Dirt Drifting In The Gnarlier Super SUV

Instead, blistering acceleration out of corners will snap heads back as the twin-turbo V8 hits peak torque of 627 lb-ft down low at 2,250 RPM, punctuated by snappy shifts from ZF’s traditional eight-speed torque-converter automatic operated via aluminum paddles. That’s before a hard stomp on the brake pedal clamps down the world-record-setting carbon-ceramic rotors, hauling the 4,700–pound SUV down from triple-digit speeds with ease and overwhelming the limits of tire grip—all despite a partnership with Pirelli for a new Trofeo R that reportedly shaved 1.5 seconds off the Performante’s Nardo lap time.

Michael Teo Van Runkle/SlashGear

I also snuck off for a quick lap out on the public roads around Vallelunga unbeknownst to Lamborghini (claiming to need a good spot for some shady interior photos). My main motivation involved whether—or how much—the steel springs increase jouncing, given the optional 23-inch wheels and low-profile Trofeo R tires. As a result, I can report that with the adaptive shocks set to “Strada” mode, the Performante definitely drives stiffer than a base model Urus equipped with air suspension, though not nearly to the point of discomfort. And during normal driving, the trans shifts with aplomb, the aero bits don’t produce much wind noise, and the carbon-ceramics don’t even squeal terribly.

The fact that Lambo’s lawyers even allowed dirt drifting—by journalists, no less—still boggles my mind. After all, one little pebble stuck in a brake caliper might score a carbon-ceramic rotor to the tune of thousands of dollars. And in the name of full disclosure, I must also report that the two SUVs tasked with rally duties wore the base 22-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires instead.