor with an SUV concept.

Conceived as an upmarket rival for the likes of the Maserati Kubang and soon-to-be-confirmed Bentley SUV, the new Lamborghini is set to sell in small numbers — likely to be fewer than 1500 units a year — priced at upwards of £120,000. Prime markets for the performance-orientated four-wheel drive will be the US, the Middle East and China.

Nothing is official, but it is suggested that the 5000mm-long four-seater will have a retuned version of the Gallardo’s 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine. A hybrid version is also envisaged. It is said to combine the standard V10 with an electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack.

Known by the internal codename LB736, the SUV is expected to share its underpinnings with the next-generation Audi Q7, which is also set to provide the basis for the new Bentley off-roader. This so-called MLB structure is already undergoing intensive development at Audi and will be subjected to a dramatic weight reduction programme. As a result, Lamborghini’s new SUV will come in at under 2000kg.

An unprecedented fourth model is still under consideration — a low-slung four-door saloon, previewed by the well received Estoque concept first seen at the 2008 Paris show. Our source said it “shouldn’t be ruled out as a further addition to the line-up, should studies reveal there is a market for such a car”.

Greg Kable