Wow, I'm just feeling so-unsurprised right now. It's almost as if the world is proceeding exactly as everyone was predicting it would.
Ah, you appear to be suffering from Lamborghini SUV Announcement Syndrome. These feelings of predictability are very common amongst LSAS sufferers.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms include dry throat, headache and a compulsion to read press releases, which announce that Lamborghini has confirmed that it will make the much-trailed Urus SUV, and that it will go into production from 2018. The Urus will be built in Lamborghini's existing factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese, and not overseas as was previously predicted. It will share most of its under-structure with the upcoming new Bentley Bentayga and that means it will also share a lot with the next Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and the just-launched Audi Q7.
Lambo's CEO Stephan Winkleman (a man who wears the most immaculate suits we've ever seen) said that: "this is a proud moment for everybody in Lamborghini. The introduction of a third model line endorses the stable and sustainable growth of the company and signifies for us the beginning of a new era. The new SUV will be made in Sant'Agata Bolognese, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding the values of 'Made in Italy' worldwide."
It's likely that the Urus will push Lambo's sales up by around 3,000 cars a year, which should dramatically change the company's profitability. The engine line-up should kick off with the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine shared with Bentley (making it the first V8 Lamborghini since the seventies' Jalpa) and there will be a plugin hybrid version as well. Will it get the Gallardo's V10 for a range-topper? Yes, almost certainly but there won't be a diesel, not on this generation at any rate.
Lamborghini is chasing the family market with the Urus (yes, seriously) and the Italian firm will hire around 350 extra staff to build it. Will it be called Urus though? And will it look like the concept car shown in 2012? Hmmm. That's less certain - the styling is likely to change considerably (not least to make it more practical) by the time it reaches production and the name is also likely to change.
You mean there are going to be many, many more Lamborghini SUV announcement to come?
I'm afraid so. Take these 'Baby Jaguar' pills and call me in the morning...
Neil Briscoe - 28 May 2015