Lamborghini unveils Huracan Sterrato concept

Annoyed Lamborghini didn't take its 5.2-litre V10 off-road in the Urus? Well, buckle up...

Remember how upset the internet got about the Urus being a V8? "If we're to suffer the indignity of a Lamborghini SUV, then it may as well have a proper bloody engine in it afdjlsfbhdsf!!!!" Said some people, somewhere. Well, Sant'Agata has heard their blood curdling cries, and come up with this: the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato concept.

Combining the "super sports prowess" of the Huracan Evo and "off-road expertise" of the Urus, the Sterrato creates "a new dimension of Lamborghini... a super sports car for challenging environments." Powered by the Evo's naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10, it sends its 640hp output to all four wheels to maximise traction and acceleration, though is set-up to provide "enhanced rear-wheel drive behaviour".

Ride height is increased by 47mm over a standard Huracan thanks to modified suspension, approach and departure angles are improved by one per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively, while a 30mm wider track and off-road tyres are accommodated by flared wheel arches with integrated air intakes. Despite the car's more rugged appearance, however, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring calibrated for off-road driving should help it to remain as nimble as you'd hope.

The Sterrato is fitted with aluminium underbody reinforcements including modifications to the front frame, a skid plate, reinforced side skirts and a rear skid plate that doubles as a diffuser. Special composite bodywork and mud guards - made from carbon fibre and elastomeric resin - also shield the car from damage, with stone-deflecting protection around the engine and air intakes, while a roof-mounted LED light bar and LED bumper lights with flood function should hopefully help to avoid hitting things in the first place.

Inside, a lightweight titanium roll cage, carbon sports seats with four-point seatbelts and aluminum floor panels complete the concept's unique set-up. Not that anyone will find themselves sitting behind the Sterrato's wheel anytime soon, of course, it's all just a bit of fun. It does sound like it'd be an absolute blast to spend an afternoon with in the desert, though, just as the Urus it shares its DNA was when we tried it last year.

Talking about the concept, Lamborghini's CTO Maurizio Reggiani said: "The Huracan Sterrato illustrates Lamborghini's commitment to being a future shaper: a super sports car with off-road capabilities, the Sterrato demonstrates the Huracan's versatility and opens the door to yet another benchmark of driving emotion and performance. Lamborghini's R&D and design teams are constantly exploring new opportunities and delivering the unexpected as a core characteristic of our DNA, challenging possibilities while inspired by Lamborghini brand heritage."