Lexus has a high-performance crossover in the works with which it intends to take on the Lamborghini Urus, currently the pinnacle of super SUVs across the world.
The new crossover is said to sit on a new Lexus flagship platform based on the LF-1 Limitless concept the company showcased in January. Entry-level trims of the super SUV will lift the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 powertrain from the LS 500 where it makes 416hp. Lexus could also attach two electric motors to the mill to eke out more power while boosting fuel economy.
Lexus also makes high-strung "F" versions of most of its cars. Similarly, the touted new crossover will also go after the Urus with an F badge backed up by a bigger powerplant inside. Lexus could use the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that is rumoured to debut with the LC F. Expected output of the V8 is pegged at 661hp, slotting it right against the 641hp output of the Urus. Lexus will also beat the Lamborghini on the pricing front, pricing the performance crossover around $150,000 as against the $200,000 price tag of the Urus.
The flagship model is expected to debut around 2020 with a market launch in 2021. Lamborghini, on the other hand, has yet to release an official lap record of the Urus around the Nürburgring in Germany which is a yardstick for all carmakers to measure the worth of their performance-oriented machines.
Test mules of the Urus were spotted on the track, meaning the company has clocked a time out there. If Lexus were to hit a timing close to the Italian super SUV, it wouldn't have a lot of trouble marketing it as an alternative both on the road and track. It remains to be seen if the Lexus could beat the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63's stellar 7:49:4 record on the Nürburgring.
Lexus has not released an official word on the super crossover yet citing its policy against commenting on future products.
