We already knew that the Lamborghini Urus would go on sale for the 2017 model year, but the SUV's powertrain was still a mystery, with both naturally aspirated V-10 and V-12 options on the table. A twin-turbo, V-8 powerplant has also been in the rumormill, as was a hybrid drivetrain, but it appears that the Italians might be forced to go with the former in order to meet the rigorous global emissions regulations that are looming in.

"An SUV could be a turbo engine for the first time for us," Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann told Auto Express, while head of R&D Maurizio Reggiani hinted the company may be forced to drop turbocharged units into its models by 2017.

Although the representatives declined to go into specifics, Audi->ke14's new twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 mill is the most likely candidate for the Lamborghini Urus, which will also share underpinnings with the upcoming Audi Q7 and Bentley SUV.

The said engine currently pumps 560 horsepower into the RS6 Avant and the RS7, but output could be increased to reach the 600-horsepower mark, given Lamborghini->ke44's desire to roll out the sportiest SUV->ke145 on the market.

Click past the jump to read more about the Urus.

Why it Matters

Lamborghini has been synonymous with V-12 power since its inception, but now time has come for the renowned manufacturer to align itself to the stringent emissions legislation that's bound to affect all supercar->ke177 companies sooner or later. However, using a smaller, turbocharged engine won't the Urus a lesser Lamborghini. Previous examples from the automotive industry have shown us that most changes are for the good. Just have a look at the Ferrari California T and you'll understand why.

2017 Lamborghini Urus

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms for the 2017 model year, the Urus will be Lamborghini's second SUV after the LM002 that was discontinued in 1993. Despite its size, the Urus aims to look and act like a true raging bull, with cues borrowed from the Aventador and suspension tuned to deliver car-like performance.

The luxurious vehicle will be built at Volkswagen's plant in Slovakia, alongside the Porsche Cayenne->ke212, the Audi Q7->ke1083 and the Volkswagen Touareg->ke321. The Urus is expected to cost more than $200,000.